Weather overview
The weather in Старая Русса follows a distinct seasonal rhythm, typical for northwestern Russia. Winters here are cold but not extreme, with January and February bringing average temperatures around -4.7 °C and -3.5 °C. Snow covers the ground, creating a quiet, frosty atmosphere. By March, the air begins to warm, though nights can still dip below freezing.
Summer in Старая Русса is mild and pleasant, with July being the warmest month at +18.4 °C. The days are long, and the sun shines for nearly 10 hours a day, making it ideal for exploring the town’s historical streets. August remains warm but starts to cool slightly, signaling the approach of autumn. By October, temperatures drop noticeably, and the first frosts return in November.
Temperature
Temperatures in Старая Русса vary widely throughout the year. In winter, the coldest nights can reach -7.5 °C in January, while daytime highs rarely climb above -2.4 °C. The transition to spring is gradual, with April bringing more comfortable averages of +6.2 °C, though mornings may still feel chilly.
Summer months see the most stable warmth, with June averaging +17 °C and July peaking at +18.4 °C. Evenings remain cool, especially in June, when temperatures can drop to +10.5 °C. By September, the warmth fades quickly, and by November, averages fall back to +1.2 °C, marking the return of winter’s chill.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7.5 | -2.4 |
| February | -6.4 | -0.8 |
| March | -3.9 | 4.5 |
| April | 0.9 | 11.6 |
| May | 5.4 | 18 |
| June | 10.5 | 22.9 |
| July | 12.9 | 23.9 |
| August | 11.9 | 22.9 |
| September | 8 | 17.5 |
| October | 3.4 | 9.8 |
| November | -0.9 | 3.1 |
| December | -4.7 | -0.9 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Старая Русса is spread fairly evenly across the year, though summer months tend to be wetter. July sees the highest precipitation at 110.4 mm, often in the form of short, heavy showers. June and August are also relatively rainy, with around 70–90 mm of rainfall each month.
Winter months are drier, with March being the least rainy at 30.7 mm. Snowfall is common from November through March, though it rarely accumulates heavily. Autumn, particularly October, can be damp, with 70.4 mm of precipitation, so waterproof layers are useful during this season.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 47.4 |
| February | 41.8 |
| March | 30.7 |
| April | 46.9 |
| May | 50.9 |
| June | 73.6 |
| July | 110.4 |
| August | 93.1 |
| September | 45.5 |
| October | 70.4 |
| November | 65.5 |
| December | 49.5 |
What to pack
For a winter trip to Старая Русса, pack warm layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Temperatures can drop below -7 °C, so thermal clothing is essential. Waterproof boots are also a good idea, as snow and slush are common.
In summer, lightweight clothing works well during the day, but evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is useful. A compact umbrella or raincoat is handy for July and August, when showers are frequent. For spring and autumn, layering is key, as temperatures shift quickly between +5 °C and +15 °C.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 4.3 |
| February | 3.8 |
| March | 3.7 |
| April | 3.6 |
| May | 3.6 |
| June | 3.3 |
| July | 3 |
| August | 3.1 |
| September | 3.6 |
| October | 4.1 |
| November | 3.9 |
| December | 3.7 |