When you picture northern Russia, maybe endless snow and biting cold come to mind. But honestly, summer in Arkhangelsk is a whole different vibe.
You’ll actually get mild, comfortable temperatures, super long daylight hours, and a mix of sunshine and rain that really shapes the season. The weather here feels refreshing and somehow unique, especially compared to other places this far north.
Summer doesn’t bring extreme heat, but you’ll notice steady warmth that makes it easy to be outside. Cool nights, moderate daytime highs, and those long hours of daylight give you loads of time to explore the city or just wander around.
Rain and humidity add their own twist, keeping the air fresh and helping the greenery thrive. The way temperature, rain, and sunshine work together gives Arkhangelsk’s summer its own personality.
Overview of Arkhangelsk’s Summer Climate
Summer in Arkhangelsk feels short and mild, and it’s definitely wetter than the rest of the year. You get long daylight hours, lots of clouds, and temperatures that swing from cool to sometimes surprisingly warm.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Arkhangelsk sits in northwestern Russia at about 64°N latitude, close to the White Sea. Its spot puts it in the subarctic continental climate zone (Dfc), so you get cold, snowy winters and summers that are cool to mild.
The nearby sea influences the weather, but not enough to stop those sharp temperature drops. The White Sea usually stays cold, averaging only 8–10 °C in July and August, and that keeps the coastal air cooler than you might expect inland.
Rain peaks in summer, with July and August each getting about 70–80 mm of precipitation. Thunderstorms happen now and then, but they’re usually quick. Even with the rain, you’ll get up to 20–21 hours of daylight in June, which is kind of wild and perfect for outdoor plans.
Clouds are a regular thing here, and you’ll see about 6–9 hours of sunshine per day in summer, less than southern Russian cities. This mix of light, rain, and cool air really sets the mood for the season in Arkhangelsk.
Comparison to Other Russian Regions
If you compare Arkhangelsk to central Russia, say Moscow, the difference is obvious. Moscow’s July average hits 22–24 °C, while Arkhangelsk hangs around 16–17 °C. Nights here often drop near 10 °C, even in the middle of summer, so evenings feel a lot cooler.
Compared to Siberian spots at similar latitudes, Arkhangelsk actually gets a slightly warmer summer because the White Sea softens the extremes. But it’s also cloudier. Yakutsk, for example, can reach 30 °C or more in July, while Arkhangelsk rarely goes above 25–27 °C.
Down south, places like the Black Sea coast are a different world. Summers there are hot and dry, the sea is over 22 °C, and people actually swim. In Arkhangelsk, the sea never gets warm enough for comfortable swimming, even in August.
So, Arkhangelsk’s summer stands out: cool, damp, and crazy bright with those long days. It’s nothing like the hot, sunny summers you’d expect further south.
Length of the Summer Season
Summer in Arkhangelsk doesn’t last long—mainly June through August. May and September feel like in-between months, with highs around 7–14 °C in May and 9–12 °C in September.
June brings in the milder weather, but nights sometimes still drop close to 0 °C. July’s the warmest, averaging 16–17 °C, and once in a while, you’ll get a short heatwave that pushes above 30 °C.
August already starts to cool off. Highs settle back near 18 °C, and nights can be pretty chilly. Rain tends to peak at the end of summer, making it feel damp and a little cold.
Daylight changes fast. In June, you get the “White Nights”—almost nonstop daylight. By late August, you’re down to about 15 hours of light, and you can feel autumn coming.
The short season means you only get a few weeks of reliably mild weather before the cold creeps back in.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Arkhangelsk
Summer in Arkhangelsk is mild compared to much of Russia. Daytime highs rarely get hot, and nights stay cool. The season is short, but it’s the best time for outdoor stuff.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In July, the warmest month, daytime highs usually average 64–69°F (18–21°C). June and August are a bit cooler, with highs around 60–66°F (16–19°C).
Nights stay cool, often dropping to 46–52°F (8–11°C) in midsummer. You’ll probably want a light jacket in the evening, even if the day feels nice.
