When you picture summer in Murmansk, Russia, you might expect warmth and long, sunny days like in other parts of Europe. The reality? It’s different, but honestly, that’s what makes it fascinating.
Summer temperatures in Murmansk usually range from about 6°C (43°F) at night to around 17°C (63°F) during the day, with cool, fresh air that never feels too hot. If you’re someone who prefers a mild climate over sweltering heat, this city could be a dream.
The daylight here is something else. From late May through mid-July, the sun just refuses to set, and you get the famous Midnight Sun. Walking outside at midnight and seeing the city in daylight? That’s a rare experience, and only a handful of places in the world can claim it.
Frequent rainfall joins the endless light, especially in July, which tends to be the wettest month. The mix of cool temps, long daylight, and changing skies gives Murmansk a summer vibe you won’t find elsewhere.
If you’re planning to explore Murmansk this season, you’ll quickly notice how the weather shapes everything, from outdoor activities to the way you soak in the city’s culture and landscape.
Overview of Murmansk’s Summer Climate
Murmansk gets cool summers because it sits near the Arctic Circle. Expect mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and a lot of clouds. The air stays damp, but it’s rarely humid.
Subarctic Climate Characteristics
Murmansk’s subarctic climate (Dfc under Köppen classification) means short, cool summers and very long, harsh winters. Unlike some cold places, summers here don’t get dry.
Rain falls steadily, and clouds often cover the sky. Because of its latitude, Murmansk gets the midnight sun from late May through late July. The sun never sets, so you get continuous daylight for weeks.
Outdoor activities can happen at almost any hour, though the light sometimes feels muted by clouds. Rainfall averages about 2.5 inches per month in summer. That’s not extreme, but it does mean about one in three days sees measurable rain.
Snow in summer is rare. Sometimes, you might see a trace of mixed precipitation in early June. Cloud cover really defines the season. Skies are overcast or mostly cloudy 60–65% of the time.
Clear days? Pretty uncommon. So, expect gray much more than blue.
Summer Temperature Ranges
The average daily high in Murmansk climbs from about 50°F (10°C) in early June to around 54°F (12°C) in August. July is usually the warmest month.
The hottest days rarely go over 76°F (24°C), while nights can dip to the upper 30s (3–4°C). On July 24, often the warmest day, temperatures usually sit between 48°F to 62°F (9°C to 17°C).
By late August, evenings feel much cooler, and daylight shrinks. Surface water temperatures in nearby seas rise during summer, from about 41°F (5°C) in June to nearly 49–51°F (9–10°C) in August.
Swimming? The water’s just too cold, but these chilly seas keep the air from getting too hot or cold. Wind speeds drop off as summer goes on. Early summer averages around 6 mph, falling to about 4–5 mph by mid-August.
Winds come from the north in June, but by late summer, they shift to the south.
Humidity Levels in Summer
Even though it rains a lot, you won’t find muggy or sticky air in Murmansk. Humidity, measured by dew point, stays low. The chance of a “muggy” day is essentially 0% all summer.
So, even when it’s raining, the air feels cool and crisp, not heavy. Breathing feels comfortable, and sweat dries quickly because the humidity just isn’t there.
Relative humidity might look high on paper, but in reality, it’s still dry because of the cool temps. Nights feel just as comfortable as days, with barely any change in moisture.
Packing for Murmansk? You won’t need to worry about sticky heat. Bring waterproof outerwear, though, since rain is more of an issue than humidity.
Monthly Breakdown: June, July, and August
Summer in Murmansk is short and distinct. Each month brings shifts in temperature, daylight, and rainfall.
You’ll get long days, frequent precipitation, and mild temperatures that rarely get hot, but still feel good for being outdoors.
June Weather Patterns
June kicks off the warmest season with average highs around 13–14°C (55–57°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F).
Snow is gone, and rain gets more common, but humidity stays lower than later in summer. Daylight peaks with the Polar Day—the sun never sets.
Constant light means you can sightsee, hike, or fish at any hour. You’ll get around 7.5 hours of sunshine per day, but clouds still show up a lot.
