Winter in Arkhangelsk hits hard. If you find yourself here, you’ll face long stretches of subzero temperatures, frequent snowfall, and barely any daylight. The season officially runs from December through February, but let’s be honest, the cold sticks around much longer, shaping nearly everything you do day to day.
Step outside in January and you’ll probably see the average high hovering around -9°C (15°F). At night, it can drop to -16°C (2°F), sometimes even lower. Snow blankets the city for weeks, and daylight is so short—sometimes barely four hours—that winter feels even more intense.
Still, there’s a certain rhythm to life here, even if it’s a tough one. Heavy snowfalls, biting winds off the White Sea—every bit of weather leaves its mark. If you understand these conditions, you’ll have a better shot at preparing, whether you’re moving here or just visiting for a taste of Arkhangelsk’s winter.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Arkhangelsk
Arkhangelsk winters are long, cold, and snowy. Most days, the thermometer stays well below freezing.
January usually brings the coldest weather. The difference between day and night temps changes how you experience winter.
Average High and Low Temperatures by Month
From late November to early March, you’ll rarely see daytime highs above freezing. In December, average highs hit about 21°F (-6°C), and lows drop to 9°F (-13°C).
January is the coldest month. Highs average around 16°F (-9°C), with lows at 4°F (-16°C). By February, it eases up a bit—highs near 19°F (-7°C) and lows about 6°F (-14°C).
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 9°F (-13°C) |
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 4°F (-16°C) |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 6°F (-14°C) |
This steady cold keeps the ground frozen, streets icy, and snow sticking around all season.
Temperature Extremes and Records
But averages don’t tell the whole story. Cold snaps can send temps below -20°F (-29°C), especially at night in January. While not an everyday thing, it happens often enough that you really need proper winter gear.
Sometimes, a warm spell pushes highs toward 32°F (0°C), but that’s rare. Records show Arkhangelsk has dipped to -23°F (-31°C) in the middle of winter.
These swings mean you could have manageable cold one week, then get hit with deep Arctic air the next.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
The difference between day and night temperatures is pretty stark. In winter, the sun barely rises, and daylight lasts just 4 to 6 hours in December and January. That limited sun keeps daytime highs stuck in the teens (Fahrenheit).
At night, without any solar heat, temperatures drop fast. Lows often linger in the single digits, and sometimes dip below zero.
You’ll probably notice nights feel especially brutal, and mornings are often the coldest. Wearing layers and planning anything outdoors during the short daylight window can help you handle the extreme cold a bit better.
Snowfall and Precipitation Patterns
Arkhangelsk winters bring long stretches of snow, lots of gray skies, and steady moisture from snow and the occasional rain. The season isn’t just cold—it’s defined by how often it snows and how much builds up.
Monthly Snowfall Totals
Snow usually starts in late October and gets serious by November. December through March is when you’ll see the most, as the cold locks in.
January tends to have the deepest snow cover, with average lows near -14°C (6°F). Frequent storms add to the pile. Snow can reach several tens of centimeters, building a solid pack that sticks around until spring.
By April, snowfall drops off as highs climb above freezing. But don’t be surprised if snow lingers into May—slow melting is just part of life this far north.
Frequency of Snow and Rain Days
You’ll see precipitation on quite a few winter days, but it’s not always a lot at once. Records show about 13 to 15 days each month with measurable precipitation from November through March.
Most of it falls as snow, but during brief thaws in November and March, you might get rain or freezing rain. In the heart of winter, though, it’s almost all snow.
Clouds hang around, and clear, dry days are rare. Short daylight and frequent snow make winter feel consistently gray and damp, even if there’s not a ton of precipitation.
Precipitation Amounts During Winter
Winter precipitation is moderate here compared to wetter places, but it’s steady. Each winter month gets about 50–80 mm (2–3 inches) of liquid-equivalent precipitation.
December and January usually get less, while February and March pick up a bit more. Most of this is snow, so the actual snow depth far exceeds what the liquid totals suggest.
Humidity often stays above 90%, giving the air a damp, chilly feel. Light snowfalls and high humidity keep everything coated and roads icy most of the season.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Winter in Arkhangelsk means overcast skies, barely any sunshine, and quick changes in daylight. You’ll see cloud cover most days, with only a handful of clear ones, and daylight hours slowly grow as spring approaches.
Average Cloudiness in Winter Months
Clouds just don’t leave in winter. About 80–85% of the season is overcast or mostly cloudy. Most days, the sun barely makes an appearance.
Early February is usually the cloudiest, peaking at about 86% overcast. December is a bit better, but still pretty gray.
Clear skies are rare. Even on the clearest day in early December, you’ve only got about a 19% chance of seeing open sky. When the sun does come out, it’s a big deal.
Number of Sunny Days
Don’t expect many bright days here in winter. In December, you get less than one hour of sunshine per day on average. January improves a little, but it’s still nothing compared to southern places.
February brings a slight uptick, with more daylight and sometimes a break in the clouds. Still, most days stay gloomy or have only diffuse light.
The difference between summer and winter sunshine is wild. In July, you might get over 10 hours of sunshine per day, but in December, it’s just a few minutes. That sharp change really defines Arkhangelsk’s climate.
Daylight Duration and Changes
Daylight hours shift fast in Arkhangelsk during winter. Near the solstice in late December, you only get about 3 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. Sun rises close to 10:20 AM and sets as early as 2:10 PM.
