Fall in Novosibirsk brings some of the most dramatic seasonal changes you’ll see anywhere in Russia. Temperatures drop fast, daylight disappears, and winter starts to creep in before you know it.
You’ll see average highs drop from the mid-60s °F in early September to the upper teens °F by late November. Autumn here feels like a race from cool afternoons to a real winter chill.
As the air gets colder, clouds move in quickly, and the sky just turns gray for weeks at a time. Rain doesn’t stick around long, but snow shows up more and more as the weeks pass.
By November, snowfall becomes a regular part of life, changing the scenery and definitely affecting your plans.
If you want to know what it’s actually like day-to-day, you can’t just look at the temperature. Winds get stronger, daylight shrinks by over six hours, and people swap light jackets for heavy coats almost overnight.
All these changes make autumn in Novosibirsk both tough and, honestly, kind of fascinating—especially if you’re figuring out when to get outside.
Overview of Novosibirsk’s Fall Climate
In Novosibirsk, fall hits hard with dropping temperatures, less daylight, and a quick switch from rain to snow. Cloud cover thickens, winds pick up, and the growing season ends fast as winter takes over.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Novosibirsk sits in southwestern Siberia, right on the Ob River, at about 55° north and 538 feet above sea level. Because it’s so far inland, you get a real continental climate, so the difference between summer and winter feels huge.
The city’s climate falls under humid continental (Dfb) in the Köppen system. So, you get cold, snowy winters and warm but short summers.
Fall lands right in the middle, cooling off fast and seeing snow by late October or November.
Since Novosibirsk is nowhere near the ocean, you don’t get any help from sea breezes. The Siberian landmass basically runs the show, so weather can change in a flash.
Even in early fall, you might wake up to frost. By late fall, freezing temperatures take over, and the whole landscape starts looking like winter.
Fall Weather Patterns and Trends
Temperatures drop sharply as fall goes on. Average highs start around 65°F (18°C) in early September and crash down to 17°F (-8°C) by late November.
Lows go from the mid-40s°F (7°C) to just above zero. After mid-October, snow starts to fall quickly, taking over from rain.
Clouds thicken up too, and by late fall, you’ll see overcast skies more than 80% of the time. Daylight drops by six hours between September and November, with sunsets moving from after 8:00 PM to just after 5:00 PM.
Winds pick up, going from about 9 mph to over 12 mph, and shift directions from west to south as the weeks go by.
Rain falls pretty often in early September, but by November, it’s rare. The odds of a snow-only day go from basically nothing to about 14% by season’s end.
So you start with a damp, chilly early fall and end with a cold, snowy late fall.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Novosibirsk feels shorter and a lot less predictable. Summer highs can hit the mid-70s°F (24°C), and you get long, sunny days that are pretty dry.
In fall, temperatures drop off quickly, and the growing season wraps up by the end of September.
Winter is in a whole different league. January averages between -6°F and 8°F (-21°C to -13°C), with snow everywhere and strong winds.
Fall acts as the bridge, where rain still happens but snow starts to take over.
Spring feels different too, though it has its own wild swings. In spring, things warm up fast, snow melts, and the Ob River can flood.
In fall, all that reverses—rivers freeze, and the land gets ready for a long, cold winter.
Average Temperatures in Fall
Temperatures in Novosibirsk fall fast during autumn, starting off mild in September and hitting freezing weather by late November.
Daytime highs and nighttime lows both drop steadily, and you’ll see rain give way to snow as the weeks go by.
September Temperature Overview
September kicks off with weather that still feels a bit like summer. Highs start near 65°F (18°C) and drift down to about 50°F (10°C) by month’s end.
Lows go from around 46°F (8°C) early on to closer to 36°F (2°C) later.
The first week feels like summer’s last gasp, but the cooling trend is easy to notice. Light jackets work during the day, but you’ll want heavier layers at night.
By mid to late September, frost shows up more often, especially outside the city center. That’s usually when the growing season ends, as freezing nights become the norm.
Rain still beats out snow, but you might see a mix as the month wraps up.
October Temperature Overview
October brings a much bigger temperature drop. Average highs go from about 50°F (10°C) at the start to near 32°F (0°C) by the end.
Lows regularly dip below freezing, dropping from 36°F (2°C) down to around 20°F (-7°C).
