Fall in Murmansk really feels like a turning point. The mild summer fades fast, and the long Arctic winter creeps in. Temperatures tumble, daylight shrinks, and you might see the first snow by October.
Expect cool to cold days, with average highs dropping from about 10°C (50°F) in September to below freezing once November rolls around.
You’ll get a mix of rain and, before long, regular snowfall. September still feels like a transition, but by October, the air bites and the ground often gets its first lasting snow.
By November, winter has pretty much taken over. Subzero temps and barely any daylight become the new normal.
If you head to Murmansk in fall, you’ll see how quickly everything changes. The season’s short, but it really shows off the city’s Arctic side: cool winds, damp air, and a fast slide toward polar night.
It’s honestly a fascinating time to watch Murmansk bridge that gap between a brief summer and the long, tough winter.
Overview of Fall Weather in Murmansk
Fall in Murmansk, Russia hits hard with a sharp drop in temperatures, a flip from rain to snow, and days that get shorter almost by the week.
You’ll feel it get colder nearly every day, clouds take over, and by late November, polar night starts to creep in.
Typical Temperature Ranges
Temperatures fall fast as autumn moves along. Early September brings daytime highs around 54°F (12°C), while nights hover near 41°F (5°C).
By late November, you’re looking at highs of just 25°F (-4°C) and lows that dip to about 13°F (-11°C).
Extreme temps can happen, but it’s rare for September to get warmer than 64°F (18°C) or for November to drop below -5°F (-21°C).
This steady chill makes fall here feel a lot more like early winter than anything else.
Just for reference, January is Murmansk’s coldest month, with average highs at only 4°F (-16°C). So fall really is just the start of harsher weather.
By mid-October, you’ll need to dress in layers and get ready for freezing days.
Precipitation Patterns
Rain falls pretty often in early fall, but it backs off as the season goes on. In September, you have about a 29% chance of a wet day, and rainfall averages 2.1 inches (53 mm) for the month.
By November, rain is almost gone—averages drop to just 0.2 inches (5 mm).
Snow starts to take over as temps fall. You probably won’t see much snow in early September, but by late November, Murmansk averages 6.4 inches (16 cm) in a month.
So, expect snowy streets and icy conditions by the end of fall.
Mixed days—where rain and snow show up together—get more common in October. Slippery roads and lower visibility come with the territory.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Daylight disappears fast in fall, thanks to Murmansk’s spot way up north. On September 1, you’ll have about 15 hours of daylight. Sunrise comes at 5:09 AM, and sunset is around 8:23 PM.
By November 30, the sun rises at 12:09 PM and sets at 1:02 PM.
That’s basically the start of the polar night, when the sun doesn’t climb above the horizon for over a month.
Clouds move in too, with overcast skies about 80% of the time by late fall.
Sunshine hours drop off a cliff, and by the end of the season, there’s barely any direct sunlight left.
You’ll want to get ready for dim, gray days that can really affect your mood and travel plans.
Month-by-Month Fall Climate Breakdown
Fall in Murmansk is all about dropping temps, shorter days, and the return of snow by mid-season.
Rain sticks around in early autumn, but snow takes over by late November. Daylight becomes a rare thing.
September Weather Details
September brings the first real hints of autumn. Daytime highs average about 10°C (50°F), and nights drop to 4–5°C (40°F).
Rain is still pretty common, with 15–18 wet days in the month.
Daylight falls quickly, but early September still gives you 12–14 hours. By month’s end, nights get chillier, and frost starts to show up.
Winds pick up as Arctic air starts to roll in.
Sea temperatures hang around 8°C (46°F)—way too cold for swimming, but not as frigid as winter.
It’s damp, so if you’re headed outside, waterproof gear is a good idea.
October Weather Details
October feels like winter’s knocking. Highs drop to about 3–4°C (37–39°F), and lows often go below freezing, averaging -2°C (28°F).
Snow starts early in the month and gets more common as nights stay cold.
Rain still happens, but it often mixes with snow. Precipitation totals average 50 mm (2 in), spread over 18–20 days.
Daylight shrinks to just 6–8 hours, so your window for outdoor stuff gets pretty small.
Fog and low clouds hang around, making things feel darker and colder than the numbers might suggest.
By late October, snow sticks around, and icy patches become a regular thing.
November Weather Details
By November, it’s pretty much winter. Highs reach only -2°C (28°F), and lows dip to about -7°C (19°F).
Snowfall takes over, with frequent snow days all month long.
Daylight is down to just a few hours as the Polar Night gets close. Sunshine? Almost nonexistent, with overcast skies nearly every day.
Travel gets tough with icy roads and low visibility. If you’re visiting, you’ll need heavy clothing, boots, and to plan for hardly any daylight.
Snow covers just about everything, and temps keep dropping as December nears.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In Murmansk’s fall, high humidity and steady winds make the cold feel even colder. These factors really shape how comfortable you’ll be outdoors and what you’ll need to pack.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high all autumn, usually between 75% and 85%. September isn’t quite as damp, but October and November bring more moisture in the air.
You’ll notice humidity creeping up as daylight fades. By November, it’s often around 86%—that’s very high.
Even when it’s just below freezing, that moisture makes the air bite.
Cool air plus high humidity means you’ll see more fog and dampness. Roads and sidewalks get slippery. If you’re venturing outside, waterproof clothes and sturdy shoes are a must.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Winds in fall blow moderate to strong, usually from the northwest and west. Average speeds hit 12 to 18 km/h (7–11 mph), but gusts can get stronger as winter gets closer.
These winds bring cold sea air across the Kola Peninsula. When you add in high humidity, it feels even colder.
Wind direction shifts more in November, when Arctic air starts to win out. That can mean sudden cold snaps and rougher weather.
If you’re outside, expect quick changes and wear wind-resistant layers.
