Fall in St. Petersburg arrives with a sudden shift. Cool, comfortable days quickly give way to crisp, wintry weather. You’ll see average daytime highs drop from the mid-60s Fahrenheit in early September to nearly freezing by late November.
Nights cool off even faster, often dipping well below freezing as autumn moves forward.
Daylight hours also shrink fast. Early in the season, you can still enjoy those long evenings, but by late fall, the sun sets before you’ve even started most afternoon plans. Cloud cover gets heavier, and clear skies become rare as autumn rolls on.
Rainfall tapers off as the months pass, and snow starts to show up more often, signaling winter’s approach. Winds pick up a bit, and the air remains dry, without summer’s heavy humidity. These changes make fall feel like a true in-between season—challenging at times, but with its own charm if you’re exploring the city.
Overview of Fall Weather in St. Petersburg
You’ll notice a steady drop in temperatures, shorter days, and a shift from rain to snow as fall settles in. Cloud cover thickens, winds pick up, and daylight hours shrink at a surprising pace.
What Defines Fall in St. Petersburg
Fall in St. Petersburg feels cool, damp, and increasingly dark. Average daily highs fall from about 18°C (64°F) in early September to around 0°C (32°F) by late November. Nighttime lows drop from 9°C (49°F) to near -4°C (24°F).
Rain falls often in September, but by November, snow starts to take over. Average monthly rainfall drops from about 58 mm (2.3 in) in early fall to less than 20 mm (0.8 in) at the end. Snowfall rises to nearly 12 cm (4.9 in) by late November.
Cloud cover thickens fast, with skies overcast more than 70% of the time in November. Sunshine hours shrink, leaving you with only 6–7 hours of daylight by the end of the season.
Transition From Summer to Autumn
Summer leaves quickly in St. Petersburg. Early September still brings mild weather, with pleasant afternoons and long evenings. By the middle of October, the air feels crisp, and you’ll spot frost on the ground most mornings.
Precipitation changes, too. September is mostly about rain, but by October, you’ll see a mix of rain and snow. By November, snow becomes the main event. The Neva River and nearby waterways cool rapidly, with water temperatures dropping from 16°C (60°F) to near 3°C (37°F).
Winds pick up as autumn advances, averaging 6–7 mph, mostly from the west and south. The combination of wind and damp air makes it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Typical Duration of the Fall Season
Fall in St. Petersburg usually runs from early September through late November. The growing season ends by early October, once the first hard frosts hit. By late November, winter has already settled in.
One of the most striking changes is the shrinking daylight. Day length drops by more than 7 hours from September to November. Sunsets move from after 8:00 PM in early September to just after 4:00 PM at the end of November.
It’s a short, dramatic season that bridges the mild summer and the long, tough winter.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Temperatures in St. Petersburg fall fast, shifting from mild September days to freezing conditions by November. The season changes quickly, and you’ll notice shorter days paired with dropping temperatures.
Monthly Average Temperatures
In September, the average temperature hovers around 11–12°C (52–54°F). By October, it cools to about 6°C (43°F), and in November it drops to 0–1°C (32–34°F).
So, early fall might still feel nice for walking around, but late fall will have you reaching for your winter coat. The temperature doesn’t drop gradually; you’ll feel noticeable changes every few weeks.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Temp °C | Avg. Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 11–12 | 52–54 |
| October | ~6 | 43 |
| November | 0–1 | 32–34 |
You can really see how fast things go from cool to cold.
Average Highs and Lows
In September, average highs reach about 15°C (59°F), while lows dip near 8°C (46°F). By October, highs fall to around 8–9°C (47–48°F), with lows close to 3°C (37°F). In November, highs barely get to 2°C (36°F), and lows often drop to -3°C (27°F).
Chilly mornings and evenings show up even in September. By late October, frost is common, and November nights can fall well below freezing.
The swing between highs and lows means you can go from a mild afternoon to a freezing evening in a single day. Layered clothing? It’s a must.
Temperature Fluctuations and Trends
From September to November, temperatures drop sharply—much faster than in spring. September still gives you a few mild days, but by mid-October, the cold sets in fast.
