Fall in Yekaterinburg brings quick changes that really shape how you experience the city. You’ll notice temperatures dropping from mild September days near 17°C (62°F) to freezing conditions by late November, often dipping below -6°C (20°F). This shift signals the end of the short Siberian summer and the start of the long, snowy winter ahead.
As the weeks pass, daylight hours shrink by more than six hours. Cloud cover thickens, and rain gives way to steady snowfall. By November, snow often replaces rain almost entirely. Winds from the west pick up and become more noticeable, changing the feel of the city. The difference between early and late autumn is pretty dramatic.
If you’re planning a visit or just want to make the most of the season, it helps to know these patterns. September’s crisp air is great for walks, but November’s icy mornings require some serious preparation. From temperature swings to shorter days and shifting skies, autumn in Yekaterinburg really shows how the region slides into winter.
Overview of Fall Weather in Yekaterinburg
Fall in Yekaterinburg brings a rapid shift from mild late-summer days to early winter conditions. You’ll notice shorter daylight hours, more cloud cover, and a clear transition from rain to snow as fall moves along.
General Climate Characteristics
You’ll feel a sharp cooling trend from September through November. Average daytime highs start around 17°C (62°F) in early September and drop below -6°C (20°F) by late November. Nighttime lows fall even faster, often hitting -13°C (9°F) before winter truly sets in.
Rain dominates the early weeks, but by November, snow falls more often. Total precipitation drops, but it switches from rain to snow. For example:
- September: About 50 mm of rainfall, mostly rain
- October: Mixed rain and snow, lighter totals
- November: Over 130 mm of snowfall on average
Clouds thicken, with overcast skies jumping from about 57% in early fall to 75% by the end. Daylight shrinks fast, from nearly 14 hours in early September to just over 7 hours by late November.
Continental Influences on Fall
Yekaterinburg sits deep inside Russia, far from any moderating seas. This spot explains the strong seasonal contrast you’ll notice. Heat escapes quickly after summer, and cold Arctic air masses move in without much resistance.
The change isn’t gradual. You might get a few mild days in early September, but by mid-October, frost is common. By November, snow cover often settles in for good.
Unlike coastal climates, there’s little buffering, so temperature swings can be sudden. Winds matter too. Average speeds rise from about 10 km/h in September to 13 km/h in late fall. Most winds come from the west, carrying dry, cold air across the Urals, which makes it feel even colder outside.
Geographic and Urban Factors
Yekaterinburg sits on the eastern slope of the Ural Mountains at about 255 meters above sea level. The land around the city is pretty flat, so cold fronts can sweep through quickly.
The city’s spot at the border of Europe and Asia means it gets both Siberian and European air masses. Siberian systems bring dry, frigid weather, while western systems can carry in moisture that turns into snow.
City features play a role too. Concrete and dense housing create a small heat island effect, so city nights stay a bit warmer than the countryside. Still, this effect is pretty modest and doesn’t stop snow and frost from arriving early.
Temperature Trends and Variations
Fall in Yekaterinburg brings a sharp drop in temperatures. Mild early September days turn into freezing conditions by late November. You’ll notice steady cooling, shorter daylight, and a clear switch from rain to snow as autumn moves on.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
In September, average highs hit about 17°C (62°F), with lows near 7°C (45°F). October brings highs down to around 7°C (45°F), and lows hover close to 0°C (32°F). November is the big change—highs near -6°C (21°F) and lows around -13°C (9°F).
This transition happens fast. In just three months, you go from light jacket weather to needing heavy winter gear. Nights cool off faster than days, which shortens the growing season and signals winter’s early arrival.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 17°C / 62°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 0°C / 32°F |
| November | -6°C / 21°F | -13°C / 9°F |
Daily and Hourly Temperature Changes
Temperatures shift not just month-to-month, but also throughout the day. Early September mornings start cool, then warm up nicely by afternoon. By late November, mornings are below freezing, and afternoons rarely get above freezing either.
Hourly averages show a clear pattern: daytime warmth is limited, and nights cool off quickly. The gap between day and night temps narrows in November, when both day and night just stay cold.
