Minsk, Belarus experiences a broad range of weather conditions throughout the year, making it a fascinating destination for weather enthusiasts and travelers alike.
The climate in Minsk is characterized by its significant temperature fluctuations between seasons.
Winters can be quite harsh, with temperatures in January averaging a low of 19°F and a high of 28°F.
Summers, on the other hand, are mild and pleasant.
July stands out as the warmest month, with an average high of 74°F and low of 56°F.
Rainfall is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, although May, June, and July see the peaks with around 1.85 inches each.
This variation in weather provides a unique charm to Minsk and influences local lifestyles and activities.
Travelers planning a visit can expect a mix of weather; from snowy, cold winters to warm, inviting summers.
The city’s diverse climate can cater to those looking for a winter wonderland or a mild summer retreat.
Understanding the seasonal changes helps one make the most of what Minsk has to offer year round.
For detailed month-by-month weather statistics, be sure to check out Minsk climate by month.
Average Temperature in Minsk, Belarus
Minsk experiences significant variations in temperature throughout the year.
January is the coldest month, with average temperatures around 24.4°F. The daily high temperature is usually below freezing.
February remains cold, with temperatures similar to January, although it may start to warm up slightly toward the end of the month.
March sees a gradual rise in temperatures. Daily highs climb above 37°F.
April brings milder weather, with average temperatures rising significantly. Highs often reach the mid-50s.
May marks the beginning of the warm season, with average daily highs around 65°F.
By June, temperatures are comfortably warm, frequently reaching 74°F.
July is the warmest month. The average high temperature reaches 74°F, with lows around 56°F.
August also maintains warm weather, with temperatures staying consistently high before starting to cool towards the end of the month.
September begins to cool down with average temperatures falling back to the high 60s.
October brings more noticeable drops in temperature. The averages hover in the mid-50s.
November marks the onset of the cold season. Average daily highs dip below 37°F, and wintery conditions begin to settle in.
December is cold with frequent sub-freezing temperatures, setting the stage for the harshest part of winter.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24.4 | 15 |
| February | 24.6 | 16.2 |
| March | 38.3 | 26.6 |
| April | 55.2 | 35.4 |
| May | 65 | 44.6 |
| June | 74 | 54 |
| July | 74 | 56 |
| August | 72.7 | 54.9 |
| September | 64 | 47.7 |
| October | 51.1 | 38.5 |
| November | 36.1 | 26.8 |
| December | 28.9 | 19.8 |
This cool and warm cycle defines Minsk’s climate. The cold season can be quite harsh, while the warm season remains pleasant.
Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with May, June, and July experiencing relative peaks.
Average Precipitation in Minsk, Belarus
Minsk has a diverse climate with varying precipitation from month to month, including both rainfall and snowfall. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect throughout the year.
Average Rainfall in Minsk, Belarus
Rainfall varies widely across the year in Minsk. The wettest months are May, June, and July, each getting about 1.85 inches of rain. The driest month is February, with an average of 1.18 inches.
Monthly Rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.22 |
| February | 1.18 |
| March | 1.57 |
| April | 1.34 |
| May | 1.85 |
| June | 1.85 |
| July | 1.85 |
| August | 1.65 |
| September | 1.3 |
| October | 1.74 |
| November | 1.81 |
| December | 1.34 |
The wettest season spans spring and summer, with frequent rainy days. This rainfall supports the lush greenery seen in parks and public spaces.
Average Snow in Minsk, Belarus
Snowfall is a significant part of Minsk’s winter months. The cold season, from early November to mid-March, brings regular snowfalls, with the heaviest snow occurring in December and January.
Monthly Snowfall:
| Month | Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| November | 3.1 |
| December | 6.2 |
| January | 7.5 |
| February | 6.3 |
| March | 5.8 |
Snow creates a scenic winter landscape, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
The snowiest months provide ample opportunities for winter sports and outdoor activities related to snow and ice.
Snow persists on the streets and rooftops, making it necessary for residents to prepare for the dry season by ensuring proper clothing and equipment for walking and driving in snowy conditions.
Average Sun in Minsk, Belarus
In Minsk, the amount of sunlight varies greatly throughout the year. Residents experience a significant difference in sunshine hours between summer and winter, affecting the average daily shortwave solar energy.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Minsk, Belarus
Minsk experiences notable changes in solar energy throughout the year. This energy, measured in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²), reflects the amount of sunlight reaching the ground.
