When you picture fall in Sochi, you’ll probably imagine a season that mixes gentle warmth with a refreshing coolness. The average autumn weather in Sochi offers comfortable daytime temperatures, cooler evenings, and a pretty steady blend of sunshine and rainfall. It’s a time of year when you can get outside without roasting in summer heat or shivering in winter chill.
Daytime highs usually stay pleasant enough for a stroll along the Black Sea, but you’ll want a light jacket for the evenings. Rain shows up more often as fall goes on, though it usually doesn’t ruin plans for long. The shifting weather really highlights the subtropical climate that shapes the city.
If you’re planning a trip in these months, you’ll probably notice how the weather slides from early fall warmth toward late autumn coolness. That gradual shift sets up perfect days for exploring Sochi’s beaches, parks, and mountain views, whether the sky’s bright or a bit overcast.
Overview of Sochi’s Autumn Climate
Sochi’s fall weather reflects its spot on the Black Sea coast. Mild maritime air keeps things moderate. Rain falls often, but winter here is nothing like what you’ll find in most of Russia, so autumn feels like a gentle transition.
Location and Geographic Influences
You’ll find Sochi on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, with the Caucasus Mountains rising behind it. Those mountains block cold northern winds, while the sea sends in warm, moist air.
Because of this, autumn days stay warmer than in much of inland Russia. For example, in September, daytime highs average about 24°C (76°F). Even in November, you can expect daytime temperatures close to 14°C (58°F). Nights cool off slowly and rarely dip below freezing.
The Black Sea has a big influence. In September, the sea surface sits around 25°C (77°F), which keeps the coastal air mild. By November, it drops to about 17°C (62°F), but that’s still enough to fend off sudden cold snaps.
Rain falls pretty steadily, about 3–3.5 inches per month in autumn. As the season moves on, you’ll see fewer sunny days. Daylight shrinks from over 13 hours in early September to just around 9 hours by late November.
Köppen Climate Classification
Sochi falls under the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) in the Köppen system. That means hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. Autumn fits right in, with temperatures dropping slowly and rainfall staying pretty regular.
Don’t mix up Sochi’s climate with the harsher continental climates you’ll find in most of Russia. The Black Sea keeps Sochi away from the deep cold and heavy snow that hit northern regions.
In practice, autumn here feels more like southern Europe than central Russia. Warm sea breezes, high humidity, and regular rain really define the season.
This climate also means the city stays green through fall. Subtropical plants like palm trees and evergreens keep Sochi looking lush, even as the air cools down.
Comparison With Other Russian Cities
If you compare Sochi to Moscow or Saint Petersburg in autumn, the contrast jumps out. Moscow averages just 7°C (45°F) in October, while Sochi stays closer to 19°C (67°F).
Snow can show up in Moscow by November, but in Sochi, you almost never see snow at sea level before deep winter. November days often stay mild enough for a walk outside without bundling up.
Even cities like Krasnodar in southern Russia can’t match Sochi’s steady temperatures. They just don’t have the Black Sea’s moderating effect. Inland places chill quickly at night, but Sochi’s coast keeps evenings warmer.
So if you’re traveling, you get a longer outdoor season in Sochi than in most of Russia. The weather lets you hike in the Caucasus foothills or stroll the beaches well into November.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Sochi
Autumn in Sochi starts with daytime warmth and slowly gives way to cooler evenings. You’ll feel a steady drop in both highs and lows from September through November, and the difference between early and late fall is pretty noticeable.
Average High Temperatures
Highs in Sochi during fall start off mild and cool down as the months go by. In September, you’ll see average highs around 24–25°C (75–77°F)—it still feels like summer. By October, highs usually hit about 18–20°C (64–68°F). In November, the average high slides down to 13–15°C (55–59°F).
This cooling makes early fall great for being outside, while later months call for a light jacket. Less sunshine means afternoons feel shorter and not as warm as in September.
The change is steady, not sudden. The Black Sea keeps daytime highs milder than what you’d find inland.
Average Low Temperatures
Nighttime in Sochi during fall cools down faster than the days. In September, lows hover around 16–17°C (61–63°F), making evenings pretty comfortable. By October, nighttime lows drop to 11–12°C (52–54°F). In November, you’ll see lows of 7–8°C (44–46°F).
These cooler nights often feel a bit damp, thanks to high humidity. The sea holds onto warmth, but by late November, you’ll notice the chill. Mornings can feel cool enough for a sweater, especially in shaded or higher spots.
