If you’re planning a trip to Khabarovsk around Christmas, you’ll want to brace yourself for some of the coldest weather of the year. Average daytime highs hover near -13°C (8°F), and at night, temperatures often drop below -20°C (-4°F).
Snow falls regularly, and the city usually sits under a thick winter blanket. The snow shapes both the landscape and how people go about their days.
Short days and long nights create a unique holiday vibe, though you’ll need to plan your outings carefully. There’s only about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine, and daylight barely lasts over 8 hours.
Even with the biting cold, the crisp air and snowy streets give Khabarovsk a charm that’s hard to ignore during the festive season.
If you like winter, Khabarovsk gives you a real taste of Siberian holiday weather. The combo of frigid temperatures, regular snowfall, and limited daylight sets the tone for your visit.
Knowing these details helps you make the most of your time in the city.
Overview of Khabarovsk’s December Climate
December brings long, cold days to Khabarovsk, with little snowfall and dry air. You’ll face freezing temperatures, not much precipitation, and lots of clear but weak winter sunlight.
The climate here follows a continental pattern because of its inland location, far from moderating seas.
Typical Weather Patterns
Daytime highs usually sit around -13°C (9°F). At night, lows often drop near -22°C (-8°F).
Some years, temperatures dip below -25°C (-13°F), so you should be ready for harsher cold spells.
Snowfall stays light compared to other Russian cities. December brings about 18 mm of precipitation, spread across 8–10 snowy days.
Snow cover remains thin but steady, turning streets icy rather than piling up deep drifts.
Skies tend to stay clear, with about 140–150 hours of sunshine in December. That’s roughly 4–5 hours per day, which is actually more than many northern cities get at this time of year.
Visibility usually stays good. Dry winds, though, can make the air bite even harder than the thermometer suggests.
Humidity averages around 70–75%, but the cold keeps the air feeling crisp, not damp. That dryness means frostbite risk rises fast if you leave skin exposed.
You’ll want to layer up, wear insulated boots, and grab a windproof jacket if you plan to be outside.
Climate Classification
Khabarovsk fits the humid continental climate with dry winters and warm summers (Dwb) in the Köppen system. Winters drag on, bitterly cold and marked by far less snow than wetter regions.
The city’s inland spot, far from the Pacific Ocean, explains its sharp temperature swings. Without ocean influence, heat escapes quickly in winter, so you get those extreme lows.
Summers, on the other hand, can get hot and humid. The annual temperature range is one of the widest in Russia.
At about 88 meters (289 feet) above sea level, Khabarovsk sits on the Amur River plain. This flat terrain doesn’t block cold Siberian air.
Arctic winds sweep in through December, making the cold and dryness even more intense.
If you’re staying a while, it’s good to know that December weather is reliably cold, with not much snow but plenty of clear, brisk days.
Temperature Trends During Christmas
Around Christmas, Khabarovsk really brings out its coldest weather. Daytime highs stay well below freezing, and nights often drop into deep cold.
Sometimes, extremes test even those who think they’re used to harsh winters.
Average Daytime Temperatures
During Christmas week, daytime highs usually land between -12°C and -15°C (10°F to 5°F). That’s typical for late December and just part of life here.
The cold doesn’t let up through the day, and sunlight is weak and brief. Even at the warmest part of the afternoon, you’ll feel the chill.
Wind chills can make it feel several degrees colder, especially out in the open or near the Amur River.
Snow cover is the norm by this time of year. The white ground keeps things cold, since sunlight bounces off instead of warming anything up.
Be ready for icy sidewalks and not much thawing during the day.
Nighttime Lows
At night, temperatures in Khabarovsk drop sharply. Around Christmas, lows fall to -20°C to -23°C (-4°F to -10°F).
Clear skies and long nights let heat escape fast, so the cold really settles in after sunset.
The city often records its coldest readings just before dawn. If you’re in a residential area, it might feel a bit less harsh than out in the open, but honestly, it’s all pretty frigid.
If you plan to be outside at night, you’ll need real thermal clothing. Even short walks can be tough in such extreme cold.
Temperature Extremes
Averages tell most of the story, but extremes do happen. Around Christmas, temperatures can drop below -25°C (-13°F), and some years have seen near -30°C (-22°F).
Those lows aren’t daily, but they’re not unusual either.
Sometimes, daytime highs might climb to -8°C (18°F), which feels like a break. But those warm spells don’t last, and the cold always comes back fast.
You’ll want to plan for a range of temperatures. Whether you’re sightseeing or just walking downtown, expect conditions that can shift from very cold to dangerously cold in a matter of hours.
Rainfall and Snowfall in December
December in Khabarovsk is cold and dry, with not much precipitation. Snow is a lot more common than rain, but even then, snowfall stays modest compared to other Russian cities at similar latitudes.
You’ll see light accumulation spread out over the month, not heavy storms.
Average Precipitation Levels
December’s precipitation is low. The chance of a wet day drops from about 8% at the start of the month to 4% by the end.
Most days stay dry, but you might get a little snow or a quick flurry.
The average 31-day snowfall goes from about 4.4 inches (11 cm) in early December to around 2 inches (5 cm) by late December.
Totals aren’t huge, but they keep a steady snow cover through winter.
Rainfall barely happens because temperatures stay well below freezing. Pretty much everything falls as snow, and even then, it’s not much.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect cold but stable weather, not frequent storms.
Frequency of Snowfall
Snow falls, but not every day. December usually brings a few light snow events instead of heavy or frequent snowfalls.