You’ll probably see the first real snow this month. Rain fades out, and by late October, snow can stick around for days at a time.
The ground often freezes, and it starts to feel like winter’s knocking at the door.
Daylight hours shrink fast, making everything feel colder. Winds pick up too, so it can feel even chillier than the numbers suggest.
By the last week, you’re going to want warm coats, gloves, and hats.
November Temperature Overview
November brings winter conditions front and center.
Average highs start around 28°F (-2°C) and drop to 17°F (-8°C) by month’s end. Lows range from 14°F (-10°C) to 4°F (-16°C), and colder nights aren’t unusual.
Snow becomes the main type of precipitation. By mid-November, snow covers the ground most days, and storms can dump several inches at once.
Rain is pretty much gone, with mixed precipitation only happening right at the start of the month.
Days get a lot shorter, with sunsets coming in the late afternoon. Stronger winds make November feel downright harsh.
You’ll need full-on winter gear, and outdoor plans need extra thought if you want to stay comfortable.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Autumn
Autumn in Novosibirsk brings cooler air and a slow change from rain to snow. Precipitation stays steady, but the kind of moisture you run into changes a lot as fall moves along.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
September still gets a decent amount of rain, averaging about 45–50 mm. Expect light to moderate showers, usually with mild daytime temps.
By October, precipitation drops to around 35–40 mm, and you’ll see more mixed rain and snow.
November is colder and drier, with totals averaging 25–30 mm. Almost all of it falls as light snow instead of rain.
| Month | Avg. Precipitation | Main Form |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~45–50 mm | Rain |
| October | ~35–40 mm | Rain/Snow |
| November | ~25–30 mm | Snow |
Rainfall drops off, so things get less wet, but the snow starts to take over and changes how late autumn looks and feels.
Rain and Snowfall Frequency
September still sees about 10–12 days with measurable precipitation, usually quick showers instead of long storms.
By October, wet days stick around, averaging 10–11 days, but you’ll notice more mixed precipitation. Slush and light snow can show up even when it’s not that cold during the day.
November brings more snowy days, while rain almost disappears. You’ll get 11–13 days of snowfall, though the amounts are usually light.
Snow starts to stick around, especially at night when temps drop below zero.
This gradual change from rain to snow is what really marks the season, getting the city ready for Siberia’s long winter.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall in Novosibirsk, you’ll notice a steady shift in humidity and wind. Cooler air holds less moisture, and breezes get noticeably chillier as fall goes on.
All this affects how comfortable it feels outside and how fast the weather can change.
Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity usually hangs between 65% and 75% during fall. September feels milder, sitting at the lower end, but October and November bring higher humidity as temperatures drop.
Cooler nights plus moisture in the air create frequent morning fogs, especially near the Ob River. That can make driving tricky and outdoor time feel damp and cold.
In September, highs around 15°C (59°F) keep things comfortable, so the air doesn’t feel too heavy.
By November, with temps below freezing, humidity turns into frost or light snow, changing how you notice the damp outside.
If you’re sensitive to cold and damp, wearing layered, breathable clothing really helps. Indoor heating dries out the air fast, so keeping your skin and sinuses hydrated matters too.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in Novosibirsk during fall are usually moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph). Strong gusts don’t show up as often as in winter, but even a light breeze can feel sharp when it gets cold.
Winds mostly shift from west to northwest, dragging in cooler continental air. This pattern helps drive the steady temperature drop from September through November.
Near the river or in open spots, wind feels stronger than the numbers say. Even a light breeze over damp ground can make it feel colder than you’d expect.
By late October, you’ll want wind-resistant outerwear. It cuts down on heat loss when you’re out walking or waiting for a bus on chilly evenings.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine in Autumn
In Novosibirsk, autumn brings shorter days and less direct sunlight. The days shrink quickly, and you really notice it as fall goes on.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Daylight drops off fast after September starts. Early in the month, you get about 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, it’s down to around 8 hours.
The change is more obvious than in summer, and evenings arrive earlier every week.
This shift changes the whole mood of the city. September evenings still give you time for a walk, but by November, dusk hits in the late afternoon.
People tend to plan activities earlier to catch what daylight’s left.
