Winter in Vladivostok hits hard after the mild summers. Freezing air rolls in from Siberia and the Sea of Japan. You can expect average daytime highs around 21°F (-6°C) in January, while nights often drop near 5°F (-15°C). These temperatures turn the city’s winter into a season of crisp skies, biting winds, and regular snowfall.
Most of the season runs from December through February, when the cold settles in and snow becomes part of daily life. Snowfall isn’t as heavy as you might expect for Russia, but it still covers the streets and creates that unmistakable winter vibe.
The cold usually comes with clear skies, which makes the season feel brighter, even though the temperatures stay low.
It helps to know what you’re in for. The winds sweep across the hills, days get shorter, and rainfall is pretty limited.
All these details shape how you’ll move through the city and plan your time.
Overview of Winter Climate in Vladivostok
Winter in Vladivostok means long stretches of freezing temperatures, not much snow, and frequent winds. The city’s coastal geography, strong Siberian air currents, and its spot near East Asia all play a role.
When you compare Vladivostok to other Russian cities, the cold feels severe but not as extreme as deep in the interior.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Vladivostok sits on the Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula, surrounded by the Sea of Japan. This coastal spot softens the cold a bit, but it also brings frequent winds that make everything feel colder.
The Siberian High, a strong high-pressure system, sends dry, frigid air south into the region. These northern winds rule most of the winter, so skies stay clear but temperatures drop.
Snow doesn’t fall as often here as it does in central Russia because the air stays pretty dry. When it does snow, it’s usually light and doesn’t pile up much.
The sea stays icy, averaging only about 1 °C in February, and it adds to the chill.
Duration and Timing of Winter Season
Winter in Vladivostok usually starts in November and sticks around until late March. January stands out as the coldest stretch, with average temperatures around -12 °C (10 °F).
Nights can dip below -20 °C (-4 °F), especially during those nasty cold waves.
Unlike some Siberian cities far from the coast, Vladivostok’s winter is pretty dry. January and February often bring less than 20 mm of precipitation each, and that’s spread over just a few days.
So you’ll see a lot of sunshine and clear skies, even though the air stays freezing.
Daylight is in short supply during mid-winter, with about 9 hours in January. Winds can hit over 20 km/h, which makes the cold bite even more.
By March, temperatures start to climb, but nights stay below freezing until the month wraps up.
Comparison With Other Russian Cities
Compared to Moscow, Vladivostok gets colder average winter temperatures but less snow. Moscow winters are cloudier and wetter, while Vladivostok’s are sunnier and drier.
If you look at Yakutsk, one of Siberia’s coldest cities, Vladivostok feels much milder. Yakutsk can drop below -40 °C, which Vladivostok never does.
St. Petersburg’s winters get shaped by the Baltic Sea, while Vladivostok’s are all about monsoon patterns and Siberian winds.
This means clearer skies here, but the wind chill hits harder. Travelers often say Vladivostok’s winter weather is harsh, but still more manageable than what you’ll find deep in Siberia.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Winter in Vladivostok drags on with cold weather, average highs below freezing, and lows that dip way down. Things stay pretty steady from December through February, but January is usually the coldest.
Monthly Temperature Averages
In December, average highs hover near 26°F (-3°C), and lows often drop to about 14°F (-10°C).
January, the coldest month, brings daily highs around 20°F (-7°C) and lows near 4°F (-15°C).
February warms up just a bit, with highs around 27°F (-3°C) and lows closer to 12°F (-11°C).
Even with this slight bump, temperatures usually stay below freezing most of the month.
For a little perspective, summer highs in Vladivostok reach the upper 60s to low 70s °F. The contrast is pretty wild.
The winter chill dominates for almost four months, so you really need to gear up for steady cold.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 26 (-3) | 14 (-10) |
| January | 20 (-7) | 4 (-15) |
| February | 27 (-3) | 12 (-11) |
Record Lows and Extremes
Average temperatures give you a decent idea, but Vladivostok can get much colder. Occasionally, temperatures have plunged below -20°F (-29°C) during severe cold snaps.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they’re possible, especially in January.
