Winter in St. Petersburg hits you with freezing temperatures, frequent snow, and those short daylight hours that really shape everyday life here. You’ll see average highs around -1°C (30°F) and lows near -8°C (17°F), with steady snowfall and limited sunshine making for a long, cold season.
The weather can feel pretty harsh, but honestly, it creates that classic winter scene most people picture when they think of Russia.
You get more than just cold here—the city’s spot near the Gulf of Finland brings dampness, lots of clouds, and a biting wind that cuts right through you. Snow blankets the streets for months, and daylight sometimes shrinks to just about seven hours in midwinter, giving the city a rhythm locals know well.
This season also gives St. Petersburg’s cultural and historic landmarks a special vibe. Palaces, canals, and those wide squares look totally different under snow and frost, making everything feel atmospheric and, well, very Russian.
If you understand the climate, you’ll be better prepared for the conditions and maybe even appreciate how winter shapes the city’s character.
Winter Climate Overview in St. Petersburg
Winter in St. Petersburg drags on for months, stays cold, and brings lots of snow and gray skies. Temperatures dip below freezing for weeks, daylight is scarce, and strong winds make things feel even colder.
General Climate Characteristics
Average daily highs usually sit around -3°C to -7°C (19–27°F), and lows drop even more, especially in January and February. Sometimes, during those brutal cold snaps, the mercury falls below -20°C (-4°F).
Snow falls frequently, though it’s not always heavy. Instead, light snow comes often, leaving the city under a nearly constant white blanket. Cloudy skies rule, with sunshine averaging less than 2 hours per day in the depths of winter.
Humidity stays high, usually above 80%, so the cold feels damp. Winds blowing in from the Gulf of Finland make the chill even sharper, averaging 13–15 kph. The sea gets close to freezing and can even ice over in spots.
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Snowfall/Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | -2.4 | -4.2 | Light, frequent |
| January | -2.8 | -6.9 | Frequent snow |
| February | -2.6 | -7.4 | Frequent snow |
Duration and Timing of Winter
Winter usually starts in late November and hangs on until late March. By mid-December, snow cover settles in and sticks around until the spring thaw in late March.
December daylight is really limited. Around the winter solstice, the sun doesn’t rise until after 10 a.m. and sets before 4 p.m. Days get longer slowly, reaching about 9 hours by mid-February.
The coldest stretch hits in January and February, with average temperatures hovering near -5°C (23°F). These months also bring the strongest winds and the highest risk of extreme cold snaps.
By late March, temperatures creep up toward freezing, but snow and ice can still hang around. You’ll want to watch your step—slippery streets and lingering frost are common well into spring.
Comparison With Other Russian Cities
Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg’s winter feels a bit milder because of its coastal setting, but it’s also cloudier and more humid. Moscow gets colder nights but enjoys a bit more sunshine.
When you look at Siberian cities like Novosibirsk or Yakutsk, St. Petersburg actually feels much less severe. Siberia routinely drops below -30°C, while St. Petersburg rarely ever gets that cold.
Unlike southern Russian cities like Krasnodar, which barely get any snow, St. Petersburg has a true northern winter with snow that sticks around for months. Still, it avoids the extreme cold of the Russian interior.
The mix of maritime influence and northern latitude gives St. Petersburg a winter that’s cold and gray, but not quite as brutal as inland Russia.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Saint Petersburg drags on, stays cold, and keeps the city under a steady blanket of snow. Temperatures often sit below freezing for long stretches, with both highs and lows shaping how you get through the season.
Extremes can happen, but the averages tell you what to expect most days.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
From December to February, the climate only shifts a little each month. December usually means highs around -1°C to -3°C (30°F to 27°F) and lows near -6°C (21°F).
By January, the coldest month, lows often hit -8°C (17°F) and highs hover near -4°C (25°F).
February starts to hint at change. Average highs climb back to about -3°C (27°F), while lows stay near -7°C (19°F). Snow is still common, but the slow warming signals that spring isn’t too far off.
Here’s a quick look at typical ranges:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | -1 to -3 (30–27) | -6 (21) |
| January | -4 (25) | -8 (17) |
| February | -3 (27) | -7 (19) |
These numbers help you figure out what to wear and just how stubborn the cold can be.
Average Daily High Temperature
Winter highs almost never rise above freezing. In December, you’ll see highs around -1°C to -3°C (30°F to 27°F). January gets colder, with highs averaging -4°C (25°F). February starts to ease up, but highs still stay near -3°C (27°F).
