Summer in St. Petersburg feels pretty mild compared to other European cities, but it’s got its own rhythm. Daytime highs usually hover around 20–23°C (68–73°F), and nights often cool down near 15°C (59°F).
You won’t see much extreme heat, so outdoor activities stay comfortable. The city’s northern spot shapes summer in ways you might not expect.
Long daylight hours stretch well into the evening, giving you more time to wander the canals, palaces, and parks. Cloud cover and quick rain showers break up the sunshine, so a light jacket or umbrella comes in handy.
This blend of mild temperatures, endless daylight, and ever-changing skies really shapes daily life in summer. Whether you’re strolling Nevsky Prospekt, hopping on a boat, or chasing the White Nights, the weather sets the pace.
Overview of Summer Weather in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s summer brings mild to warm temps, lots of clouds, and those famously long days. Rain happens often, but it mostly comes as light or moderate showers spread across several days, not downpours.
Typical Summer Climate
July is usually the warmest, with daytime temps averaging 19–23°C (66–73°F). Nights stay cooler, dropping to about 14–15°C (57–59°F).
Heat waves don’t show up often, but sometimes highs can push near 30°C (86°F).
Rainfall spreads through the season, with July and August each getting about 85 mm of precipitation. Showers come and go quickly, and cloudy skies stick around. In June and July, you’ll see the sun for about 7–9 hours a day, though that drops a bit in August.
The city’s northern latitude means super long days. Around the solstice, you get those “white nights” when the sky never really gets dark. It’s a little surreal, honestly, and lets you stay out late.
Length of the Summer Season
The summer season usually runs from early June through late August. June starts off a bit cooler, with highs near 20°C (68°F), but the long daylight hours make it a special time to visit.
July is the warmest and most settled, so evenings feel pretty mild. By late August, temps start to dip, with highs around 21°C (70°F) and lows near 14°C (57°F). Rain picks up a bit more towards the end.
If you want to explore outside, bring light layers for the day and a jacket for the evening. An umbrella or raincoat is smart, since showers can pop up fast.
Humidity and Air Quality
Humidity in summer usually lands between 70–80%. The air feels damp, but it’s not often muggy unless there’s a short warm spell.
Cooler nights help balance out the moisture.
Air quality stays good, thanks to breezes from the Gulf of Finland that sweep away pollutants. On still, humid days, the air can feel heavy, especially in busy parts of the city.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, plan to take breaks inside or find shade. Clothes that dry quickly will help you deal with the dampness.
Average Summer Temperatures
Summer in St. Petersburg brings gentle daytime warmth, cooler nights, and a steady change from June to August. Temperatures don’t swing to extremes, but you’ll notice the drop at night.
Monthly Average Highs
Highs in summer stay moderate when compared to other European cities. In June, average highs sit around 66°F (19°C).
July hits its peak near 73°F (23°C). By August, the average slips to about 68°F (20°C).
Heat waves are rare, but sometimes highs reach 83°F (28°C). These warmer days don’t last long, and the northern latitude keeps things manageable.
Here’s what typical summer highs look like:
| Month | Avg. High °F | Avg. High °C |
|---|---|---|
| June | 66°F | 19°C |
| July | 73°F | 23°C |
| August | 68°F | 20°C |
These averages make sightseeing easy, though you’ll probably want a jacket for the evenings.
Monthly Average Lows
Nights cool off, which feels pretty different from the daytime warmth. In June, average lows are about 50°F (10°C).
July nights are a bit milder at 55°F (13°C). By August, lows drop to around 52°F (11°C).
Sometimes, especially early in the season, it can get chilly. Temps might dip to 38°F (3°C) in June, though that’s not common. On the flip side, a few warm nights above 60°F (16°C) can show up in late July.
| Month | Avg. Low °F | Avg. Low °C |
|---|---|---|
| June | 50°F | 10°C |
| July | 55°F | 13°C |
| August | 52°F | 11°C |
You’ll want to pack layers if you plan to stay out late.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
The gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows usually sits at 15–20°F (8–10°C). This makes evenings feel much cooler.