Monthly Averages:
- January: 0.5 kWh/m²
- February: 0.9 kWh/m²
- March: 2.1 kWh/m²
- April: 3.4 kWh/m²
- May: 4.7 kWh/m²
- June: 5.4 kWh/m²
- July: 5.3 kWh/m²
- August: 4.4 kWh/m²
- September: 3.0 kWh/m²
- October: 1.9 kWh/m²
- November: 0.8 kWh/m²
- December: 0.4 kWh/m²
During summer, longer daylight hours and higher sun angles lead to more solar energy. In contrast, winter months have shorter days, resulting in less sunlight.
Understanding these variations can help residents and visitors prepare for seasonal changes in Minsk.
For more information, visit Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Minsk Belarus.
Average Humidity in Minsk, Belarus
Minsk experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The average relative humidity tends to be higher during the colder months and lower during the warmer months.
Monthly Average Humidity:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 87% |
| February | 84% |
| March | 80% |
| April | 70% |
| May | 70% |
| June | 70% |
| July | 70% |
| August | 74% |
| September | 77% |
| October | 81% |
| November | 86% |
| December | 88% |
The dew point in Minsk varies along with the seasons.
During the winter, the dew point can be quite low, often falling below freezing. In the summer, it rises, but remains comfortable.
Key Points:
- The highest relative humidity occurs in December at 88%.
- The lowest relative humidity is often in April, around 70%.
- The dew point is lowest in winter months, contributing to a cold and crisp atmosphere.
- In summer, despite higher temperatures, the relative humidity maintains around 70%, ensuring it does not feel too humid.
Minsk’s climate, characterized by these humidity variations, offers a sharp contrast between the seasons. This balance contributes to the city’s distinct seasonal weather patterns.
Average Wind in Minsk, Belarus
Wind in Minsk varies throughout the year.
Generally, the city experiences moderate winds with a few months being notably windier than others.
The windiest months in Minsk are usually from November to March.
During these months, average wind speeds can reach up to 10 mph.
The winter months also tend to feel colder due to wind chill.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 10.0 |
| February | 9.8 |
| March | 9.5 |
| April | 8.2 |
| May | 7.8 |
| June | 7.3 |
| July | 6.9 |
| August | 6.8 |
| September | 7.2 |
| October | 8.5 |
| November | 9.2 |
| December | 10.1 |
The table highlights that December is the month with the highest average wind speed, while August tends to be the calmest.
During the summer, winds are generally calmer, making outdoor activities more pleasant.
However, in fall and winter, strong winds can make temperatures feel much colder.
Wind speeds in Minsk are influenced by its continental climate.
This influence can lead to significant fluctuations throughout the year, affecting daily weather patterns.
For more detailed articles and insights on wind conditions, wind is a good topic of exploration.
Average Air Quality in Minsk, Belarus
Air quality in Minsk, Belarus, can vary significantly throughout the year.
The city faces different levels of pollutants, such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These pollutants are influenced by local weather conditions and industrial activities.
Pollutant levels are generally higher during the colder months.
This is due to increased heating and less air circulation, which traps pollutants close to the ground.
| Month | PM2.5 (µg/m³) | PM10 (µg/m³) | NO2 (µg/m³) | SO2 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
| February | 22 | 38 | 29 | 18 |
| March | 20 | 35 | 25 | 15 |
| April | 18 | 30 | 20 | 12 |
| May | 15 | 25 | 15 | 10 |
| June | 12 | 22 | 10 | 8 |
| July | 10 | 20 | 8 | 6 |
| August | 11 | 22 | 9 | 7 |
| September | 14 | 28 | 14 | 10 |
| October | 17 | 32 | 18 | 13 |
| November | 20 | 36 | 22 | 17 |
| December | 24 | 39 | 28 | 19 |
Visibility in Minsk can be affected by high levels of pollutants, especially during winter. Increased haze and foggy conditions reduce visibility.
Pressure also plays a role.
Higher pressure areas can trap pollutants near the surface, deteriorating air quality. Lower pressure allows for better air circulation, which helps disperse pollutants.
The air quality is typically better in the warmer months, from May to September, when there’s more precipitation and better wind conditions.
