If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Novosibirsk, brace yourself for a real Siberian winter. Around Christmas, average temperatures usually hover near -13°C (8°F), but sometimes, it just drops off a cliff to -40°C (-40°F). Snow’s a regular feature, and the air feels even colder thanks to high humidity and steady winds.
You won’t get much sunshine this time of year. The days are short—just about 7 hours of daylight—and the skies are mostly overcast. The city feels dim and wintry, which, honestly, kind of adds to the holiday vibe.
Despite the bitter cold, the season has its own magic. Snow blankets the streets and squares, and the crisp air makes all those festive lights pop. If you know what to expect with the weather, you’ll definitely have an easier time enjoying Christmas here.
Overview of Novosibirsk’s Climate in December
December in Novosibirsk means long, dark days, steady cold, and frequent snow. You get a proper Siberian winter, with sharp temperature drops and barely any sunshine. The region’s continental climate shapes these patterns.
Continental Climate Characteristics
Novosibirsk sits deep in southwestern Siberia, far from any moderating seas. This inland spot gives the city a continental climate—think cold winters, hot summers, and wild swings between seasons.
By December, the cold settles in and just refuses to leave. Snowfall is common, averaging about 49 mm for the month. Snow covers the ground for most of the season.
Humidity stays high—usually around 80–85%—so the cold feels heavier. Cloud cover dominates, with gray skies overhead more than 80% of the time. Sunshine is rare, maybe just 1–2 hours a day.
All of this means you’ll walk icy streets, deal with short days, and experience the steady winter weather that defines life in Novosibirsk Oblast in December.
Seasonal Temperature Swings
December signals that winter’s fully here. Daytime highs usually stick near -9°C (16°F), and at night, lows often fall to -18°C (0°F). Sometimes, it gets even colder—below -30°C (-22°F)—but that’s not the norm.
You’ll notice a sharp drop between November and December, sometimes more than 10 degrees Celsius in just a few weeks. That’s Siberia for you.
Snow piles up fast by mid-December, insulating the ground and keeping temps steady. Winds are usually light to moderate, but even a little breeze can make it feel much colder.
If you’re visiting, layering up is a must. Thermal underclothes, insulated boots, and a heavy winter coat aren’t optional. You’ll need them to stay comfortable outside.
Comparison to Other Russian Regions
Compared to western Russian cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk’s winters are colder and more stable. Those cities are closer to the Atlantic, so they get more thaws and wetter snow.
Novosibirsk’s inland location keeps December temps lower. Moscow’s average highs sit around -2°C (28°F), but Novosibirsk hangs closer to -9°C (16°F). That extra chill really makes Siberian winters feel harsher.
If you look farther east, places like Yakutsk get even colder—often below -40°C (-40°F). So, Novosibirsk is cold, but it’s not the most extreme.
Basically, Decembers here are typical for southern Siberia: cold, snowy, and steady. It’s not as mild as European Russia, but not as brutal as the far northeast.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
Late December brings some of the coldest days of the year in Novosibirsk. You’ll see very low temperatures, lots of snow, and conditions that demand proper winter gear.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Around Christmas, Novosibirsk’s average daytime high sits close to -10°C to -12°C (10°F to 14°F). At night, lows drop to about -18°C to -20°C (-0°F to -4°F).
These numbers show just how harsh the winters get here. Snow’s common, and the ground stays frozen. Don’t expect much change from day to day—the cold just sticks around.
The sun rises for only about 7 hours, which doesn’t help the chill. Even at “warmest,” temps almost never break freezing.
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | -10°C to -12°C (10°F to 14°F) |
| Nighttime Low | -18°C to -20°C (-0°F to -4°F) |
Historical Temperature Extremes
Averages are one thing, but sometimes Novosibirsk gets way colder during Christmas week. Records show lows down to -35°C to -40°C (-31°F to -40°F). Occasionally, it’s dipped below -42°C (-44°F).
Extreme cold snaps aren’t rare in Siberia, and Novosibirsk gets its share. If you’re planning outdoor activities, it’s smart to prepare for this possibility.