Within a single day, temperatures can swing a lot. A morning might start just above freezing, warm up a bit, then drop below zero at night.
This kind of variability is typical for a continental climate. The Baltic Sea softens things a little, but not enough to stop the rapid cooling. If you’re visiting, expect steady declines and sudden cold snaps, especially later in the season.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Fall in Saint Petersburg stays pretty damp, with no real dry season. While monthly totals change, the city’s cool maritime climate keeps things wet—expect rain, drizzle, and, by late autumn, some snow.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Saint Petersburg during fall is moderate but steady. September usually brings 60–70 mm of precipitation, while October averages about 65 mm. By November, totals climb a bit, often reaching 70–75 mm as colder air brings a mix of rain and snow.
The wettest month is August, so by fall, rainfall is already tapering off. Still, totals are high enough to keep streets damp and skies gray. Wet conditions are the norm in any fall month, especially in November when snow can mix in.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | 60–70 | Cool, frequent showers |
| October | ~65 | Steady rain, shorter days |
| November | 70–75 | Mix of rain and snow |
Frequency of Wet Days
Rain might not always pour down, but wet days are pretty common. In September, you’ll see 14–16 days with measurable precipitation. October is similar, with 15–17 wet days, and November bumps up to 16–18 days.
It’s usually drizzle or light showers, not heavy downpours. That means you get long stretches of damp weather instead of quick, intense storms. The constant cloud cover keeps days feeling gray and moist.
If you’re planning to be outside, stay flexible. An umbrella or waterproof jacket makes a lot of sense, since conditions can shift from dry to wet pretty quickly.
Types of Precipitation
Early fall is mostly rain. September and much of October bring light to moderate showers, often with misty mornings. By late October, colder air brings a chance of sleet, especially at night.
November feels like the turning point. Rain still falls, but snow shows up more often, especially in the second half of the month. Snowfall starts light, but it can pile up if temperatures stay near or below freezing.
Drizzle is common, especially during overcast days when the air feels thick with moisture. This mix of rain, sleet, and snow makes fall in Saint Petersburg damp and chilly, so you’ll want both rain gear and warm layers.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Skies in Saint Petersburg turn much cloudier during fall, and daylight hours disappear fast. You’ll see overcast conditions more and more as September gives way to November.
Average Cloudiness in Fall
Cloud cover grows steadily through fall. Early September brings partly cloudy skies about half the time, but by November, overcast days dominate.
The numbers say it all: the city spends about 52% of the time under clouds in September, but that jumps to nearly 76% in November. You’ll spend most of your time under gray skies as autumn progresses.
St. Petersburg’s northern spot and maritime climate make cloud cover a defining feature. Don’t count on long stretches of clear skies—expect consistent gray, especially late in the season.
Sunshine Duration by Month
Sunshine hours fall off a cliff from early to late fall. In September, you can still catch about 5 to 6 hours of sun per day, but by November, that drops to less than 1 hour daily.
Monthly totals tell the story: September averages 160–170 hours of sunshine, October drops to 70–80 hours, and November barely manages 20–25 hours. It’s a huge difference that really affects daily life and outdoor plans.
For some context, Saint Petersburg usually gets only about 1,600 hours of sunshine per year—much less than places like Rome or Beijing. Limited daylight and heavy cloud cover make fall one of the dimmest times of year here.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In autumn, Saint Petersburg stays pretty damp, and winds shift as the season cools. You’ll feel steady breezes and moist air, both of which shape how the weather feels outside and how comfortable you’ll be while exploring the city.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity rises as fall goes on. In early September, average relative humidity sits around 75%, but by November it can reach 85% or higher. Cooler air holds less moisture, and frequent rain or early snow bumps up the numbers.