Record highs in winter aren’t as wild, but they’re still worth mentioning. Some days in December or February might briefly hit 40°F (4°C), though that’s rare.
These warm spells usually show up when winds shift and bring in milder air from the south.
The extremes show just how unpredictable winter can be. You might wake up to bitter cold, then suddenly get a surprisingly mild afternoon.
This kind of swing is all part of Vladivostok’s continental climate.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
The difference between day and night temperatures in Vladivostok really stands out. Daytime highs usually stay in the 20s °F, but after sunset, readings often fall into the single digits or even lower.
Nights in January hit especially hard, with average lows near 4°F (-15°C). Wind from the north can make it feel even colder, so the real feel outside might be much worse than the number suggests.
Daytime hours offer a little relief. Even a few degrees warmer can matter if you plan to be outside.
If you visit, expect the coldest part of the day just before sunrise, when it’s calm and temperatures bottom out.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Winter in Vladivostok brings light to moderate precipitation, mostly as snow. Rain is rare during the coldest months, but you might get the occasional freezing drizzle or sleet if temperatures nudge above freezing.
Average Snowfall and Rainfall
Snow is the main type of precipitation in Vladivostok during winter. On average, you can expect 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) of snow per month from December through February.
Snow depth builds up over time, but strong winds can scatter it and leave some spots bare.
Rainfall almost never happens in mid-winter, since temperatures stay below freezing. However, in early December and late February, you might see brief rain or sleet if warmer air drifts in from the south.
Snowfall doesn’t come in a steady stream. Instead, it tends to show up in bursts—a single snowstorm might drop several centimeters, then you’ll get a stretch of dry, cold days.
This pattern means the ground usually stays snow-covered, even when it hasn’t snowed in a while.
Frequency of Wet Days
You’ll get 7–10 days with measurable precipitation per month in winter. Most of these days bring light snowfall instead of big storms.
Unlike summer, when rain is frequent, winter precipitation comes less often and with longer dry spells in between.
Snowfall days usually don’t bring a ton of moisture. Even though snow falls regularly, the total water content is pretty modest compared to summer rains.
Freezing drizzle can happen, especially near the coast. These events don’t happen often, but they can make roads and sidewalks dangerously slick.
If you’re planning to travel during winter, keep this in mind.
Seasonal Variability in Precipitation
Precipitation shifts across the winter months. December often brings the first lasting snow cover, with moderate snowfall.
January is usually the driest, with fewer storms and lighter snow. February sees a slight uptick again as spring starts to creep in.
You’ll notice differences in both snow depth and how often storms roll through, depending on when you visit.
Early winter might feel wetter because of mixed precipitation, while mid-winter is drier and colder.
By late winter, snow events can get heavier again, but they’re still less frequent than summer rainstorms.
This pattern is classic Vladivostok—most of the moisture arrives outside the coldest months.
Wind and Humidity Conditions
Winter in Vladivostok brings frequent winds and low humidity, both of which shape how the cold feels. You should expect steady breezes from the continent, strong gusts near the coastline, and dry air that makes the temperature feel even sharper.
Prevailing Wind Directions
During winter, winds in Vladivostok mostly blow from the northwest and north. Siberian high-pressure systems push cold, dry air right to the coast.
Since the city sits on the Sea of Japan, you might also notice winds shifting to the northeast, especially when storms pass by.
This mix means you often get a continental chill with the occasional coastal gust.
The wind pattern sticks around enough that you can plan for it. Exposed spots near the shoreline feel harsher than sheltered neighborhoods inland.
If you stay near Golden Horn Bay, expect stronger and more frequent gusts compared to areas farther from the water.
Average Wind Speeds
Average wind speeds in winter usually range between 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph). Gusts can go higher, especially during cold outbreaks or coastal lows.
The steady breeze adds a real wind chill. For example, when the thermometer shows -8°C, the wind can make it feel closer to -15°C.
Protective clothing is a must if you’re outside.
Wind speeds peak in open spaces like bridges, hills, and waterfronts. Residential areas with more buildings and trees feel calmer, but the chill is still there.
Expect the windiest days in January and February, when Siberian air systems are at their strongest.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Relative humidity in Vladivostok during winter averages around 55–65%, which is lower than in the muggy summer months. Continental winds from Siberia keep the air dry.