Take late July, for example. Daytime highs average 73°F (23°C), but nighttime lows are closer to 55°F (13°C). You’ll probably want a sweater or light coat after sunset.
Because June and July have such long days, the warmth sticks around into the evening. By August, shorter days mean it cools down faster after dark.
Record Summer Temperatures
St. Petersburg’s summer can swing wildly. Most days stay mild or warm, but the city has seen both extreme heat events and some shockingly cool nights.
Record Highs
The hottest day ever in St. Petersburg hit 37.1 °C (98.8 °F) on August 7, 2010. That was during a severe heatwave that swept over western Russia.
In June, July, and August, record highs have often broken 30 °C (86 °F). For example:
- June: 35.9 °C
- July: 35.3 °C
- August: 37.1 °C
These numbers are way above the usual summer highs of 20–23 °C. If you’re in town during a hot spell, those long daylight hours can really make the heat drag on, especially in July.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they show St. Petersburg can sometimes rival southern Europe for heat.
Record Lows
Even in summer, St. Petersburg has had some surprisingly cold nights. The lowest summer temperatures have dropped close to freezing, which feels odd for the season.
Here are a few examples:
- June: 0.1 °C
- July: 4.9 °C
- August: 1.3 °C
These lows show that Arctic air can still sneak in, especially in early June or late August. Most nights sit between 12–15 °C, but if you’re out late or heading beyond the city, you might want to be ready for a sudden chill.
These cold snaps don’t last long, but they’re a reminder of how unpredictable the northern climate can be.
Historical Temperature Variations
St. Petersburg’s summer temperature records really show a big range. The difference between the all-time high of 37.1 °C and a low near 0 °C is pretty wild.
Data from 1991–2020 confirms that while average highs stay moderate, the city has seen plenty of summers with temps above 30 °C. At the same time, those occasional cold nights remind you how the city’s latitude keeps it open to northern air.
Packing for summer here means thinking ahead. Light clothes work for warm days, but you’ll be glad for a jacket or sweater when things cool off.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Summer in St. Petersburg means steady rain, lots of clouds, and pretty high humidity. Wet weather shapes daily life, so you’ll want to plan for showers even in the warmest months.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in summer is moderate but steady. June, July, and August each see about 70–80 mm of precipitation. August is usually the wettest month, close to 80 mm, while June is a bit drier.
This keeps the city’s parks and gardens looking lush. You won’t get tropical downpours, though. Instead, expect regular light to moderate showers.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~70 mm |
| July | ~75 mm |
| August | ~80 mm |
Showers come and go through the month, not in big storms. Rain is more of a regular guest than a dramatic event.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rain doesn’t just add up in totals—it spreads over many days. Each summer month brings 12–15 days with measurable precipitation. That’s nearly half the days in June, July, and August.
Most rainy days just bring short showers or drizzle, usually in the afternoon or evening. All-day rain happens less often, but August can see a few of those.
The city’s spot by the Gulf of Finland means weather changes fast. You might wake up to sunshine and get rain by lunch. Carrying a light raincoat or umbrella just makes sense.
Humidity Trends
Humidity sticks around in summer, thanks to the city’s northern spot and all that nearby water. Relative humidity averages 75% to 85% from June through August.
This makes warm days feel heavier, even if temps stay in the low 20s °C. Nights are damp, and mornings often start with mist or low clouds.
With frequent rainfall and high humidity, clothes dry slowly and indoor spaces can feel stuffy if they’re not aired out. Light, breathable clothing makes life easier, and you’ll want to be ready for dampness most days.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In St. Petersburg, summer means long days with tons of daylight, but also plenty of clouds. You’ll get a mix—sometimes it’s bright, sometimes overcast, and daylight stretches far into the evening.
Average Daily Sunshine
On average, summer gives you 6 to 9 hours of direct sunshine per day. July usually tops out near 9 hours, while June and August come in a bit lower.
