Seasons of the Year 10 Best Resorts in the South of Russia
Russian Federation is the biggest country in the world. It has wide variety of relief and weather conditions: vast plains and peaky mountains, climate from polar to subtropical. It occupies significant slice of the Eurasia Continent and is slightly smaller than whole South America with all its countries.
Majority of Russian resorts is situated in southernmost located regions between the Black and the Caspian Seas. Those are the warmest territories with Greater Caucasus mountain range and rest of the region is relatively plain. Those lands are cooler than neighboring Georgia or Azerbaijan due to barrier effect of the Caucasus Mountains.
Climate and Season
Contents:
- Black Sea Resorts:
- Sochi
- Anapa
- Gelendzhik
- Tuapse
- Ski Resorts:
- Krasnaya Polyana
- Pyatigorsk
- Yessentuki
- Crimea:
- Feodosia
- Alushta
- Yevpatoria
Black Sea Resorts
Sochi
There’s not much places on the Earth where gentle sea, pleasant climate and majestic mountains had gathered to create almost perfect conditions for vacationing. It includes 150 km (93 mi.) of coast of the Black Sea and developed ski resort. Sochi offers wide variety of year-round and daily entertainment for children, adults and seniors.
Climate in Sochi by Seasons
Famous Russian resort has humid subtropical climate at coast. Summers there are warm and sunny and winters are cool and snowy. Through spring temperature grows from 13 °C (55 °F) to 23 °C (73 °F). Last bits of snow are falling in early March. In the middle of summer afternoon average hits 28 °C (84 °F) and the sea warms up to 24 °C (75 °F). There is some rain in summer, but its amount and frequency are rather complementing overall state of weather.
September has pleasant summer-like weather with daily range of temperatures between 25 °C (77 °F) and 17 °C (62 °F). Further progression of the season brings significant cooling. By the end of the season afternoons have 15 °C (59 °F) and first snow falls in late November. Winter is cooler with highs at 10 °C (50 °F) and lows at 3 °C (37 °F) and some snow.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 6°C 43°F |
7°C 44°F |
9°C 48°F |
13°C 55°F |
17°C 62°F |
20°C 69°F |
| ⛷ | ⛷ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
23°C 73°F |
20°C 68°F |
16°C 60°F |
12°C 53°F |
9°C 48°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛷ |
t° - average; ⛷ - ski; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 9°C 48°F |
9°C 48°F |
9°C 48°F |
11°C 52°F |
17°C 63°F |
20°C 68°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 74°F |
24°C 75°F |
22°C 72°F |
18°C 64°F |
15°C 59°F |
12°C 54°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Anapa
Another one great resort on coast of the Black Sea in Krasnodar Krai. It is situated to north from Sochi, so it is bit cooler there and no mountains. Though, there are some advantages. It is calmer than Sochi and offers carefully groomed beaches and tidy city. And local Caucasian culinary is legend.
Climate in Anapa by Seasons
Similar to other resort cities on Russian coast of the Black Sea Anapa has humid subtropical climate with distinctive division of a year into four seasons. Summers there are warm and winters are cooler than in southern resorts, but milder comparing to the rest of the country. Spring progression of temperature brings afternoon averages up from 10 °C (50 °F) to 22 °C (71 °F). Last bits of snow may fall in April. In the heist of summer afternoons are as warm as 30 °C (86 °F). The sea reaches its peak temperature of 24 °C (75 °F) in August.
