Kharkov Climate

What to expect

Kharkov is located upon 5 hills and has difference of the altitude up to 115 meters. That is why cold air in winter moves down to the river valleys. Moreover, in the center it is always warmer than at the outskirts, and at the south is warmer than at the north. The climate in Kharkov is moderate continental.

Winter
The weather depends on the wind. If it is north-east the weather will be frosty, and sometimes very cold fine weather. Western winds carry a lot of moisture, and cause thaw.  Steady snow in Kharkov usually comes in the middle of December. Usually winters in Kharkov are soft with periodical thaws and falls of temperature and last 90-100 days (from the beginning of December to the beginning of March).

Spring
Generally spring to Kharkov comes in the beginning of March and is steady. The snow may melt even in February or last up to beginning of April. March is considered as the driest month in a year. At the end of April trees start to grow actively and night frosts cease.

Summer
Climatic summer in Kharkov starts right in May and lasts 110-120 days.  It is typical for summer to be hot and dry. Precipitations are in the form of heavy rain with thunder storm. The heat which exceeds +30 °C is possible from April to October.

Autumn
An autumn comes insensibly, because the whole September is considered as a summer month. The days get shorter, temperature falls. In October there are few warm days, but fine weather changes into rainy one, even it can snow.  November usually is dank and slushy with cold rains and snow.