When you picture fall in Arkhangelsk, you get a season full of sharp transitions. Temperatures drop fast—cool September days fade into freezing by late November, and daylight shrinks by nearly ten hours. Autumn feels like one of the most dynamic seasons up north.
You’ll wake up to crisp mornings, see clouds almost every day, and watch rain slowly give way to snow as weeks go by. Rain usually kicks off the season, but snow takes over by the end. Winds pick up too, making the cold air bite even more.
If you’re outdoors much, you can’t help but notice how everything changes around you. The rivers and the nearby White Sea cool off quickly, clouds get heavier, and the short growing season ends in a hurry. This mix creates a fall climate that’s both striking and tough, especially if you’re not ready for how fast it all happens.
Overview of Arkhangelsk’s Fall Climate
Arkhangelsk in northern Russia shifts quickly from cool early autumn days to long, dark, snowy late autumn. You’ll see daylight hours shrink, temperatures drop, and rain turn to snow as fall moves along.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Arkhangelsk sits by the White Sea, about 64°N, not far south of the Arctic Circle. That location really shapes its daylight and temperature swings.
The city lands in the Dfb classification on the Köppen scale. So, it has a humid continental climate with cold winters, mild summers, and no real dry season. Precipitation falls year-round, but the type flips from rain to snow in fall.
The White Sea helps moderate the temperature a bit more than you’d get inland. Still, you’ll feel sharp seasonal contrasts. The growing season’s over by mid-September, and frost shows up soon after.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Autumn
In September, daytime highs hover near 58°F (14°C), but by late November, they’re down to about 24°F (-4°C). Nighttime lows fall from 44°F (7°C) early in the season to around 14°F (-10°C) by the end.
Rain dominates September, with monthly totals near 2.3 inches (58 mm). November brings less than half an inch of rain, but snowfall jumps, reaching about 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) in a month.
Cloud cover builds up, and by late fall, skies stay overcast more than 80% of the time. Daylight disappears fast, shrinking from over 14 hours in early September to under 5 hours by late November.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, autumn feels colder and much darker. Summer highs reach the upper 60s°F (around 20°C) with long, bright days, but fall brings a quick drop in both warmth and light.
Winter hits even harder than fall. By January, average highs barely reach 10°F (-12°C) and snow piles up, with daylight almost gone. In fall, you’ll still see some rain, but winter is all about snow and ice.
Spring takes its time. Snow sticks around into April, and real warmth doesn’t show up until late May. Fall, on the other hand, squeezes all its change into just a few weeks—it’s probably the most dramatic shift Arkhangelsk gets all year.
Average Fall Temperatures in Arkhangelsk
Temperatures drop steadily through fall. Early September feels cool and manageable, but late November gets harsh. The season changes quickly, and both highs and lows end up well below freezing by autumn’s close.
Monthly Temperature Trends: September to November
In September, average highs reach about 58°F (14°C), with lows near 44°F (7°C). It’s cool, not cold—though you may spot frost late in the month.
By October, temperatures take a dive. Highs average 41°F (5°C), and lows drop to about 30°F (-1°C). Snow chances rise, and rain starts mixing with sleet.
In November, winter pretty much takes over. Highs average 29°F (-2°C), and lows hit 18°F (-8°C). Snowfall picks up fast, and the ground usually stays frozen.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 58°F / 14°C | 44°F / 7°C | Cool, cloudy, some rain |
| October | 41°F / 5°C | 30°F / -1°C | Cold, mix of rain/snow |
| November | 29°F / -2°C | 18°F / -8°C | Freezing, snow common |
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperature Variations
The gap between day and night temperatures closes as fall goes on. In September, you’ll see about a 14°F (8°C) difference—evenings get chilly, but nothing too wild.
By October, that difference shrinks. Nights cool off fast, and frost becomes the norm. Lows dip below freezing, even if daytime highs squeak above it.
In November, both day and night stay cold. The average range is only about 11°F (6°C). Once the sun drops, so do the temperatures, and with so little daylight, there’s barely a window for warming.
You’ll want to prep for cold mornings and evenings, even if midday feels a bit better.
Record Highs and Lows in Autumn
Averages tell part of the story, but extremes show how wild Arkhangelsk’s fall can get. Early September sometimes sees highs near 68°F (20°C)—a last taste of summer.
On the flip side, November lows have sunk below -7°F (-22°C) during nasty cold snaps. It doesn’t happen often, but when Arctic air sweeps in, you’ll notice.
Record highs in October can reach the 50s°F (10–15°C), but those days are rare. Record lows in October have dropped into the teens°F (-10°C to -12°C).
So, while averages help you plan, sudden changes can make the season feel unpredictable.
Precipitation Patterns During Autumn
Autumn in Arkhangelsk brings more precipitation as things shift from cool, damp September to frequent snowfall by November. You’ll get both rain and snow, but as temperatures drop, snow starts winning out.
Monthly Rainfall and Snowfall Amounts
September still gets the most rain. Average precipitation sits around 50–60 mm, mostly steady showers. It feels damp, not wintry, though cool nights can bring some frost.
October keeps similar totals, about 45–55 mm, but snow shows up more often. Rain still falls, but wet snow or mixed stuff becomes common as highs hover near freezing.
By November, winter’s here for real. Rainfall drops, but snowfall spikes, often with 25 days of measurable snow. Precipitation averages 50–60 mm, but now it’s mostly snow, and you’ll see it start to stick around.
| Month | Avg Precipitation | Main Type |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~55 mm | Rain |
| October | ~50 mm | Rain/Snow mix |
| November | ~55 mm | Snow |
Number of Precipitation Days
Wet or snowy days come often in autumn. September usually brings 14–16 days with measurable precipitation. Most days are rainy, but you might get a few light snow showers late in the month.