The air isn’t as dry as it is deep in Siberia, but you’ll probably notice some skin dryness and static indoors. Heating systems in homes and hotels can dry out the air even more.
The dry air also helps keep skies clear, bringing more sunny days than in summer. Snowfall happens, but the lower humidity means storms are shorter and less frequent than the heavy summer rains.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
In winter, Vladivostok skies tend to be gray and cloudy, with only limited breaks of sunshine. You’ll get frequent overcast days, short daylight hours, and not much of the bright, clear sky you see in summer.
Seasonal Cloud Cover Trends
From late autumn through early spring, cloud cover stays high. On average, 60–80% of the sky stays hidden behind clouds during this season.
Cold northwesterly winds carry moisture from the Sea of Japan and produce layers of low clouds that block out sunlight.
Unlike summer, when the sky often clears up, winter rarely gives you long stretches of blue sky. Instead, you get a steady run of gray days with only brief sunny breaks.
Frequent snow events add to the overcast look. Even when the snow is light, thick cloud layers keep the sky covered.
Types of Clouds Observed
The most common winter clouds in Vladivostok are stratus and stratocumulus. Stratus clouds form flat, gray sheets that stretch across the whole sky, giving things a pretty dull look.
Stratocumulus clouds show up as thicker, lumpy layers, often darker. These can trap cold air at the surface and make the weather feel even colder.
Sometimes, cumulus clouds pop up, but they rarely grow tall in winter because the atmosphere stays stable.
Cirrus clouds—those thin, wispy ones—don’t appear as much during this season.
Snow-bearing nimbostratus clouds are pretty common too. They can bring long-lasting snowfall and keep the sky totally overcast for hours.
Amount of Sunshine in Winter
Winter days are short. At the darkest point, you’ll get just about 7 hours of sun per day—and honestly, most of that’s behind clouds.
In December and January, Vladivostok barely gets any sunshine at all. Clear days don’t show up often, and when the sun does peek through, it’s usually just for a quick moment between snow showers.
If you’re traveling here, you’ll probably notice how dim everything feels. Streets and landscapes look muted under those stubborn gray skies, and honestly, the brightest thing around is the snow reflecting whatever light it can grab.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight:
| Month | Average Daylight Hours | Typical Sunshine Availability |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~7 hrs | Very limited, mostly cloudy |
| January | ~7 hrs | Short, weak sun breaks |
| February | ~9 hrs | Slightly more frequent clear spells |
Winter Weather at Vladivostok International Airport
Cold continental air masses and the coast shape winter conditions at Vladivostok International Airport. Expect sharp drops in temperature, frequent snow, and low visibility that can mess with flights and ground travel.
Airport-Specific Temperature Data
From late December through February, temperatures at Vladivostok International Airport usually stay well below freezing. The coldest stretch hits in mid-January, with average lows around -2°F (-19°C) and highs barely reaching 17°F (-8°C).
The airport sits at about 184 meters elevation, so it often feels a bit colder and windier than downtown. Winds off the Sea of Japan can really bite, making it feel much chillier than the thermometer says.
Extreme cold below -14°F (-25°C) doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible on clear nights. Daytime thaws? Pretty rare, so snow and ice just stick around on runways and roads. If you’re coming during winter, expect frozen ground and be ready for icy conditions.
Precipitation and Visibility for Travelers
Snow dominates winter precipitation at Vladivostok International Airport. Light or moderate snow showers show up pretty often, but you probably won’t see the heavy snowfalls that hit inland Siberia.
Most months, a few days bring measurable precipitation. Usually, that just means a thin but stubborn layer of snow sticks around.
When snow starts up or sea fog rolls in, visibility can drop fast. That’s a big deal for flight schedules, since low visibility can throw off both departures and arrivals.
Wind sometimes whips up the snow, making it even harder to see on the roads leading to the airport. So even if flights are running, you might find ground travel slows way down.
Winter skies do clear up between storms, but you never really know when things will change. It’s smart to keep winter gear handy and give yourself extra time, just in case the snow, wind, or fog decides to make things interesting.