Through autumn temperature reduces to 12 °C (53 °F). Snow begins in late October. Winter highs are at 7 °C (44 °F) and lows are at 0 °C (32 °F). Temperature drops below freezing only at night. Precipitation is distributed over a year in rather even manner.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 1°C 34°F |
2°C 35°F |
5°C 40°F |
11°C 51°F |
16°C 61°F |
20°C 69°F |
| - | - | - | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
23°C 73°F |
18°C 65°F |
12°C 54°F |
8°C 46°F |
4°C 39°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | - | - |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 7°C 45°F |
6°C 43°F |
7°C 45°F |
11°C 52°F |
15°C 59°F |
20°C 68°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
24°C 75°F |
21°C 70°F |
17°C 63°F |
12°C 54°F |
8°C 46°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Gelendzhik
There are many jewels on coast of the Black Sea and Gelendzhik is one of them. It lies on the coast of horse-shoe-shaped bay. 12 km (7.4 mi.) long quay street allows to admire picturesque scenery that surrounds the city. In addition, the sea in bay is usually calmer than main body of water, so there are more available activities during beach season.
Climate in Gelendzhik by Seasons
Another Russian resort on coast of the Black Sea has cooler variation of the humid subtropical climate with warm summers and cooler winters with some snow. Spring is mild and through the season temperature grows from 11 °C (52 °F) to 22 °C (71 °F). By beginning of July afternoons are as warm as 30 °C and at nights there is up to 19 °C (66 °F). There is probability of summer floods.
By the end of autumn temperature reduces to 13 °C (55 °F). Colder half of a year has more precipitation. It falls as long drizzly rains in autumn and takes form of occasional snow or sleet in winter. Daily range of winter temperatures is between 8 °C at afternoon and down to 0 °C at night. Occasionally weather becomes much colder, but such periods are usually short.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 2°C 36°F |
3°C 37°F |
5°C 41°F |
11°C 52°F |
16°C 61°F |
20°C 69°F |
| - | - | - | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 74°F |
23°C 73°F |
19°C 66°F |
13°C 55°F |
9°C 47°F |
5°C 41°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | - | - |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 8°C 46°F |
7°C 45°F |
8°C 46°F |
11°C 52°F |
16°C 61°F |
21°C 70°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 24°C 75°F |
22°C 72°F |
17°C 63°F |
14°C 57°F |
10°C 50°F |
8°C 46°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Tuapse
(Skala Kiseleva, Tuapse)
Tuapse is in the list of resort jewels of Krasnodar Krai. It is situated between Gelendzhik and Sochi. There over 200 resorts and 13 of them are open year round. Mild climate with velvet season that lasts almost until middle of autumn and abundance of cultural, historical and natural sights will provide long, informative and entertaining vacation.
Climate in Tuapse by Seasons
Weather conditions of the resort are similar to other localities of southern part of the Krasnodar Krai. There is humid subtropical climate with warm to hot winters and cold winters and significant amount of precipitation distributed over a year. Sprig gradually rises afternoon temperature from 12 °C (53 °F) to 21 °C (70 °F). Warmth reaches its peak in July and August with around 28 °C (82 °F).
In terms of weather September is considered as fourth summer month, but autumn slowly and steadily brings temperature down to 14 °C (57 °F). Winter cooling results average highs at 7 °C (44 °F) and lows of 2 °C (35 °F). There is not much of snow, but temperature occasionally drops below freezing at night.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 5°C 41°F |
5°C 41°F |
7°C 45°F |
12°C 53°F |
16°C 62°F |
20°C 69°F |
| - | - | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 74°F |
23°C 74°F |
19°C 67°F |
14°C 58°F |
11°C 51°F |
7°C 45°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | - |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 9°C 48°F |
8°C 46°F |
8°C 46°F |
10°C 50°F |
15°C 59°F |
20°C 68°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
22°C 72°F |
20°C 68°F |
18°C 64°F |
15°C 59°F |
12°C 54°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Mountain Resorts
Krasnaya Polyana (Ski Resort)
Krasnaya Polyana is the town and the ski resort of same name in region with subtropical climate and access to the sea. This is unique location elevated by 800 m (2620 ft.) above sea level and surrounded by range of 2000 m (6560 ft.) tall mountains. Recreational potential of the region is huge and it worth visiting in any season.
Climate of Krasnaya Polyana by Seasons
The resort is situated in southernmost region of Russia. Winters there are colder than in regions with lower elevations, but summers are warm to hot. Also weather conditions of actual locations of resorts are different to the town. Through spring temperature grows from 11 °C (52 °F) to 22 °C (71 °F). In July and August average high is 30 °C (86 °F).