Seasonal Changes and Weather Transitions
Autumn in Murmansk means quick temperature drops, less daylight, and snow moving in. You’ll see a real shift from cool, damp days in early fall to freezing, snowy weather by late November.
Shift from Summer to Fall
September brings highs around 10°C (50°F) and lows near 4–5°C (40°F). Rain still falls pretty often, but less than in August.
The air gets crisper, and humidity stays moderate, so outdoor activities are still manageable.
By October, the change is obvious. Highs fall to about 3–4°C (38–39°F), and lows often slip below freezing.
Snow usually starts this month, and by the end of October, it’s sticking around.
Daylight drops fast, from 12–14 hours in early September to under 8 hours by late October.
You’ll need warm, waterproof layers, since mist and fog are common. This is when the mild summer really ends and the Arctic weather takes over.
Onset of Winter Conditions
By November, Murmansk is deep into cold weather. Highs drop below -2°C (28°F), and lows can hit -7°C (19°F) or even colder.
Rain is rare, and snow rules the forecast. Snow cover builds up and doesn’t go anywhere.
Daylight shrinks to just a few hours, and by late November, the Polar Night arrives—no sunrise at all.
This, plus frequent snow, makes travel tricky.
November honestly feels more like full winter than fall. Roads and sidewalks are icy, and the Barents Sea winds add to the chill.
If you’re outdoors, you’ll really need insulated boots and a heavy coat.
Travel Considerations for Fall in Murmansk
Fall in Murmansk means colder temps, short days, and the start of snowy weather. If you plan ahead, you’ll stay comfortable and actually enjoy what this part of Russia offers.
What to Pack for the Weather
Temperatures drop fast, going from cool in September to well below freezing by late November. You’ll need to be ready for both rain and snow.
Bring a waterproof outer layer and an insulated jacket for wet, cold days. Once snow shows up, a warm hat, gloves, and scarf are must-haves.
Sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip help you stay upright on icy sidewalks.
Layering is your friend. Pack long sleeves, sweaters, and thermal underlayers so you can adapt to whatever the weather throws at you.
With daylight fading so fast, a headlamp or flashlight comes in handy if you’re out early or late.
Recommended Activities
Fall’s a cool time to see Murmansk before winter really sets in. Early on, you can hike in the hills and catch the tundra turning color.
By October and November, snow covers the land, making it great for photography and short nature walks.
The city’s got museums, cultural spots, and monuments that work no matter the weather. The Alyosha Monument and Northern Fleet Museum are worth checking out.
If you come later in fall, you might catch the Northern Lights. Long nights and clearer skies make for good viewing, and tours can get you away from city lights.
Travel Tips and Safety
Traveling in Murmansk during fall means being ready for weird weather and local quirks. Roads and sidewalks get slippery, so give yourself extra time to get around.
Public transport runs year-round, but snow and ice can mess with schedules.
Daylight drops from over 15 hours in early September to just a few by late November. Plan your outdoor stuff for daylight, and remember, polar night kicks in late fall.
Carry some local currency—small shops and buses might not take cards. English isn’t common, so a translation app or phrasebook helps a lot.
Staying in a central hotel makes it easier to get to restaurants, transport, and tours.
How Fall Weather Compares to Other Seasons
In Murmansk, autumn really marks the shift from a short, mild summer into a long, severe winter. Temperatures plummet, daylight fades, and rain gives way to steady snow.
Fall here is all about transition, getting you ready for the tough months ahead.
Differences from Summer
Summer in Murmansk feels short, but it’s definitely milder than fall. From mid-June until early September, most days climb into the mid-50s °F (10–15°C). July usually hovers around 61°F (16°C), which honestly feels pretty pleasant if you don’t mind a chill in the air.
Once September hits, though, you notice a drop. Temperatures dip into the mid-40s °F (7°C). By October, highs barely reach 37°F (3°C), and you can really feel the season shifting.
Daylight shifts a lot too. During summer, the midnight sun takes over for weeks. You get daylight almost non-stop through much of June and July.
As fall starts, the light disappears faster than you might expect. September offers about 13 hours, but by October, you get less than 9 hours of daylight. That’s a big change.
Summer brings more rain, and July usually sees rain on about 11 days. When fall arrives, the rain backs off a bit, but snow starts showing up by late September.
By October, snow falls more often. That pretty much marks the end of the warmer stretch for the year.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | 61°F / 16°C | 47°F / 8°C | Mostly rain |
| Sept | 49°F / 9°C | 38°F / 3°C | Rain, then snow mix |
| Oct | 37°F / 3°C | 29°F / -2°C | Mostly snow |
Differences from Winter
Winter in Murmansk feels way harsher than fall. From late November through March, the average highs never climb above freezing.
In January, the temperature barely reaches 19°F (-7°C) during the day. At night, it drops down to 5°F (-15°C).
Fall still gives you a few days above freezing. Winter, though, just shuts that possibility down completely.
Snowfall really ramps up too. October only gets about 3–4 inches (9–10 cm) of snow.
But by December, the snow piles up—over 6 inches (17 cm)—and it sticks around for months. Fall feels like a transition, but winter just seals the region in a frozen grip.
Daylight, honestly, is a whole different story. By November, you only get about 4 hours of daylight.
Then, from early December to mid-January, the polar night arrives. The sun doesn’t rise at all.
Sure, fall seems dark compared to summer, but winter? It’s on another level.
| Season | Avg High | Avg Low | Daylight | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | 49°F to 29°F (9°C to -2°C) | 38°F to 17°F (3°C to -8°C) | 13h → 4h | Rain to snow |
| Winter | 27°F to 19°F (-3°C to -7°C) | 17°F to 5°F (-8°C to -15°C) | 4h → 0h | Heavy snow |