You’ll probably notice the air feels damp even when it’s not raining. That’s because the city’s location near the Gulf of Finland tends to trap moisture. With less daylight and higher humidity, temperatures feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Here’s a quick look at typical averages:
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~75% | Mild, occasional rain |
| October | ~80% | Cooler, frequent showers |
| November | ~85% | Damp, with snow possible |
Expect more condensation on windows, heavier fog in the mornings, and a generally moist feel as fall deepens.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Winds in Saint Petersburg during fall usually stay moderate, but they can feel brisk near the Neva River and the Gulf of Finland. Average speeds range from 12 to 18 km/h (7–11 mph), with stronger gusts during storms or when cold fronts sweep in from the Baltic Sea.
In September, winds blow mostly from the southwest, bringing in milder air. By October and November, more frequent north and northwest winds push colder air into the region. This shift is a big reason for the sharp drop in temperature and the damp chill you feel outside.
Sudden changes can happen, too. Low-pressure systems moving across the Baltic sometimes bring short bursts of stronger winds, occasionally exceeding 25 km/h (15 mph). While these aren’t extreme, they definitely add to the chill, especially with high humidity.
For comfort, dress in layers and choose wind-resistant outerwear, especially if you’re near the water or out in open city squares.
Travel Tips for Visiting St. Petersburg in Fall
Visiting St. Petersburg in autumn means you’ll need to prepare for shifting temperatures, shorter days, and a mix of sunshine, rain, and early frost. With fewer tourists and lower prices than in summer, you get to enjoy cultural events, historic sites, and those colorful parks with a bit more comfort and space.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Pack clothing you can layer, since the weather changes so quickly. You’ll want a light raincoat or waterproof jacket in September, but by November, grab a warmer coat, scarf, and gloves.
Bring comfortable walking shoes or boots, since streets and parks often get damp or muddy after it rains. If you plan to wander along the Neva River embankments or visit suburban palaces, waterproof footwear makes a big difference.
Toss in a few sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and jeans for daytime exploring. For cooler evenings, you’ll appreciate a fleece or insulated jacket. If you’re thinking about catching the opera or ballet, pack a set of dress clothes—maybe a suit jacket or a modest dress.
A compact umbrella helps, though wind-resistant ones usually survive St. Petersburg’s breezes better. Hats or head coverings can also save you from those sudden temperature drops.
Best Activities During Autumn
Autumn is a great time to dive into the city’s cultural scene. The Mariinsky and Mikhailovsky Theatres kick off their opera and ballet seasons, and concert halls buzz with new performances. Museums like the Hermitage and the Russian Museum feel a lot less crowded, so you can linger and really take it all in.
If you’re into the outdoors, September and early October make perfect months for walks in the Summer Garden, Pavlovsk Park, or Peterhof. The fall colors turn these spots into something out of a painting.
You can still catch river cruises on the Neva until ice starts to form, usually late in the season. After a chilly day, maybe try a traditional Russian banya—it’s a cozy way to warm up and unwind.
Local restaurants and cafes serve up hearty seasonal dishes, so autumn is honestly a great time for food lovers. If you’re in the mood to shop, check out Gostiny Dvor for souvenirs or wander through some of the modern shopping centers.
Travel Considerations and Recommendations
Weather in St. Petersburg during fall? Honestly, it’s all over the place. Rain can show up out of nowhere, and temperatures might go from pleasant to freezing in just a couple of weeks.
It’s a good idea to check the forecast every day. You’ll want to plan for both indoor and outdoor activities, just in case.
Public transportation usually runs smoothly no matter the season. Walking between sights, though, can get rough if it’s pouring or windy.
Keep some small cash on hand for buses and metro tokens. Most places accept contactless cards, but not everywhere, so it’s better to be prepared.
After summer ends, you’ll notice fewer tourists around. That means shorter lines at major attractions and hotel prices that don’t sting as much.
Still, if you’re eyeing tickets for popular shows, book them ahead of time. They can sell out, even off-season.
Thinking about visiting suburban palaces like Tsarskoye Selo or Gatchina? Try to go earlier in the fall, before the gardens get too icy or snowy.
By November, it’s smarter to stick with indoor attractions and cultural events.
You might also want travel insurance that covers weather delays. Autumn storms sometimes mess with flights or trains, and it’s just less stressful if you’re covered.