Day and night temperatures don’t swing wildly, but the cool nights keep things from getting muggy. Humidity stays low, and it’s pretty rare to get uncomfortably hot weather.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 48°F (9°C) |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 52°F (11°C) |
| Aug | 64°F (18°C) | 49°F (9°C) |
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer starts off slow in Arkhangelsk. Early June highs might still hover near 55°F (13°C). By late June, they climb into the low 60s°F (16–17°C). Nights are chilly at first, sometimes dipping to 40°F (4–5°C).
July is the sweet spot, with highs steady around 68–69°F (20–21°C). Nights get a bit milder, often in the low 50s°F (10–11°C). This is really the best time for walking tours and hanging out by the river.
By late August, things start cooling off again. Highs drop to the low 60s°F (16–18°C), and nights fall into the upper 40s°F (8–9°C). You can feel autumn on the way.
Record Highs and Lows
Most summers are moderate, but sometimes Arkhangelsk gets a quick burst of heat. The highest summer temps have hit the low 80s°F (27–28°C), though that’s pretty rare.
Cold nights can still sneak in, especially in June. Some years, lows have dropped to 31–34°F (–1 to 1°C) early in the season—just enough for a light frost.
Northern weather can be unpredictable. If you’re visiting, bring layers so you’re ready for both warm afternoons and chilly nights.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Arkhangelsk’s summer brings more rain than other seasons. You’ll notice frequent showers, steady clouds, and a bump in humidity compared to spring. The wetter weather definitely shapes outdoor plans.
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Rain peaks in July, averaging about 73 mm (2.9 in). June and August are a bit less wet, with totals closer to 55–65 mm (2.2–2.6 in).
Here’s a quick look at average summer rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Average Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 55–60 mm | ~2.2 in |
| July | ~73 mm | ~2.9 in |
| August | 60–65 mm | ~2.4–2.6 in |
Rainfall here is moderate compared to some northern cities, but the steady pattern means you should expect damp days throughout the summer.
Number of Rainy Days in Summer
Rain falls pretty often in Arkhangelsk during summer, even if it’s not always a downpour. July averages around 18 rainy days, making it the wettest month both in totals and frequency. June and August usually bring 14–16 rainy days each.
Most weeks, you’ll get at least three to five days with some rain. Showers might be quick, but they happen often enough that you’ll want a light rain jacket or umbrella.
The frequent rain also keeps things cool, so you won’t see the kind of heat waves that hit southern Russia.
Types of Precipitation
Almost all summer precipitation comes as rain. Snow is long gone by June, and hail is rare, though it can show up during strong thunderstorms.
Most of the time, you’ll see light to moderate showers, usually under cloudy skies. Sometimes you’ll get short, heavier downpours, especially in July when storms are a bit more likely.
Coastal areas near the White Sea often get drizzle, with moist air just hanging around. Thunderstorms don’t happen as much as in central Russia, but you might get a few each season, usually in July or early August.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Humidity in Arkhangelsk really shapes how summer feels. The air is often damp, clouds are common, but the moisture isn’t as intense as in winter. These conditions affect comfort, how far you can see, and the general vibe of the place.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
During summer, relative humidity usually stays between 70% and 85%. That’s pretty normal for a northern city close to the sea.
Mornings often feel more humid since cool nights let more moisture stick around. By afternoon, when it warms up, the humidity doesn’t feel as heavy, even though the numbers don’t change much.
Arkhangelsk doesn’t get those sharp drops in humidity you see in drier places. The air keeps a steady dampness, which can make cool days feel chillier and warm days seem heavier than the thermometer says.
Clouds add to that damp feeling. You’ll notice lots of overcast skies, especially in July. These clouds trap moisture and slow down evaporation, so the air stays moist.
Seasonal Changes in Humidity
Humidity shifts slowly over the summer. June is a touch less humid, with averages around 70%, as the last of the spring snow melts away.
By July, rain picks up and humidity peaks. The city often sees its highest number of rainy days now, pushing humidity toward the upper 80% range. This is when the air can feel at its heaviest.