Even with all that daylight, clouds cover the sky a lot. About 48–55% of daylight hours are overcast, so direct sunlight can be hit or miss. Long days don’t always mean clear skies.
Here’s a quick look at average sunshine hours:
| Month | Average Sunshine (per day) |
|---|---|
| June | ~8h 45m |
| July | ~8h 55m |
| August | ~6h 50m |
So, you get long days, but the light is soft and less intense—kind of a gentle version of summer.
Length of Daylight Hours
St. Petersburg sits at a latitude that gives you some of the wildest daylight swings in Europe. In June, you’ll see about 18 hours and 40 minutes of daylight. July isn’t far behind, averaging nearly 18 hours.
By August, daylight drops to around 15 and a half hours. It’s a noticeable change but still feels long compared to most places.
The longest day lands near the summer solstice in late June. The sun pops up before 4:00 a.m., and you won’t see it set until nearly 10:30 p.m.
Even the shortest summer day, in late August, gives you more than 15 hours of light. That’s a lot of time to be out and about.
| Month | Average Daylight (per day) |
|---|---|
| June | ~18h 40m |
| July | ~17h 55m |
| August | ~15h 35m |
Honestly, these long days make summer in the city feel completely different from anywhere else.
White Nights Phenomenon
From late May to mid-July, you get the famous White Nights. The sun never really disappears, just hovering below the horizon.
Even at midnight, the sky stays bright enough that you can walk outside without flipping on a light. It’s surreal.
June is when this effect hits its peak, especially during the solstice. Nights don’t get truly dark—they just fade into a long twilight.
St. Petersburg’s spot just below the Arctic Circle makes all this possible.
You’ll notice the White Nights most from late May through early July, with the brightest stretch in mid-to-late June. By mid-July, the magic slowly fades and daylight hours shrink.
Honestly, it’s hard not to feel the city’s whole mood shift during this time. Near-continuous light changes everything.
How Summer Weather Impacts Daily Life
Warm, often cloudy days and long hours of daylight shape how you plan your time, travel, and even what you do at home in St. Petersburg’s summer.
Humid evenings add another layer. You get both great opportunities and a few hassles in your daily routine.
Outdoor Activities and Events
When you get nearly 19 hours of sun, it’s tough not to stay out late. City parks, rivers, and canals fill up, especially during those endless evenings.
Locals and visitors hang around well past midnight, soaking up the White Nights while they last.
Cultural events take over the city. Festivals, concerts, and open-air shows pop up everywhere, especially near the Peter and Paul Fortress or along the Neva River.
Crowds get big, so if you hate waiting, it pays to plan ahead.
Weather definitely affects what you wear. Even if the day starts warm, evenings can cool off fast. A light sweater or jacket comes in handy.
Mosquitoes? Yeah, they’re around, especially near water or in old buildings. Most people keep repellents or plug-in fumigators nearby.
Travel and Tourism Considerations
Tourist numbers really spike in summer, so you’ll want to book hotels, tours, and tickets early. Big attractions like the Hermitage or Peterhof fountains draw long lines.
If you go early in the day or on a weekday, you’ll usually wait less.
The weather stays pretty mild, with highs around 69°F (20°C). Rain can happen, but showers usually don’t last long. A small umbrella or rain jacket makes life easier.
Public transport keeps running late into the night, which is a lifesaver during those endless evenings.
If you’re thinking about day trips outside the city, summer’s the time to do it. Roads and trains work well, and you skip the tough weather other seasons bring.
Just keep in mind, prices for hotels and services go up because everyone wants to visit.
Preparing Your Home for Summer
You’ve got to pay attention to your home when summer rolls around. Humidity often goes up indoors, especially if you live in an older apartment.
Try using a small dehumidifier, or just crack the windows to keep air moving. That really helps keep things comfortable.
Mosquitoes show up like clockwork and can drive you crazy. Put up window screens or plug in insect repellents like Raptor or Raid—those are cheap and you’ll find them in most shops.
Since daylight sticks around almost all night in June, you might want blackout curtains or an eye mask. If you need total darkness to sleep, those little changes can make a big difference.