Best time to go to Saint Petersburg Average weather of Saint Petersburg, Russia
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 18/04/2024When is the best time to go to Saint Petersburg?
Around 3 million foreigners visit Saint Petersburg each year. If you are lucky enough to be one of them, you will realize that the best time to visit Saint Petersburg is from June to September. Indeed, this is when the climate is most favorable in Russia's second largest city. In the heart of summer, temperatures are mild, without being too high, and the sun is mostly present. The mercury hovers between 15 and 23°C (74°F) on average during these months.
Moreover, during the days surrounding the summer solstice (June 21), the sun hardly sets in Saint Petersburg. It's an opportunity to attend numerous festivities in the city, as well as to enjoy outdoor visits until late at night. However, this period is popular among tourists, leading to high crowds and increased prices.
If you are wondering when to visit Saint Petersburg while enjoying a quieter atmosphere, September will be the most suitable month. You will find pleasant weather and temperatures around 15°C (59°F) .
However, from October to April, temperatures drop, making autumn and winter less favorable for a visit. Indeed, the cold, followed by snow and frost, are not very conducive to sightseeing.
Nevertheless, discovering Saint Petersburg under the snow has a magical side, especially in December, during the holiday season. It could be an opportunity to attend a ballet at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre.
So, when is the best time to go to Saint Petersburg? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Saint Petersburg are June, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- The coldest months are January and February
- The rainiest months are July and August
- The best months for swimming are July and August
Annual weather in Saint Petersburg
Weather details in Saint Petersburg month by month
Weather and climate in Saint Petersburg
Despite a sometimes harsh climate, Saint Petersburg is one of the most visited cities in the world, just like Paris. It is characterized by its continental climate, where there is a significant temperature variation between winter and summer. Indeed, winters are long and harsh, but in summer, pleasantly warm temperatures can be experienced. Let's take a closer look at the weather in Saint Petersburg throughout the year.
Climate in Saint Petersburg in Spring
Similar to Moscow, spring in Saint Petersburg is quite late, as mild weather only appears in May. In March, temperatures remain between 1 and -3°C, while in April they are around 5°C (41°F) . Although precipitation is scarce, this very cool weather is not really conducive to a stay.
However, from May onwards, the mercury fluctuates between 10 and 15°C (59°F) , making the climate in Saint Petersburg quite suitable for a trip. Although rainy days are present, good weather predominates. You could therefore enjoy a sunny stay by going in May to this beautiful Russian city.
Climate in Saint Petersburg in Summer
June, July, and August are the most favorable months to visit Russia's second city. The heat may be less intense than in Spain, but the climate is ideal for exploring the city. In July and August, average temperatures range from 15 to 23°C (74°F) . Midday temperatures are mild, but nights tend to be cooler. Moreover, summer is a fairly rainy season in Russia, with about 8 rainy days per month in July-August. Precipitation occurs in the form of thunderstorms, often in the late afternoon. These disturbances should not hinder your visits.
Finally, at the end of June, it is also the White Nights period in Saint Petersburg. Around the summer solstice (June 21), daylight extends late into the night. With its latitude close to the Arctic Circle, the sun hardly sets in summer in Saint Petersburg, as is the case in Iceland or northern Finland. This magical period is particularly appreciated by tourists, as the long days allow for more time to explore the city's landmarks.
Climate in Saint Petersburg in Autumn
The weather in Saint Petersburg in autumn is marked by a drop in temperatures. Although September's climate remains decent, temperatures drop rapidly in October, falling below 10°C (50°F) . In November, temperatures drop further to around 5°C (41°F) , and the days shorten. Additionally, the first snowfalls arrive during this month. It is therefore not a very favorable period in terms of climate for a stay.
Climate in Saint Petersburg in Winter
From November to April, cold and gloom dominate the weather in Saint Petersburg. The temperatures recorded are much colder than those in Sochi, with an average of -2°C in December, -5°C in January and February. Furthermore, due to Saint Petersburg's geographical location, days are short in winter. The sun hardly rises in the days surrounding December 21. It is therefore not the most suitable period to appreciate the beauty of this city. January and February, which also have few daylight hours, are characterized by icy cold and snowfall.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Saint Petersburg
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Saint Petersburg: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Saint Petersburg
Find out when Saint Petersburg has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Saint Petersburg
- Very low season in Saint Petersburg
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: February, March, April, October and November. - Low season in Saint Petersburg
The months with low numbers of tourists are: January and December. - High season in Saint Petersburg
The number of visitors to Saint Petersburg is high in: May and September. - Peak season in Saint Petersburg
The largest number of tourists visiting Saint Petersburg is during: June, July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Saint Petersburg month by month
Best time for low prices in Saint Petersburg
Average prices of hotels in Saint Petersburg month by month
Generally, February is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Saint Petersburg. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, June is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Saint Petersburg
A return flight between London and Saint Petersburg is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 130 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 72 more for your airline ticket to Saint Petersburg if you go in july.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Saint Petersburg
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