Rainfall increases compared to spring, with about 50–60 mm over many days. Expect dampness, not heavy storms.
The UV index hits around 4, which is moderate, so a little sun protection is still smart.
July Weather Patterns
July stands out as the warmest month in Murmansk. Highs average 16–17°C (61–63°F) and lows land near 9–10°C (48–50°F).
The air feels cool but pleasant, so it’s the best time for outdoor adventures. Rainfall peaks this month, averaging 65–70 mm, often spread across more than half the days.
Showers are frequent, but usually light to moderate. Waterproof clothing works better than an umbrella, since the wind can be a hassle.
Daylight stays nearly continuous early in the month, but by late July, nights creep back in. Sunshine averages about 7–8 hours daily, so you’ll have plenty of light.
Sea temperatures reach their highest, around 11°C (52°F), but still, no one’s lining up to swim.
August Weather Patterns
August signals the move toward autumn. Highs drop a bit to 14–15°C (57–59°F), and lows fall to about 7°C (45°F).
The air feels cooler, especially at night, but it’s still fine for travel. Rain keeps coming, with around 60 mm and lots of wet days.
Humidity rises to about 78%, and you might spot more fog or mist in the mornings. Daylight hours shrink fast, and by mid-month, nights are back.
Sunshine drops to 6 hours per day, which is less than earlier in summer, but you’ll still have enough to explore. By late August, the coming Arctic autumn is pretty obvious.
Daylight Hours and Midnight Sun Phenomenon
In Murmansk, daylight in summer changes a lot compared to most places. Since the city sits above the Arctic Circle, you get long, bright days, and sometimes, the sun just never sets.
Length of Daylight in Summer
From late May to late July, Murmansk gets continuous daylight for about 62 days. The sun stays above the horizon all day, which is called the polar day.
Early summer brings a rapid stretch in daylight. By June, you’ll see 24 hours of visible sunlight. In August, the days shorten to about 16–18 hours.
This change happens quickly, and by September, daylight looks a lot more “normal.” For travel, this means you can plan activities at almost any hour.
Museums, walking tours, harbor visits—you can do them whenever you want. If bright nights mess with your sleep, bring an eye mask.
Hotels often provide blackout curtains, but it’s smart to check before you book.
Experiencing the Midnight Sun
The midnight sun is one of those things you just have to see in Murmansk. From late May to late July, the sun circles the sky and never sets, giving a soft golden light even at midnight.
You can explore the city or nearby landscapes at odd hours. Evening boat trips in Kola Bay or late-night hikes become possible under constant daylight.
It’s not just convenient—it’s uniquely Arctic. Adjusting your body clock might take time, since your sense of day and night could get thrown off.
Try to stick to regular meal and rest times. That way, you can enjoy all the extra light without getting wiped out.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Murmansk’s summer brings steady rainfall, with July as the wettest period of the year. You’ll see both rain and light drizzle often, mixed with cool temps that really shape the summer.
Rainfall Amounts by Month
Rain in summer is moderate but steady. June brings about 60 mm, July jumps to around 75 mm, and August drops a little to near 70 mm.
You almost never get a totally dry stretch in summer. Rain usually comes as showers, not heavy downpours, so the ground stays wet but flooding isn’t a big problem.
Compared to other cities, Murmansk’s summer rain totals are similar to places like Barcelona, which gets about 620 mm annually.
But Murmansk spreads its rain more evenly, without a sharp dry season.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~60 |
| July | ~75 |
| August | ~70 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days matters as much as the totals. In July, expect about 16 days with rain—more than half the month.
June and August also average between 14–16 rainy days, so showers are just part of the routine. Even in drier months like February, the city logs around 16 snowy days, showing just how common precipitation is.
Summer rain is lighter and less disruptive, but you’ll still want to plan for wet conditions if you’re heading outdoors.
Waterproof clothes and sturdy shoes will make the cool, damp climate more comfortable. For travelers, this steady pattern means you should expect damp but manageable weather, not wild storms.
Other Summer Weather Factors
There’s more to Murmansk’s summer than just mild temps. Wind, water, and all that daylight really shape how you experience the season.