In August, things start to lighten up. It’s still damp, but humidity levels drop a bit as the temperature cools and rain eases off. The air feels fresher—especially in the evenings—so late summer is a little more comfortable if you want to be outdoors.
So, expect wetter, heavier air in mid-summer, and slightly drier, crisper days as the season winds down.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Summer in Arkhangelsk means long days and tons of light, but the actual sunshine can change a lot. Some days are bright and clear, others are clouded over, so the amount of direct sun you get really depends on the weather’s mood.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In July, you usually get about 10 hours of sunshine per day, making it the brightest month of the year. June and August come in a bit lower, but you still see between 7 and 9 hours on average.
That’s a big jump compared to the darker winter months. Daylight drops close to zero in winter, so summer really opens things up for outdoor visibility and comfort.
A simple breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| June | 8–9 hours |
| July | ~10 hours |
| August | 7–8 hours |
These averages give you enough light for long outdoor activities. Actual sunshine depends on cloud cover each day, though.
Day Length and Twilight
Daylight in Arkhangelsk stretches much longer than the actual sunshine hours. In June, the sun can stay above the horizon for up to 18–19 hours. Short twilight periods fill the gaps between sunset and sunrise.
You rarely get full darkness in midsummer. Even late at night, the sky stays dimly lit, which feels pretty unique for places this far north.
By July and August, days start to shorten a bit. Still, you get 16–18 hours of daylight you can use. These long days really stand out during summer here.
Impact of Cloud Cover
Cloud cover often cuts down on how much direct sun you actually see, despite the long daylight. Summer skies in Arkhangelsk can be partly cloudy, and the weather shifts between sunshine and overcast pretty often.
Rainfall peaks in July and August. On those wetter days, sunshine hours drop, even though the sun technically stays up for a long time. You might notice bright spells switching quickly to gray, cloudy periods.
This mix means you get plenty of light for outdoor plans, but you should expect clouds and the occasional shower that can limit how warm it feels.
Other Notable Summer Weather Features
Summer in Arkhangelsk changes more than just the air temperature. You’ll notice shifts in sea water warmth, steady breezes, and a clear slide toward cooler autumn conditions as the season moves on.
Sea Water Temperatures
The White Sea shapes Arkhangelsk’s climate in a big way. During summer, surface water temperatures rise about 10°F, going from around 40°F in early June to about 50–51°F by mid-August.
These waters stay cold compared to southern seas, so most people only take quick dips. Still, the gradual warming helps local fishing and boating, since calmer and slightly warmer water makes things easier.
If you’re planning coastal activities, the warmest period runs from late July to mid-August. Even then, the sea rarely gets warm enough for comfortable swimming. Bringing the right gear, like wetsuits, is a smart move if you want to spend extra time in the water.
Wind and Breezes
Winds in Arkhangelsk usually stay light to moderate during summer, averaging about 5 mph. July often feels the calmest. June and late August can get a little breezier.
From June through early August, winds mostly come from the north, and that can make coastal evenings feel cooler. By mid-August, winds shift more to the west, bringing drier air and a new feel to the weather.
Travelers don’t usually find these winds disruptive. Sailing and river cruises on the Northern Dvina actually benefit from steady but gentle breezes. Light jackets come in handy on boat trips, especially in the evening when the wind picks up a bit.
Transition to Autumn
By late August, you start to feel a real shift in both daylight and temperature. The days shrink fast—more than 5 hours shorter from June to August.
Sunsets used to linger after 11 PM in June, but by the end of August, they show up around 7:30 PM.
Temperatures drop too. Early July can hit the upper 60s °F, but by late August, you’re looking at the low 60s °F.
Nights get pretty chilly, sometimes dipping into the 40s °F.
This change marks the end of the short growing season. Usually, it wraps up by mid-September.
If you swing by in late summer, just know you’ll get earlier sunsets, cooler evenings, and maybe even a little taste of autumn in the air and scenery.