Climate
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Saint Petersburg experiences a humid continental climate of the cool summers, due to the influence of the Baltic Sea cyclones, with warm, humid and short summers and long, cold winters. The average daily temperature in July is 22 °C (72 °F); summer maximum is about 34 °C (93 °F), winter minimum is about −35 °C (−31 °F). The lowest recorded temperature was −35.9 °C (−33 °F), in 1883. The River Neva within the city limits usually freezes up in November-December, it thaws in April. From December to March there is an average of 123 days with snow cover, which reaches an average depth of 24 cm (9 in) by February. |
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The city has a climate slightly warmer than its suburbs. Weather conditions are quite variable all year round.
The weather in St.Petersburg has even inspired a series of jokes.... "Have you had a summer in Saint Petersburg this year?" "Yes, we have, but I was working that day." Still, things are not so bad. All the seasons, from frosty winters to sunny summers, in Saint Petersburg have their own beauty and charm.
Whatever the season, it is wise to bring your umbrella and a windproof raincoat or jacket. You will do a lot of walking in St. Petersburg, so think carefully about footwear. Depending on the time of the year, you will need warm boots with a non-slip sole, waterproof boots/shoes, comfortable sandals. In winter it can get very cold outside, but hotels and homes are reasonably well heated, which makes it a good idea to dress in layers. In spring it might be chilly at times, but in mid-May it gets warmer. You can wear shorts in summer, though shorts might prevent you from entering churches, ladies will also need to cover their heads in churches. Bring a sweater or light jacket for those chilly evenings. It is in autumn that you are most likely to use your umbrella and waterproof boots, though a Russian version of an Indian Summer (around mid-September) can be mild and fairly dry.