Between September and November temperature drops drastically from 24 °C (75 °F) to 10 °C (50 °F). In winter average highs are hovering in range of 3-5 °C (37-41 °C) and lows are between -3 °C (26 °F) and -5 °C (23 °F). Precipitation in Krasnaya Polyana is moderate with some peaks in May and June.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 3°C 37°F |
3°C 37°F |
6°C 42°F |
10°C 50°F |
14°C 58°F |
18°C 64°F |
| ⛷ | ⛷ | ⛷ | ⛷ | ⌘ | ⌘ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 20°C 69°F |
21°C 69°F |
17°C 63°F |
13°C 55°F |
8°C 47°F |
5°C 41°F |
| ⌘ | ⌘ | ⌘ | ⌘ | ⌘ | ⛷ |
t° - average; ⛷ - ski; ⌘ - excursion
Pyatigorsk
In southern part of the Stavropol Krai lies this famous spa resort. Pyatigorsk occupies slopes of two mountains on northern side of the Greater Caucasus at altitude of 500-600 m (1640-1970 ft.) above sea level. There numerous hot springs and deposits of curative mud. And over 200 years of development as a resort were not in vain.
Pyatigorsk Climate by Seasons
The city has humid continental climate with distinctive seasons and smooth transitions between them. Even though Pyatigorsk is situated in southern part of Russia winters there are cold enough. Annual amount of precipitation is 520 mm (20”) and it is distributed over a year. Spring begins with chilly weather with highs at 8 °C (46 °F) and lows at 0 °C (32 °C). Further progression of the season brings temperature to 19 °C. In July and August, the warmest months of a year, air warms up to 27 °C.
First half of autumn is rain and second is snowy. Temperature gradually reduces to 8 °C (46 °F). Cooling continues until January with its average high of 1 °C (34 °F) and low of -8 °C (17 °F). December and February are bit warmer.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| -3°C 26°F |
-3°C 27°F |
1°C 34°F |
9°C 48°F |
15°C 59°F |
19°C 66°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 21°C 70°F |
21°C 69°F |
16°C 60°F |
9°C 49°F |
4°C 38°F |
-1°C 30°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Yessentuki
(Mud bath named after N.A. Semashko, city of Essentuki. Built in 1915. Photo by: Mariluna)
In 17 km (10.5 mi.) from just mentioned Pyatigorsk there is another general spa resort of the country. Recreational part of Yessentuki is surrounded by two vast parks. It was thoughtfully built to promote calm strolls and to restore physical health and mental resources via mineral waters and local nature.
Climate in Essentuki by Seasons
The town has pronounced temperate climate with milder winters and warm summers. Spring is cool, rainy and short. By the end of the season daily temperatures are in range between 19 °C (66 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F). Summers are warm with many dry days and average high of 25 °C (77 °F). Precipitation is moderate (500 mm or 19”) and there is some peak of it in summer.
Autumn is rather warm. September afternoons are as warm as 20 °C (68 °F) and in November temperature is around 11 °C (52 °F). Winters are usually mild with occasional thaws. Average of January is around -4 °C (25 °F), but short periods of severe frost may occur too.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| -3°C 26°F |
-3°C 27°F |
1°C 34°F |
9°C 47°F |
14°C 58°F |
18°C 64°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 20°C 69°F |
20°C 68°F |
15°C 59°F |
9°C 48°F |
3°C 38°F |
-1°C 30°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average; ⛹ - health
Crimea
Feodosia
(Feodosia Gulf. Photo by: Victor Korniyenko)
Feodosia is a resort town in the southeast of Crimea on the Black Sea coast. In the city and its environs there are the largest sanatorium-resort places of rest. The biggest attraction of Feodosia is the only ancient extinct volcano Kara-Dag in Crimea.