The snow that does fall builds up slowly, making a thin but steady layer on the ground.
As December goes on, you’ll notice less snow. Early in the month is a bit snowier, but things taper off as winter deepens.
Get ready for cold, dry air and the occasional snow shower, not blizzards.
Roads and sidewalks are usually manageable, though icy patches pop up when temperatures swing between day and night.
Rainfall in Khabarovsk
Rain almost never happens in December. Daytime highs stick around -13°C (9°F), and lows near -22°C (-8°F) keep everything frozen.
If rain does show up, it’s brief and probably mixed with snow or sleet. By late December, the chance of a wet day drops to about 4%.
Travelers usually won’t have to worry about rain. Instead, expect dry, frigid air and light snow cover—that’s just Khabarovsk in winter.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Around Christmas in Khabarovsk, sunshine and daylight are in short supply. The sun sits low, and days are brief, which affects how much time you’ll want to be outside.
Average Daily Sunshine
In late December, you’ll get about 5 hours of sunshine per day on average. That’s one of the lowest points of the year.
Even when the sun is up, clouds often block it, so clear skies aren’t a guarantee.
About 60% of daylight hours are sunny, so more than half the short day sees some direct sunlight. Still, the low sun angle makes the light feel weak and shadows long.
At midday near Christmas, the sun rises just 18° above the horizon. It never feels strong or high, which keeps the cold in place.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect dim light even at noon.
Daylight Duration Near Christmas
Day length around Christmas is short, averaging 8 hours and 20 minutes. Sunrise comes late, and sunset is early.
You get a narrow window of natural light for your plans.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Shortest day: about 8 hours 5 minutes
- Longest day: about 15 hours 54 minutes
- Difference: nearly 8 hours
The limited daylight can affect your travel schedule and sightseeing.
It’s smart to plan indoor activities for the dark hours and make the most of the midday light.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Late December air in Khabarovsk feels cold and dry, with just a bit of moisture compared to the wetter summers. Wind can make the low temperatures feel even harsher.
Relative Humidity Levels
Expect moderately high relative humidity during Christmas, usually 75% to 80%. Those numbers sound damp, but with freezing temperatures, you won’t feel muggy.
Instead, the air feels crisp, and moisture turns into frost or snow.
Humidity levels stay steady through December. You won’t see big swings like in spring or summer.
This makes it easier to know what to expect when you step outside.
The mix of humidity and cold brings frequent snowfall events, with snow almost always replacing rain.
Snow tends to be light and powdery because of the cold, so parks and streets stay white all season.
Inside, the air often feels dry even when it’s humid outside. If you’re staying more than a few days, you might want a moisturizer or a small humidifier to stay comfortable.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winds in Khabarovsk during December are usually moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph).
While not extreme, these winds make it feel a lot colder, especially with subzero temperatures.
Most of the wind blows from the northwest and north, bringing in cold Siberian air. That steady flow keeps the winter harsh and the snow cover lasting.
Some days, gusts hit 20 km/h (12 mph) or more. You’ll really notice this during evening walks or when you’re near the Amur River.
The wind chill effect often makes it feel 5–10°C colder than what the thermometer says.
Dressing in layers and using wind-resistant outerwear will help you stay warm while you’re out exploring the city during the holidays.
Travel Considerations for Christmas Visitors
If you’re visiting Khabarovsk at Christmas, you’ll need to prepare for freezing temperatures, short daylight, and not a lot of tourist activity.
Plan carefully for comfort, safety, and realistic expectations during this part of winter.
Tourist Season Insights
Christmas lands right in the middle of Khabarovsk’s coldest stretch. Daytime highs in late December usually hover around -14°C to -17°C (7°F to 5°F).
At night, the temperature often drops below -20°C (-4°F). Every now and then, a cold wave can send it tumbling closer to -30°C (-22°F), which is honestly pretty tough to handle if you’re not used to it.
Locals don’t really consider this peak tourist season. You’ll notice hotels and flights tend to offer more flexible prices than in the summer.
Some attractions might run on limited hours, and you’ll find outdoor sightseeing pretty challenging with all the frost and ice.
You only get about 8–9 hours of usable daylight. It makes sense to plan your activities around midday, when it’s a bit brighter and, well, slightly less freezing.
Most folks end up choosing indoor museums, cultural centers, or cozy local restaurants over long outdoor adventures.
If you’re curious about local traditions, Russian New Year celebrations stand out a lot more than Christmas. You’ll see festive decorations and gatherings, but most of the excitement centers around New Year’s rather than December 25.
Clothing and Packing Tips
You’ll need some seriously insulated clothing to deal with the brutal cold. I always grab a down-filled winter coat, thermal base layers, and windproof outerwear before heading out. Without these, even a quick walk outside can get miserable fast.
Don’t forget to pack lined boots with thick soles. Icy sidewalks are everywhere, and cold feet make everything worse. Warm socks—wool’s best—really help prevent frostbite when the temperature drops.
You’ll want gloves, a scarf, and a hat that actually covers your ears. Honestly, skipping any of those isn’t really an option if you care about staying safe.
I’d suggest bringing hand warmers and wearing layered clothing so you can adjust when you go inside or back out. Sunglasses come in handy too, since snow and ice bounce sunlight right into your eyes, even when the days are short.
Carrying a small thermos for hot tea or coffee makes being outside a bit more bearable. If you prep right, you can move easily between cozy indoor spots and the chilly, snowy streets of Khabarovsk.