As winter moves on, daylight increases quickly. By late February, you’re up to about 10 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:30 AM and sunset near 5:30 PM.
That’s a gain of roughly 3–4 minutes of daylight per day. If you’re visiting, the difference between early December and late February is huge—the city shifts from almost no daylight to noticeably longer, brighter days.
Wind and Humidity in Winter
Arkhangelsk’s cold season means steady winds and lots of moisture in the air, even though it’s freezing. You’ll definitely notice wind chill and that damp cold that bites more than the numbers suggest.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds can get pretty lively here in winter. Average speeds run from 15 to 25 km/h (9–16 mph), but storms can push gusts even higher.
The wind doesn’t blow all the time, but it’s steady enough to make things feel colder. For example, when it’s -10°C, a 20 km/h wind can make it feel like -18°C. That’s pretty common in January and February.
You’ll get some calmer days, but those are the exception. If you’re out and about, wind is a big part of how cold it feels.
Prevailing Wind Directions
Most winter winds in Arkhangelsk blow in from the southwest and west. These bring in maritime air from the North Atlantic, which sometimes makes things a bit milder and adds humidity.
When winds switch to the north or northeast, the weather takes a turn for the worse. That’s when frigid Arctic air rolls in, making it colder and drier. You’ll often see clear skies with these winds, but the temperatures really plummet.
Depending on wind direction, you might notice comfort levels changing fast. Southwest winds can feel a little less harsh, but a northeast wind? That’s when it gets biting cold.
Typical Humidity Levels
Even though it’s cold, winters here are pretty humid. Relative humidity usually stays in the 75–85% range, which is high for such a cold place.
The cold air can’t hold much moisture, so you get dampness without much rain. Instead, it shows up as frequent snowfall, frost, and overcast skies. Snow sticks around, and the air often feels heavy.
High humidity makes the cold feel sharper. You’ll see condensation on windows and ice on surfaces—it’s just part of life here. Dressing in layers that block both wind and dampness is key to staying comfortable.
Sea Water Temperatures During Winter
The White Sea near Arkhangelsk cools down to nearly freezing in winter. These cold waters shape the local weather and change how the coastline looks and feels.
Average Sea Water Temperatures
In December, sea water averages about 29.6°F (-1.3°C). By January, it drops to around 29.1°F (-1.6°C), and in February, it bottoms out near 28.9°F (-1.7°C). That’s just below the freezing point of fresh water, but salt keeps it liquid.
Month-to-month changes are small, but these near-freezing temps mean ice forms early and thickens through January and February. You’ll see ice formation start in early winter, with solid cover later on.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that sea navigation is tough in the coldest months. Icebreakers often keep shipping routes open, especially near the port.
Impact on Local Climate
The icy sea surface directly shapes Arkhangelsk’s winter. Cold water means the sea can’t really warm the air, so inland cold takes over. That’s why daytime averages stay between 13°F and 20°F (-11°C to -7°C) in midwinter.
Once the sea freezes, it stops releasing moisture into the air. Because of this, precipitation stays lower than in coastal places with open water. It still snows, but not as much as you’d expect for a northern maritime spot.
With little warmth coming from the sea, you get harsher winds and more of a continental winter feel. This frozen sea and bitter air together create the stark, unforgettable climate of Arkhangelsk in winter.
How Winter Weather Affects Daily Life
Winter in Arkhangelsk hits hard with long stretches of cold, tons of snow, and barely any daylight. Honestly, these conditions change how you dress, how you get around, and what you can actually do outside. If you want to stay comfortable and safe, you have to prepare ahead of time.
Clothing and Preparation Tips
Temperatures drop well below freezing. January usually brings lows near -15°C (5°F), so you really need insulated clothing to avoid frostbite and that biting wind chill.
A layered system just works:
- Base layer: Go for thermal underwear to trap heat close to your body.
- Middle layer: Wool or fleece adds some real insulation.
- Outer layer: You’ll want a waterproof, windproof jacket and pants.
Don’t skip on warm footwear. Thick, insulated snow boots block out the cold from the ground. Wool socks are a must—they keep your feet dry and warm.
Accessories aren’t just for looks. A fur-lined hat or a balaclava covers your ears and face, and insulated gloves or mittens keep your hands from going numb. Scarves are great for covering up when the wind gets nasty.
With daylight lasting just a few hours in midwinter, reflective gear or clip-on lights help people see you when you’re out walking. It’s also smart to carry small survival items, like hand warmers or a flashlight, if you’re planning to be outside for a while.
Transportation and Outdoor Activities
Heavy snowfall hits hard here, with over 6 inches pretty normal in December and storms showing up often through March. Roads get icy fast, and sometimes snow crews just can’t keep up.
If you’re driving, you’ll need winter tires. It’s smart to toss a shovel, scraper, and maybe an emergency blanket in your trunk too.
Public transport keeps moving, but honestly, blizzards cause plenty of delays. Sometimes it’s just easier to walk, especially downtown.
Sidewalks get slick, though. I’d suggest ice cleats for your boots—they really help keep you upright.
People here don’t let the cold stop them from having fun outside. Skiing, skating, and ice fishing are all big, but if you try them, bundle up and don’t stay out too long when it’s brutal.
Since daylight is short, most folks get outside in the late morning or early afternoon. You’ll probably want to plan your day around when there’s actually some sun.