You may need different layers throughout the day in early fall. By late fall, though, it’s just cold all the time and heavier clothing becomes necessary from morning through night.
Temperature Extremes in Fall
Averages tell one story, but extremes show the real range. Early in the season, highs can still reach 24°C (75°F). By November, lows can plunge to -25°C (-13°F).
These swings don’t happen every day, but they show how quickly weather can change. Warm spells in September might feel like summer, while sudden cold snaps in October or November can bring winter-like conditions out of nowhere.
You should always expect some variability. Even as averages trend downward, unseasonably warm afternoons or bitterly cold mornings can pop up any time during fall in Yekaterinburg.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Fall in Yekaterinburg brings a steady decline in rainfall as the season goes on. You’ll see wetter conditions at the start of September, but by late November, snow replaces rain and things dry out fast.
Monthly Average Rainfall
Rainfall in early fall is moderate. In September, the city averages about 1.9 inches (48 mm) of precipitation, though it sometimes climbs above 3 inches. By October, the total drops closer to 1 inch (25 mm).
By November, actual rainfall is rare, with averages falling to 0.1–0.2 inches (2–5 mm). This sharp drop signals the shift from a rainy early season to a dry, cold late fall.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall | Range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18–90 mm |
| October | 25 mm (1 in) | 10–40 mm |
| November | 2–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) | minimal |
This steady decrease makes fall one of the driest transitions of the year in Yekaterinburg.
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days drops quickly during autumn. In September, you’ll see 10–12 days with measurable precipitation. By October, it’s around 7–8 days.
By November, the average falls to just 2–3 days of rain, and most moisture shows up as light snow instead. You’ll notice fewer wet days as temperatures cool.
July is the wettest month of the year with about 15 rainy days. Autumn never really gets close to that. Shorter daylight and colder air mean clouds just don’t produce as much rain.
Transition from Rain to Snow
By late October and into November, rain starts giving way to snow. You’ll often see mixed precipitation—light rain turning to sleet or wet snow.
In November, most of the 23 mm of precipitation comes as snow, not rain. Snowfall days go up while rain days nearly vanish.
This transition matters if you’re traveling, since roads may get icy even when rainfall seems low. By the end of fall, winter conditions take over.
Humidity and Atmospheric Moisture
Humidity plays a big role in how you’ll feel during fall in Yekaterinburg. Cooler air holds less moisture, but even as temperatures drop, the air can feel damp and heavy—especially later in the season.
Relative Humidity Levels
During fall, relative humidity in Yekaterinburg usually stays between 65% and 80%. Early September feels less humid, with levels at the lower end. By October and November, humidity rises as colder air traps more moisture.
You’ll probably notice mornings and evenings feel wetter than afternoons. Cooler nighttime temperatures allow more condensation, which makes it feel damper. Fog isn’t rare, especially near rivers and low spots.
High humidity plus cool temps can make the air feel colder than the thermometer says. For travelers, a 10°C day with 75% humidity might feel less comfortable than the same temperature in drier air. Packing water-repellent layers helps you stay comfortable outside.
Seasonal Changes in Humidity
As fall moves along, humidity trends upward. September averages around 68–70%, so you’ll get relatively mild comfort levels. By late November, relative humidity often reaches 78–80%, making the air feel heavy and adding to the early winter chill.
This change also affects how precipitation forms. In September, you’ll see more light rain. By October and November, higher humidity and colder air lead to frequent drizzle, sleet, or the first snowfalls.
For daily life, expect damp conditions indoors and outdoors. Homes and hotels may feel more humid, and clothes take longer to dry. If you plan outdoor activities, be ready for slower drying times for gear and a bigger chance of slippery surfaces from all the moisture.
Wind Conditions in Autumn
During autumn in Yekaterinburg, wind conditions shift as temperatures drop and daylight hours get shorter. Speeds increase a bit from early to late fall, and wind direction starts favoring more northerly and westerly flows as winter creeps in.
Average Wind Speed by Month
In September, you’ll usually get lighter winds with an average speed of about 3–3.5 m/s (roughly 7–8 mph). These breezes feel mild and aren’t too noticeable when daytime temps are still comfortable.