Here’s a quick look at the daylight changes:
| Month | Approx. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 12–13 hours |
| October | 10–11 hours |
| November | 8–9 hours |
The steady drop in daylight is pretty typical for Siberia’s latitude, and it makes autumn feel a lot shorter than summer.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Daylight doesn’t always mean you’ll get sunshine. In Novosibirsk, autumn skies usually bring plenty of clouds, so you’ll see fewer hours of direct sunlight than you might expect from the total daylight.
September brings about 6 hours of sunshine per day. By October, you’re looking at closer to 4–5 hours. In November, it drops even further to 2–3 hours.
Clouds and shorter days really cut down on those bright moments. Planning outdoor time gets trickier with less sunshine.
If you want to enjoy city parks or the riverfront, September gives you the best mix of light and warmth. By late autumn, you’ll probably spend more time indoors.
The difference between early and late autumn is pretty stark. September still feels bright, but November turns dim and overcast.
This shift is one of the most obvious things you’ll notice about Novosibirsk’s fall.
What to Expect: Daily Life and Outdoor Activities
Fall in Novosibirsk means shorter days, colder air, and more cloud cover. You’ll need to prepare for quick changes in temperature and think about how weather will affect comfort and outdoor plans.
Recommended Clothing and Preparation
In early fall, daytime highs might still hit around 18°C (65°F). By late November, temperatures often drop close to -8°C (17°F).
You should pack layers, since the range is huge. A light jacket works for September, but you’ll want a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat by November.
Snow can show up before winter even starts, so waterproof boots come in handy. Streets often get wet or icy, especially in the mornings and evenings.
If you plan to be outside for a while, carrying extra socks and thermal underlayers is a smart move.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- September: light jacket, sweaters, comfortable shoes
- October: medium coat, scarf, waterproof shoes
- November: insulated coat, hat, gloves, lined boots
Heating in homes and on public transport usually kicks in by mid-October. Even then, time outside can feel pretty harsh.
If you’re ready for both mild and freezing days, you’ll stay a lot more comfortable.
Popular Autumn Activities
Even with the chill, fall gives you a chance to enjoy the outdoors before winter really settles in. September is great for walking along the Ob River embankment or checking out city parks.
Trees change color, and the weather stays pleasant for a while. By October, locals start heading to museums, theaters, and indoor markets.
Days get darker and wetter, so outdoor time shrinks. Still, you can squeeze in short hikes or snap some photos in the forests around the city.
In November, most people switch to indoor routines. Some folks still try out early winter sports if snow starts to stick around.
Ice fishing and skating might kick off in late fall, depending on the weather. You can mix outdoor adventures with cultural stuff to make the season interesting.
Travel Considerations and Best Time to Visit
Fall in Novosibirsk brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and fewer tourists. You’ll want to weigh the comfort of mild weather against early frosts and less daylight if you’re planning a visit.
Pros and Cons of Visiting in Fall
Visiting in September means comfortable daytime highs around 10–16°C (50–61°F), which is perfect for walking tours and sightseeing.
Parks and riverbanks show off autumn colors, and the crowds thin out compared to summer.
By October, temperatures drop fast, usually between -2°C and 8°C (28–46°F). You might catch the first snowfalls, and evenings can feel pretty chilly.
If you like crisp air and quiet streets, this season could be your favorite.
You’ll have to deal with shorter daylight, only about 5–7 hours of sunshine per day by late fall. Rain and light snow can make things damp and unpredictable.
Outdoor festivals are rare, and some attractions close early for the season.
Fall works best if you want lower hotel rates, lighter crowds, and cool weather. Just make sure you pack warmly and get ready for sudden temperature swings.
Comparison With Peak Tourist Seasons
Summer, from June to August, really feels like the peak travel period. The average highs hit around 20–25°C (68–77°F), and the days seem to stretch on forever—sometimes up to 17 hours of daylight.
People flock to festivals, outdoor cafés, and river excursions. Of course, you’ll notice prices go up and the streets get much busier.
Winter, though, is a whole different story. From November through March, temperatures usually stay way below freezing, sometimes plunging under -30°C (-22°F).
Snow sports and cultural events still draw visitors, but honestly, if you’re not ready for that kind of cold, it’s tough.
Fall sits somewhere in the middle, really. You skip the crowds of summer and dodge the severe cold of winter.
But, you do have to deal with shorter days and maybe even some early snow. For a lot of travelers, late September feels like the sweet spot.