This allows pollutants to disperse more easily, leading to clearer skies and lower pollutant concentrations.
Learn more about Minsk’s climate and weather.
Topography of Minsk, Belarus
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is located in a region characterized by a continental climate. This type of climate, classified as humid continental under the Köppen climate classification, influences the city’s weather patterns and natural landscape.
Minsk is situated on the southeastern slope of the Minsk Hills, with the city center lying at an elevation of about 755 feet (230 meters) above sea level. The surrounding lands feature rolling hills, which contribute to the city’s varied elevations.
The Svislach River is a significant waterway flowing through Minsk, adding to the city’s geographical diversity. This river not only shapes the natural landscape but also supports local ecosystems.
The area around Minsk consists of valleys and small rivers, crisscrossing the city and introducing varied terrain. These geographical features impact local weather conditions, contributing to distinct seasonal variations.
Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with May, June, and July experiencing relative peaks. During these months, the city receives around 1.85 inches (47 mm) of rain each month.
Common features of the topography include:
- Rolling Hills: Provides Minsk with varying elevations.
- Rivers and Waterways: The Svislach River and others enhance the city’s landscape.
- Elevations: Range from low valleys to the higher Minsk Hills.
The continental topography and climate together create a unique environment that influences Minsk’s weather patterns and seasonal changes.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Minsk, Belarus
Minsk experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year, including intense thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, and occasional heatwaves.
Thunderstorms are common in the summer months, often bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.
Summer Thunderstorms
In July and August, thunderstorms can be intense. They are often accompanied by heavy rainfall, posing risks of flooding.
| Month | Average Number of Thunderstorms (Days) |
|---|---|
| July | 9 |
| August | 7 |
Heavy Snowfall
Winter in Minsk is characterized by significant snowfall.
January and February see some of the heaviest snowfalls, sometimes causing disruptions in daily life.
| Month | Average Snowfall (Inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 12 |
| February | 10 |
Heatwaves
Occasional heatwaves can occur during the summer.
Temperatures during these periods can exceed 86°F (30°C), which is unusually high for Minsk.
Notable Storm Damage
Minsk has also experienced damage from storms.
For instance, in July 2016, a severe storm caused significant damage to infrastructure and led to power outages across the city. More information can be found on Belarus suffers storm damage.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Minsk, Belarus
The best time to visit Minsk, Belarus, typically spans from May to September. This period offers warm weather and long days, ideal for tourism.
What Is Minsk, Belarus Like in Spring
Spring in Minsk begins in March and lasts until May.
The average daily temperatures range from 32°F (0°C) in early March to around 60°F (15°C) in late May. This season sees gradual warming, with occasional rain showers.
March features some lingering cold, but April begins to thaw out the winter chill. By May, flowers bloom, and the city parks become more inviting. Tourists can enjoy outdoor activities and fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
What Is Minsk, Belarus Like in Summer
Summer in Minsk runs from June to September. The warm season is characterized by average daily highs of around 74°F (23°C) and lows around 56°F (13°C).
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rainfall (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 72 | 55 | 3.1 |
| July | 74 | 58 | 3.5 |
| August | 73 | 56 | 2.9 |
July is the hottest month.
An advantage for tourists is that the long days provide extended daylight for sightseeing. The city’s numerous festivals, outdoor cafes, and parks make summer a lively time to visit.
What Is Minsk, Belarus Like in Fall
Fall spans from September to November.
Early fall is still warm, with temperatures ranging from 65°F (18°C) in September to about 40°F (4°C) by November.
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rainfall (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 65 | 50 | 2.8 |
| October | 54 | 40 | 2.4 |
| November | 40 | 31 | 2.0 |
September often remains pleasant, but October and November bring a noticeable drop in temperature, with more frequent rain.
The fall foliage, especially in city parks, offers a beautiful backdrop for visitors.
What Is Minsk, Belarus Like in Winter
Winter is from December to February and is characterized by cold weather and snowfall.
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Snowfall (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 30 | 22 | 7.5 |
| January | 24 | 15 | 9.0 |
| February | 28 | 18 | 8.0 |
January is the coldest month, with temps as low as 15°F (-9°C).
Minsk receives about 41 inches of snow annually.
Though less popular for tourism, winter offers activities like ice skating and holiday markets.
The city’s architecture looks picturesque under a blanket of snow.