On the flip side, daytime temperatures can sometimes reach -5°C (23°F), but those mild spells don’t last long. They usually come with a shift in air masses, but you’re still not seeing anything close to a thaw.
Daily Temperature Fluctuations
You’ll notice daily temperature changes, but they aren’t wild. Usually, there’s a swing of about 6°C to 10°C (10°F to 18°F) between the coldest night and the warmest afternoon.
The coldest part of the day hits just before sunrise, especially when it’s clear and still. By early afternoon, the sun might bring a tiny bump, but it’s never really warm.
Wind can make things feel even colder. Breezes at 3–4 m/s (7–9 mph) are pretty common in December, and wind chill is definitely something to keep in mind when you’re heading outside.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Late December in Novosibirsk means very cold weather with steady snowfall. Most precipitation comes as snow, so you get deep snow cover across the city and the surrounding oblast.
December Precipitation Amounts
December’s one of the driest months for liquid precipitation, but snow falls often. The average total sits around 25–35 mm for the month. Most of it comes as light to moderate snow, not rain.
Snow falls on many days, not in big dumps. That means the monthly totals aren’t high, but the ground stays white. The dry continental air limits moisture, but the cold temperatures make sure almost all precipitation is snow.
For travelers, this means you’ll get a classic winter scene, without much risk of rain or slush. Snow falls steadily enough for winter fun, but it’s rarely so heavy that it shuts down the city.
Frequency and Type of Precipitation
In December, you’ll see snowfall on 15–20 days. Snow usually comes in light showers or quick bursts, not long-lasting storms. Freezing rain is very rare since it stays so cold.
Most of the time, snowfall is moderate. Blizzards only show up when strong Siberian fronts roll through. Winds can sometimes cause drifting, but most days are manageable. Rain? Forget about it.
This pattern makes winter travel pretty predictable. Roads and sidewalks get cleared often, and locals are used to frequent, but not overwhelming, snow.
Snow Cover and Accumulation
By late December, Novosibirsk has a stable snow cover, usually 25–40 cm deep. Snow starts piling up in November and keeps building through December, so you get a thick, lasting layer.
The snowpack barely melts during winter since daytime highs stay near -13°C and nighttime lows often dip below -20°C. This keeps the snow firm and consistent for the holidays.
In rural parts of Novosibirsk Oblast, snow can get even deeper, since there’s less snow removal. For visitors, that means plenty of opportunities for winter sports, snowy photos, and traditional holiday fun.
Cloud Cover, Sunshine, and Daylight
December in Novosibirsk is dark and cloudy, with barely any sunshine. Short days and constant overcast make for a dim winter mood that’s both striking and, honestly, a little tough if you’re not used to it.
Cloudiness Levels in December
Cloud cover peaks in December. Skies stay gray most days, and clear or partly clear days are rare. You’ll probably see a solid layer of cloud for much of the month.
This is just typical Siberian winter—cold air traps moisture, and that means cloud cover sticks around. The result is muted light, even when the snow reflects what little sun there is.
If you’re visiting, don’t count on blue skies. Plan for low visibility and a pretty subdued winter landscape.
Average Sunshine Hours
Sunshine is in short supply in December. Novosibirsk gets about 1.5 hours of direct sun per day on average, making it the darkest month. Compare that to summer, when the sun’s out for over 10 hours a day.
The sun sits low, and thick clouds block most of its light. Even when the sun does peek through, it’s usually weak and filtered.
If you’re used to bright winters, the dimness may feel weird. Locals rely on artificial lights indoors to make up for it. Travelers should expect a low-light environment during their stay.
Daylight Duration
December days are short. Around Christmas, you get roughly 6.5 to 7 hours of daylight each day. Sunrise is late, and sunset comes by mid-afternoon.
This short daylight window is a defining feature of winter here. With the cloud cover, you’ll spend a lot of time in twilight or darkness.
If you want to sightsee or do anything outdoors, try to fit it into the middle of the day. Managing your time matters if you want to see the city in natural light.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Around Christmas, you’ll deal with cold air and high humidity, which makes everything feel even harsher. Wind often makes things worse, dropping the “feels like” temperature and shaping your outdoor experience.