The sun sits low on the horizon, so daytime doesn’t really warm things up. Even during the brightest hours, the chill sticks around.
Snow and ice linger on streets, canals, and rooftops for weeks at a time.
If you plan to spend time outside, brace yourself for cold air that feels even sharper thanks to the wind and humidity. Warm coats, insulated boots, and gloves aren’t just nice to have—they’re pretty much mandatory.
Record Lows and Extremes
Averages give you a good idea of what’s typical, but Saint Petersburg has seen much colder extremes. Record lows have dropped below -30°C (-22°F) during harsh Arctic outbreaks. These deep freezes are rare, but they do happen.
Extreme cold usually comes with clear skies and calm winds, letting heat escape fast at night. During these spells, frostbite can develop quickly on exposed skin.
Sometimes, you get a sudden thaw that pushes daytime highs just above freezing. These short breaks melt the snow, only for everything to freeze up again later, making icy streets a real hazard. You’ll want to be ready for both deep freezes and those weird, mild spells that pop up in the same season.
Snowfall and Precipitation Patterns
Winter in Saint Petersburg brings steady snow, cloudy skies, and sometimes rain mixed with snow. The city’s spot near the Baltic Sea affects both how much snow falls and what kind of winter precipitation you get.
Typical Snowfall Amounts
Snow falls consistently through the winter, with the heaviest buildup usually happening in December, January, and February. On average, expect 15 to 17 snowy days per month during this stretch.
Daily totals might not match Siberia, but snow piles up. Depths often reach 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) on the ground by mid-winter.
Streets, parks, and rooftops stay covered for weeks, making for a continuous snowpack that can last until March or even early April.
Thanks to the city’s maritime influence, snow here is often wetter and heavier than what you’d get inland. That makes shoveling a chore and can make sidewalks and roads tricky. Slush forms easily when temperatures hover near freezing.
Frequency of Snowfall
Snow doesn’t just fall in a few big storms. Instead, Saint Petersburg gets frequent, lighter snow events spread out over the season. Short bursts of snow showers happen a lot, sometimes several times a week.
In January and February, the city averages 17 snowfall days, so more than half the month brings fresh snow.
Even if some days see only a dusting, the regularity keeps the city blanketed.
Snow cover is reliable enough to count on winter scenery all season. The mix of light and moderate snowfalls means daily travel usually isn’t derailed, but icy conditions are always a risk.
Winter Rain and Mixed Precipitation
Because Saint Petersburg sits near the Gulf of Finland, temperatures often hover right around freezing. That means rain, sleet, and freezing rain can show up even in mid-winter.
You’ll see these more often in November, December, and March, when highs range from -1°C to 2°C (30°F to 36°F).
Winter gets less rain than summer, but mixed precipitation still happens on 5–7 days per month. Rain falling on snow creates icy layers that make walking and driving a pain.
You’ll want to be ready for sudden shifts between snow and rain, especially when warm Atlantic air moves in. Waterproof boots and layered clothes are a must for these unpredictable conditions.
Cloud Cover and Sunlight During Winter
Winters in Saint Petersburg bring heavy cloud cover, very limited sunshine, and short daylight hours. These factors really shape how you plan your day, whether you’re commuting or just trying to get outside.
Average Cloudiness
Cloud cover is probably the most noticeable part of Saint Petersburg’s winter. Skies stay overcast or mostly cloudy about 75–80% of the time, so you only get a handful of clear days each month.
You’ll probably go days without seeing the sun. On average, the city logs just 60 sunny days per year, and most of those aren’t in winter.
Snow often adds to the gray feeling. Sure, it brightens the ground, but thick clouds dull the contrast, making the city seem dim for long stretches. If you’re visiting, be ready for muted light most of the time.
Length of Daylight
Daylight is super short in winter. In December, the sun doesn’t come up until about 10:00 a.m. and sets before 4:00 p.m., so you only get around 6 hours of usable daylight.
By January, days slowly get longer, but you’re still under 7 hours of light. February helps a bit, but winter is mostly a season of long nights.
With so much cloud cover, actual visible sunlight is even less than the daylight hours suggest. That’s part of why the city has a reputation for gloomy winters—sometimes you can go several days without seeing direct sun.
Impact on Daily Life
These conditions affect how you get around. With so little daylight, you might find yourself commuting in the dark both morning and evening. The days feel short, and you have less time for anything outdoors.
People rely on artificial lights at home, work, and on the streets. Shops, museums, and public places often tweak their hours to match the season’s rhythm.