October bumps that up to about 16–18 days. The rain-snow mix makes planning tricky, so you’ll want to stay flexible.
By November, you’ll see 20–25 days with precipitation. Snow takes over, and snow cover usually sticks through the end of the month. All those snowy days really mean winter’s settled in.
Transition from Rain to Snow
Rain doesn’t just switch to snow overnight in Arkhangelsk. In September, almost everything that falls is rain. Temperatures stay mild enough to keep it that way.
October brings mixed weather. Rain can turn to snow in a single day, especially in the evenings when it gets colder. You’ll see slush, and wet snow often melts fast.
By November, it’s mostly snow. Rain gets rare, and snow starts building up for the winter. Once the ground freezes, snow cover sticks, and late autumn feels more like early winter here.
Humidity and Wind Conditions in Fall
Fall in Arkhangelsk brings higher humidity as temperatures drop, and the winds pick up, making everything feel colder. Moisture and wind both shift from early September to late November, shaping how comfortable—or harsh—the season feels.
Average Humidity Levels by Month
Humidity stays high in Arkhangelsk, and fall is no exception. In September, average relative humidity is about 75–80%. That still feels okay because the air’s not too cold yet.
By October, humidity rises to 82–85% as the air cools and holds less moisture. Things feel damper, especially when early snow shows up.
In November, average humidity often hits 85–89%. Pair that with freezing temperatures, and the air feels heavy and cuts right through you. You’ll notice condensation on windows and a stubborn chill indoors if you don’t have good heating.
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| September | 75–80 |
| October | 82–85 |
| November | 85–89 |
The quick jump from cool and damp to cold and clammy really matters when you’re picking clothes or planning time outside.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in Arkhangelsk during fall average 12–16 km/h (7–10 mph), but gusts can get stronger by the sea. September usually brings milder breezes from the southwest—brisk, but not too harsh.
By October, winds switch more to the north and northwest, dragging in colder Arctic air. Speeds stay steady but feel sharper as it gets colder.
In November, winds mostly come from the north. Gusts sometimes top 20 km/h (12 mph), making the freezing air feel even colder.
- September: Southwest winds, moderate strength
- October: Northwest winds, cooler and sharper
- November: Northern winds, frequent gusts, stronger chill
You’ll want to prep for falling temperatures and the windchill, especially as the season goes on.
Other Atmospheric Conditions
During autumn in Arkhangelsk, the sky usually turns gray, and daylight hours disappear fast. These changes affect how much sun you see and how the city feels as fall rolls in.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Clouds build up in fall, and you’ll see fewer clear days than in summer. September still gives you a few partly sunny days, but by October and November, overcast skies really take over. That makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Sunshine hours drop off quickly. In September, you get around 13 hours of daylight and a handful of hours with real sun. By October, sunshine is scarce, with thick cloud layers blocking most direct light.
By November, sunshine is almost gone. The sun barely rises, and with heavy cloud cover, the city often feels dim all day. If you’re planning to be outside, grab what little bright light you can early in the season, and expect mostly gray skies later on.
Daylight Duration Changes
Arkhangelsk sits pretty far north, so daylight drops off fast in autumn. In early September, you still get about 13 hours of daylight. By late November, though, you’re down to less than 6 hours per day.
The change doesn’t really creep up on you—it hits hard. Every week, you’ll notice the days shrinking, and it can throw off your routine.
Travelers sometimes struggle with those short days, especially when the sky stays gray and heavy.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight hours:
| Month | Approx. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 12–13 hours |
| October | 9–10 hours |
| November | 5–6 hours |
You’ll want to plan sightseeing with this in mind, since outdoor time gets squeezed as fall goes on.
What to Expect and How to Prepare for Fall Weather
Fall in Arkhangelsk means shorter days, colder air, and the weather seems to change on a whim. Temperatures can drop suddenly, and those damp winds off the White Sea bite harder than you’d think.
If you want to stay comfortable and safe, you’ll need to prepare.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Temperatures slide down from pretty mild in early September to freezing by November. You’ll see rain and even wet snow, so waterproof layers really matter.
A warm, insulated jacket, water-resistant boots, and thermal underlayers will help a lot.
Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a scarf—the wind can sting even before winter officially starts. Wool or synthetics are your friends, since they keep you warm even if you get damp. Cotton’s not great, honestly, because it dries so slowly and just makes you colder.
You might want to carry a compact umbrella for light rain, but most days, the wind just flips umbrellas inside out. A hooded jacket with a sturdy zipper works better.
A small backpack with a waterproof cover comes in handy for extra layers, snacks, or maybe a thermos of hot tea.
Outdoor Activities and Considerations
Fall feels like a great time to walk along the Northern Dvina River or wander through the nearby forests. Just remember, you’ll want to plan ahead.
Trails get muddy fast, and the daylight disappears before you know it. If you think you’ll be out late, toss a flashlight or headlamp in your bag.
Lots of folks still go hunting and fishing. Just make sure you check the local rules, and expect wet ground and chilly mornings.
Birds are on the move this time of year, so if you like spotting wildlife, you might find it especially satisfying.
If you’re driving, keep in mind that early frosts can make the roads pretty slick before the snow even shows up.
It’s smart to stash an ice scraper, warm blanket, and emergency kit in your car.
Weather in the fall can flip in an instant, so staying flexible with your plans makes the season a lot more enjoyable—and honestly, safer too.