By October, winds pick up a bit, averaging around 3.5–4 m/s. Cooler air from the north and west drives this increase. You might notice more frequent gusts, especially on cloudy or rainy days.
November brings the steadiest and often strongest winds of the season. Average speeds climb closer to 4–4.5 m/s (9–10 mph). With colder air taking over, winds feel sharper and more persistent. Gusts above the monthly average are pretty common, especially during passing cold fronts.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (m/s) | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 3.0–3.5 | 7–8 |
| October | 3.5–4.0 | 8–9 |
| November | 4.0–4.5 | 9–10 |
Prevailing Wind Patterns
You probably notice the wind starts shifting direction in autumn. Early on, breezes usually come from the southwest, so the air feels a bit milder.
This pattern keeps temperatures comfortable through September.
But as October rolls in, winds turn more westerly and northwesterly. These bring cooler, drier air from inland, making the days feel chillier and skies more overcast.
By November, northerly winds really take over. They pull in colder Arctic air, often right as the first lasting snow arrives.
Stronger, colder winds in late autumn make the season feel a lot harsher.
If you’re planning to travel, expect calm or moderate breezes in early fall. As winter gets closer, you’ll want to prepare for brisk, colder winds.
Daylight, Cloud Cover, and Sunlight
During fall in Yekaterinburg, you’ll spot steady changes in daylight and sky conditions. Shorter days, less sunshine, and more clouds can really change how you plan your time outside.
Hours of Daylight and Twilight
In September, you get 11.6 to 13.9 hours of daylight. That’s plenty of time to be out and about.
By October, the day shrinks to 9.2–11.5 hours, and in November it drops to just 7.3–9.1 hours.
You’ll notice sunsets come earlier and nights get longer as fall goes on. Twilight feels longer too, especially late in the season—those low sun angles really stretch out dusk.
If you’re here in September, you can sightsee well into the evening. By November, you’ll need to start activities earlier since daylight disappears fast.
| Month | Approx. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 11.6–13.9 h |
| October | 9.2–11.5 h |
| November | 7.3–9.1 h |
Cloud Cover Trends
Clouds start to take over as fall goes on. In September, you get around 8 sunny days, but the sky’s often just partly clear.
By October, there are only about 5 sunny days, and November drops to 4 days with clear skies.
So, most of the season feels overcast, especially near the end. The low sun angle makes cloudy days seem even darker, which can really change the mood outside.
You’ll see less direct sunshine and more soft, diffused light. If you want clearer skies, early fall’s your best bet. Late fall? Expect mostly gray and overcast days.
Weather Monitoring and Local Reference Points
People in Yekaterinburg track weather using both local observations and regional reports. Aviation and meteorological stations supply the most reliable data for temperature, wind, and precipitation—locals and travelers both rely on these numbers.
Role of Koltsovo Airport in Weather Reporting
Koltsovo Airport stands out as the main weather monitoring hub in Yekaterinburg. Since it’s southeast of the city, it works well as a reference for official climate records.
The airport runs all year, so it collects constant data on temperature, wind speed, humidity, and visibility.
Aviation demands precise, frequent updates, so you get more detailed forecasts from Koltsovo than from general citywide reports. Pilots, airlines, and ground crews depend on these readings, and meteorological agencies use the same info.
Measurements from the airport set a baseline for tracking seasonal changes. For example, when fall temperatures drop or snow hits early, Koltsovo records it first before the rest of the region hears about it.
If you want reliable local weather info, Koltsovo is the go-to source.
Accessing Reliable Weather Data
You can grab dependable weather data for Yekaterinburg from a bunch of different sources. Koltsovo Airport shares official reports, and national and international forecasting services pick them up to keep things consistent.
Websites that track climate averages usually rely on airport records. They show average highs and lows, precipitation totals, and daylight hours.
A lot of these platforms toss in helpful charts, so you can spot how conditions change each week during the fall.
For practical use, I’d suggest checking a few sources. Airport data gives you the most accurate numbers, but broader services add context—like cloud cover trends or seasonal snowfall.
Mixing both types of info gives you a better picture, whether you’re planning a trip, heading outdoors, or just trying to figure out what to wear.