Frost doesn’t show up often in fall. Still, the cooler evenings in late October and November signal that Sochi’s wetter winter is on the way.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Sochi’s fall shows a steady cooling each month.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 24–25°C (75–77°F) | 16–17°C (61–63°F) |
| October | 18–20°C (64–68°F) | 11–12°C (52–54°F) |
| November | 13–15°C (55–59°F) | 7–8°C (44–46°F) |
September feels more like summer, and by November, it’s leaning toward winter. October sits in between, with moderate temperatures that a lot of people find ideal.
Humidity stays high, which can make both warm and cool days feel more intense. Early fall is great for sightseeing outdoors, but later fall is better for indoor or coastal walks.
Precipitation Patterns During Fall
Sochi’s fall brings steady rainfall, and totals climb from early autumn into November. You’ll notice frequent wet days, but snow almost never shows up because of the mild coastal climate.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Sochi during fall is moderate in September and gets heavier as the season moves on. You’ll see around 100–120 mm of rain in September. October bumps up to about 130–150 mm. November often tops 160 mm, making it one of the wettest months of the year.
This means early fall is more comfortable for outdoor plans, while late fall feels damp and cloudy. Unlike summer, where you get quick showers, fall rain can last hours and sometimes covers most of the day.
If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that November is the peak of fall rainfall. Wet days usually bring steady, light rain instead of big storms, but puddles and slick streets are common. Waterproof shoes are a good idea.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days pile up as fall moves along. In September, you might get 8–10 days with measurable rain. By October, it rises to about 12–14 days. November often brings 14–16 days of rain.
In late fall, almost half the days can be rainy. The showers are spread throughout the month, not packed into one short wet spell.
Rain usually comes down light to moderate, but it’s frequent enough that you’ll want to plan for it. If you’re visiting, you can pretty much count on some rain, especially in October and November.
Chance of Snowfall
Snow in Sochi during fall? Pretty much unheard of. The Black Sea keeps things mild, even in late November. Average daytime highs stay above freezing, from 20°C in September to 12°C in November.
With those temps, almost all the precipitation lands as rain. The chance of snow is just about zero at sea level.
If you’re hunting for snow, you’ll need to head inland or up into the nearby Caucasus Mountains. In the city, fall is a rainy season, not a snowy one.
Humidity and Wind in Autumn
Fall air in Sochi often feels damp, and the breezes shift a bit as the season goes on. You’ll get mild but noticeable humidity, with light to moderate winds that sometimes pick up near the coast.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays pretty high in Sochi during autumn, thanks to the Black Sea. You’ll notice the air feels moist, especially in the evenings and mornings.
Average relative humidity usually ranges from 70% to 80%. September feels a little less humid than October and November, when the cooler air holds more moisture.
This humidity can make days feel warmer than they are. At night, the dampness stands out, especially when a cool breeze blows in.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect mist or light fog on some mornings, especially in October. The moisture in the air also means you’ll see plenty of clouds, though sunny breaks still pop up.
Typical Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Sochi during autumn usually stay gentle, but they can change month to month. Average wind speed is low, about 3–5 mph, but sometimes climbs to nearly 9 mph in September and February—September is actually the windiest autumn month.
Winds usually blow in from the sea, giving coastal areas a steady onshore breeze. Inland, winds are weaker, but valleys and mountain slopes nearby can funnel breezes more strongly.
You’ll probably notice stronger gusts during weather fronts, especially late in autumn. These winds can make the air feel cooler, so a light jacket comes in handy even on otherwise mild days.
For travelers, the mostly calm winds during autumn make it easy to walk, sightsee, and enjoy the outdoors without much hassle.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Sochi during fall, days get shorter and there’s less bright sun than in summer. This shift affects how much time you can spend outside, whether you’re sightseeing, walking the coast, or heading out on a day trip.
Average Sunshine Hours
Sunshine in Sochi drops steadily from September through November. Early September still gives you about 7–8 hours of sunshine per day, which is great for outdoor activities and beach visits. By October, you’ll get closer to 5–6 hours daily. In November, it’s only about 3–4 hours on average.
So, September feels bright and welcoming, but November can be dim and overcast. Clouds show up more as fall goes on, so clear skies are less common.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours per Day |
|---|---|
| September | 7–8 hours |
| October | 5–6 hours |
| November | 3–4 hours |
You’ll want to plan outdoor activities earlier in the day in mid to late fall, since afternoons often cloud over and daylight fades fast.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight hours shrink quickly in Sochi during fall. In September, sunrise is around 6:30–7:00 AM and sunset is near 7:00–7:30 PM, so you get about 12.5–13 hours of daylight. By October, you’re down to about 11 hours. In November, it’s less than 10 hours.