If you’re traveling, plan on indoor activities like the Hermitage or theaters. You can still sightsee outside, but remember there’s less visibility and a smaller window of natural light. Warm clothes and reflective gear help when walking in low light.
Wind, Humidity, and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Saint Petersburg brings steady winds, high humidity, and frequent frost. These factors change how cold the city feels, how slippery the streets get, and how you should get ready for daily life outside.
Prevailing Winter Winds
In winter, you’ll probably notice winds coming in from the southwest and west pretty often. They blow in off the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, bringing damp air that somehow makes the cold bite even more.
Some days, gusts hit 20 to 30 km/h, which just adds to the wind chill. The city’s flat landscape and its closeness to big bodies of water let those winds sweep through easily.
It’s rare to get a perfectly calm day. Even a moderate breeze can make it feel several degrees colder than what the thermometer says.
If you go near open spots like the Neva River or the coastal districts, the wind feels much stronger.
Narrow streets and old courtyards in the city center sometimes help block the wind, but the open waterfront is usually pretty harsh. Definitely throw on a wind-resistant jacket if you plan to be outside for a while.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Saint Petersburg stays humid all winter, usually over 80%. That dampness makes the cold feel heavier and more intense on your skin.
Even if it’s just a bit below freezing, the moist air makes the chill worse. The city sits right on the Gulf of Finland, which explains why it’s always so damp.
Moist air drifts inland and just hangs around, especially when it’s cloudy. With weak sun and short days, the air doesn’t really dry out.
High humidity brings lots of cloud cover too. You’ll see gray skies for days, barely any direct sun.
Honestly, it can make winter feel even darker, but at least it keeps temperatures from dropping as low as they do farther inland in Russia.
Frost and Ice Formation
Frost shows up all the time during Saint Petersburg winters. The mix of high humidity and long nights means frost easily forms on windows, railings, and sidewalks.
Even if there’s not much snow, freezing moisture creates slippery surfaces that you have to watch out for.
Ice forms when the temperature creeps above freezing during the day, then drops again at night. That freeze-thaw cycle is pretty common in late winter, especially February and March.
Streets and walkways can end up with a thin, hard layer of ice. The Neva River and nearby canals freeze over during the coldest months.
Ice thickness changes from year to year, but you really shouldn’t walk on it unless locals say it’s safe. For most people, the worst part is just the icy sidewalks, so sturdy shoes with good grip are a must.
Notable Winter Weather Locations and Landmarks
Winter in St. Petersburg leaves its mark on both the city and nature. Ice, snow, and cold shape the waterways, airports, and travel in ways you can’t ignore.
Neva River Winter Features
The Neva River usually freezes solid in winter, starting from late November and lasting into early spring. Thick ice stops boat traffic completely, turning the river into a huge, frozen landmark.
Snow blankets the embankments, and the canals connected to the Neva freeze too, creating one big icy scene. You’ll see bridges running on limited schedules since no boats are moving.
The wide river surface keeps the air around it damp. Fog and icy winds are pretty common, especially in the mornings.
These conditions can make it hard to see and make walking along the embankments slippery. Still, the frozen Neva is a classic winter sight in the city.
Locals and tourists love snapping photos of the icy river with the old buildings in the background.
Winter Conditions at Pulkovo Airport
Pulkovo Airport, the main international gateway, keeps operating through tough winter weather, but crews have to clear snow and ice constantly. Runways get packed with snow, and teams use de-icing operations for both planes and the ground.
Average winter temperatures hang around -8°C to -3°C, so ice forms often. Sometimes, strong crosswinds make landing tricky, especially in snowstorms.
All this affects what passengers go through. Expect longer waits during boarding because of de-icing, and don’t be surprised by delays if visibility drops too low.
Inside, the terminal stays warm thanks to the heating systems, but it’s smart to allow extra time for winter travel. Taxis and airport buses keep running even in heavy snow, though the roads might move slower than usual.
Winter Conditions at Rzhevka Airport
Rzhevka Airport sits northeast of the city. It mostly serves smaller planes and regional flights.
Winters hit harder here, probably because the infrastructure isn’t as advanced as Pulkovo’s. Snow piles up fast on the single runway.
Crews don’t clear the runway as often, so you’ll probably see more delays when it snows heavily. Pilots have to watch for icy patches and know that braking can be tricky.
Temperatures usually match the rest of the city. But with all that open space, the wind feels stronger out here.
Those gusts can blow snow across runways and taxiways, making things even tougher.
If you’re planning to fly from Rzhevka, keep an eye on your schedule in winter. The airport keeps running, but everything really depends on the weather and how quickly they can clear the snow.