Typical Humidity Levels
In December, humidity usually sits high in Novosibirsk—around 75–80%. That’s common during the coldest months, when snow’s deep and there’s not much evaporation.
High humidity in the freezing cold doesn’t make the air feel damp, but it does make it feel sharper. Moisture in the air stops heat from leaving your body easily, so you end up feeling colder than the thermometer says.
During the day, the average temperature hangs around -12°C (10°F), but the humidity makes it sting. At night, when it drops below -20°C (-4°F), the mix of cold and humidity can be pretty uncomfortable if you’re outside for long.
If you’re traveling here, layers of insulated clothing are essential. Go for fabrics that trap warmth but still let your skin breathe a bit—they’ll help you handle both the cold and the heavy air.
Wind Patterns and Chill Factor
Winds in Novosibirsk around Christmas usually stay light to moderate. They average about 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph) most days.
These speeds aren’t extreme, but even a light wind can make the cold bite a bit more. When it’s already below zero, the wind chill gets your attention.
For instance, if the air temperature sits at -12°C (10°F) and there’s a light breeze, you’ll probably feel more like it’s -18°C (0°F). Sometimes, stronger gusts show up and make things even colder.
Novosibirsk’s flat landscape lets the Siberian winds roll right through the city. Open spots, like streets or down by the Ob River, end up feeling much colder than places with some shelter.
If you’re heading outside, you’ll want to think about both the real temperature and how the wind will make it feel. Grab a windproof jacket and layer up underneath to handle whatever the weather throws at you.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Christmas Weather in Novosibirsk
Around Christmas, Novosibirsk stays well below freezing. Average lows hover near -18°C (0°F to -5°F), and sometimes it gets even colder than that.
Snow piles up, daylight doesn’t last long, and the humidity can make the cold stick to your bones. Getting ready for the weather is key if you want to stay safe and comfortable.
What to Wear and Pack
You’ll need insulated gear that can stand up to extreme cold. Go for a down parka with a hood, thermal base layers, and a fleece or wool mid-layer.
Don’t forget insulated boots that can handle at least -30°C (-22°F). Thick wool socks and waterproof gloves or mittens are a must.
Covering your face really matters. Wear a balaclava or scarf, and grab a warm hat that covers your ears to help cut down the frostbite risk.
Sunglasses or goggles come in handy too, since the snow glare can be surprisingly strong, even with the low winter sun.
Pack some extra layers so you can adjust when you go indoors. Russian public buildings crank up the heat, so having something lighter underneath makes it easier to stay comfortable.
A small thermos for hot drinks and a few hand warmers can make your time outside a lot more bearable.
| Essential Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Down parka | Core warmth |
| Thermal underwear | Base insulation |
| Wool socks | Foot warmth |
| Insulated boots | Cold protection |
| Scarf/balaclava | Face coverage |
| Gloves/mittens | Hand protection |
Outdoor Activities and Adaptation
You can actually enjoy outdoor activities in Novosibirsk during Christmas, as long as you adapt to the conditions. People usually go for ice skating rinks, sledding hills, or just wander through the decorated city squares.
Snow usually shows up like clockwork, so you’ll find winter sports like cross-country skiing pretty easy to access.
If you’re out in the cold, remember to pace yourself. Try to stick to 1–2 hours outside at a time, then duck indoors to warm up.
Keep an eye out for frostbite, especially on your fingers, toes, and cheeks. It’s smart to carry a small snack—helps keep your energy up in the cold.
Daylight doesn’t last long, maybe about 7 hours, so it makes sense to plan your outings for when it’s brightest. The streets and public spaces have good lighting, but once the sun dips, the temperature really drops.
If you stick with a group or hang out near central areas, you’ll probably feel safer and a lot more comfortable.
Locals usually wear layered clothing and take frequent tea breaks to deal with the cold. If you do the same, you’ll get to enjoy the festive vibe without freezing in the Siberian winter.