This change limits how much time you have for sightseeing before it gets dark. For example, by late November, sunset can be as early as 5:00 PM, so evening outdoor activities are limited.
Shorter days and less sunshine mean you get both fewer daylight hours and less direct sunlight. If you’re traveling this season, it’s smart to schedule your main activities in the middle of the day when the light is strongest.
Microclimates and Regional Variations
Sochi’s fall weather really depends on where you are. Coastal spots stay pretty mild and humid, but if you head into the hills, you’ll notice cooler air, more rain, and sometimes even early snow.
These differences definitely affect what you should pack and how you plan your days.
Adler: Coastal Autumn Weather
Adler sits right on the Black Sea and keeps its humid subtropical climate well into fall. During September and October, daytime highs usually land between 17°C and 22°C (63°F–72°F), but things cool off to around 12°C (54°F) by November.
Nights stay mild, and it hardly ever drops below 8°C (46°F).
Rain shows up often. You’ll probably get 8–12 rainy days each month, with totals around 90–140 mm.
Adler doesn’t get early frost, and the sea helps keep temperatures steady.
Humidity hangs high, often above 70%, which makes those cool days feel even damper.
Sunshine fades as the season goes, dropping from about 6 hours in September to just 3 hours in November.
If you’re traveling here, you can still enjoy the beach or seaside cafes in early autumn. By late November, though, it’s a lot wetter and chillier.
Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes—you’ll thank yourself later.
Krasnaya Polyana: Mountain Climate Differences
Krasnaya Polyana sits up in the Caucasus Mountains, and the weather changes fast compared to the coast. Once you’re above 500 meters, temperatures drop off quickly in fall.
September brings daytime averages near 15°C (59°F), but by November, highs usually reach just 6–8°C (43–46°F). Nights sometimes get close to freezing.
Rain hits harder here than in Adler. Moist sea air climbs into the mountains and causes orographic rainfall.
By October and November, you might even run into the first wet snowfalls.
The air feels crisp and less humid than down by the sea, though rainy spells can make things damp.
Fog often fills the valleys, making driving or hiking a bit tricky.
If you’re heading this way, bring warmer clothes, sturdy shoes, and layers.
Weather can flip fast—one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s chilly and wet.
This spot feels better for mountain walks or prepping for ski season, not so much for lounging by the sea.
Best Time to Visit Sochi in Fall
Sochi’s temperatures slowly drift down from summer warmth, and rainfall stays pretty moderate. Daylight hours get shorter as autumn moves along.
The Black Sea keeps both land and sea conditions milder than you’d find farther inland.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
September really stands out as the most comfortable month for outdoor stuff like sightseeing or hiking. Daytime highs hover around 23°C (73°F), and evenings cool to about 16°C (61°F).
Humidity isn’t too bad, and rainfall is moderate—usually 42–52 mm for the month.
By October, temperatures slip to 13–19°C (55–66°F). That’s a good range for walking tours, parks, or heading up to the mountains.
Rain does pick up a bit, but showers are mostly quick and don’t ruin your plans.
In November, you feel winter coming on. Highs average 14°C (57°F), and lows get down near 9°C (49°F).
You can still enjoy city strolls, but shorter days and damp weather make late fall less tempting for long outdoor adventures.
If you’re after mild warmth and more daylight, September and early October are your best bets for a fall visit to Sochi.
Sea Conditions and Black Sea Influence
The Black Sea really shapes Sochi’s fall climate in a big way. In September, you’ll find the sea temperature hovering around 24°C (75°F), so swimming and water sports still feel pretty great.
By October, the water cools down to about 19°C (66°F). Some folks still swim, but it’s definitely less tempting for a long soak.
When November rolls in, the sea temperature drops to 15°C (59°F). Most people skip swimming by then, but you’ll notice the coastal air stays milder than inland Russia since the sea slowly releases its stored summer warmth.
This maritime effect keeps the temperature swings less dramatic. Even as the air cools, the Black Sea helps Sochi hang onto a milder autumn, with fewer harsh cold snaps than you’d get farther inland.
If you’re into both beach days and city wandering, early fall really gives you the best of both worlds—warm water and comfy weather.