Wind and Atmospheric Pressure
You’ll get light to moderate winds in summer. Average speeds usually range between 8–15 km/h (5–9 mph), but coastal areas near the Barents Sea can feel stronger breezes.
These winds feel cool, especially in the evenings, so pack a light jacket, even in July. Atmospheric pressure stays pretty stable, with only minor shifts compared to winter.
That stability means sudden storms are rare, but overcast skies stick around a lot. Cloud cover can reach 60–65% of the time, making the air feel damp even when the wind dies down.
Sometimes, low-pressure systems move in from the North Atlantic. When that happens, you might notice brief rain and stronger gusts, but it usually doesn’t last long.
Sea and Water Temperatures
The Barents Sea has a big impact on Murmansk’s summer weather. Water temperatures stay cool, especially compared to inland lakes.
The average sea temperature rises to about 10–11°C (50–52°F) in August, which is as warm as it gets.
Swimming? Not really. It’s just too chilly, though boating and fishing are popular since the water is easier to navigate in summer.
The cold sea helps keep air temps from getting too high, giving Murmansk that famously mild summer. Inland waters warm up a bit faster but still feel cold by most standards.
Expect lakes in the region to stay under 15°C (59°F) through the season.
UV Index and Sunshine Hours
Daylight really stands out during summer in Murmansk. In June and early July, you get the Midnight Sun, so daylight just never seems to end for weeks.
By late July, you’ll see about 7–8 hours of sunshine each day, even though cloud cover rolls in pretty often.
Because Murmansk sits so far north, the UV index usually stays moderate. Most days, it ranges from 3 to 5. You’ll still want sun protection if you’re outside, especially when the sky clears up.
Clouds don’t block all the UV rays, so don’t skip sunglasses and sunscreen if you’re planning to be outdoors for a while.
Travel Tips for Visiting Murmansk in Summer
Summer here brings mild temperatures, endless daylight, and a mix of sun and rain. You’ll need to get ready for unpredictable weather, think about outdoor plans, and remember you’re in Russia’s Arctic—so things are just a bit different.
Packing and Clothing Recommendations
During summer, Murmansk’s weather usually sits between 12°C and 18°C (54°F–64°F). Evenings feel chilly, sometimes dipping under 10°C.
Rain happens a lot, so expect things to get damp.
Pack layered clothing so you can adjust as the temperature changes. Bring lightweight shirts, sweaters, and a warm fleece or jacket.
Don’t forget waterproof outerwear. Comfortable walking shoes with decent grip make a big difference.
You’ll want a hat and sunglasses for the Midnight Sun, which can shine almost non-stop in June and July.
A sleep mask comes in handy too, since hotel curtains might not block out all that sunlight. Insect repellent is a must—mosquitoes love the wet areas.
Best Outdoor Activities
With so much daylight, you’ve got plenty of time to explore outside. Hiking trails near Lake Semyonovskoye and across the Kola Peninsula show off those wide open Arctic views.
Fishing’s a big deal here, especially for salmon and trout in local rivers and lakes.
If you’re into boating, try kayaking along the Barents Sea coast. You’ll get a different look at the rugged shoreline.
Local tours sometimes add in cultural stops, like the Alyosha Monument or a walk through the port.
Since the sun barely sets, you can plan activities late into the evening. It’s pretty nice not having to rush through sightseeing or outdoor sports.
Weather can change fast though, so always check the forecast before you head out.
Travel Considerations and Safety
Murmansk sits within the Arctic Circle, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Roads usually stay reliable in summer, but sudden rain can turn rural routes into a muddy mess.
You can use public transport, but honestly, renting a car gives you way more freedom for day trips.
Bring both cash and cards. Some smaller shops just won’t take international payment methods, and that’s always a bit awkward.
People in Murmansk don’t speak much English, so picking up a few Russian phrases really helps with getting by.
The city feels pretty safe overall, but it’s smart to stay alert in crowded spots.
Weather can flip in a heartbeat, so pack some extra clothing if you’re heading out of town.
If you’re thinking about longer hikes, tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.