Feodosia has the largest beach areas in southern Russia, 35m (38yd) wide and about 15 km (~1mi) long.
Climate of Feodosia by Seasons
The climate of Feodosia is intermediate between steppe and subtropical. The proximity of the Black Sea brings the climate closer to the Mediterranean.
Winters are warm here, snow is rare and rarely when it lasts more than 3 weeks. Summers are hot and dry with warm water in the sea up to +22 °C (72 °F), although sometimes June can bring a surprise in the form of rain. The average July temperature is + 24 °C (75 °F). Sometimes the heat reaches 35-36 °C (96-97 °F).
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 2°C 36°F |
2°C 36°F |
5°C 41°F |
11°C 52°F |
16°C 61°F |
21°C 70°F |
| - | - | - | - | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 24°C 75°F |
24°C 75°F |
19°C 66°F |
13°C 55°F |
8°C 47°F |
4°C 39°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | - | - |
t° - average (daytime); ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 8°C 46°F |
7°C 45°F |
8°C 46°F |
9°C 48°F |
13°C 55°F |
18°C 64°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 22°C 72°F |
23°C 73°F |
21°C 70°F |
17°C 63°F |
15°C 59°F |
9°C 48°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Alushta
Alushta by itself is the small town on narrow strip of land between the Black Sea and the Crimean Mountains. The story of the city begins 1400 years ago from ambitious plans of Byzantium. Nowadays the resort offers unique mixture of cultures and sights of every kind. There are pebble beaches and tall mountains, short buildings that are about to drown in lush greenery and, of course, gentle Black Sea.
Climate of Alushta by Seasons
Similar to other localities of southern coast of Crimea Alushta has humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters and rather dry air. Precipitation peaks in summer and it is predominantly rain. Snow or freezing are rare in Alushta. Spring begins with 11 °C (52 °F) and day by day temperature becomes higher. In July and August at afternoon air warms up to 29 °C (84 °F).
September is still warm enough with average high of 24 °C (75 °F), but eventually progression of the season leads to 12 °C (53 °F). Winters are chilly and windy with daily averages in range between 7 °C (44 °F) and 3 °C (37 °F).
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 2°C 36°F |
3°C 37°F |
5°C 41°F |
11°C 52°F |
16°C 61°F |
20°C 69°F |
| - | - | - | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
22°C 72°F |
18°C 64°F |
13°C 55°F |
8°C 47°F |
5°C 41°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | - | - |
t° - average (daytime); ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 8°C 46°F |
7°C 45°F |
8°C 46°F |
9°C 48°F |
13°C 55°F |
18°C 64°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 22°C 72°F |
23°C 73°F |
21°C 70°F |
17°C 63°F |
15°C 59°F |
9°C 48°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
Yevpatoria
Yevpatoria is the family resort in Crimea. It is situated in 65 km (40 mi.) to west from Simferopol. It is 2500 years old and has marks of all those years. Naturally there are magnificent beaches and plenty of resorts. Gentle slope of sand bottom of coastal waters is safe for children and attractive for adults. Mostly because of this the city is considered as family resort.
Climate in Yevpatoria by Seasons
The city is located on western side of the Crimean Peninsula and has humid subtropical climate. Spring starts with rather cool weather with 10 °C (50 °F) at afternoon and around 1 °C (34 °F) at night. However with progression of the season weather improves. Warming passes 22 °C (71 °F) in May and reaches 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August. Precipitation is distributed over a year, but in summer there are intensive and short showers while in autumn and winter rain tends to be long and drizzly.
In autumn temperature starts at 24 °C (75 °F) and then slowly slips to 11 °C (52 °F) by November. Winters are pretty cold with daily range of temperatures between 6 °C (43 °F) at afternoon and -1 °C (30 °F) at night. It snows occasionally but there’s no accumulation of snow on the ground.
Climate and Seasonality by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 1°C 34°F |
2°C 35°F |
5°C 40°F |
11°C 51°F |
16°C 60°F |
20°C 68°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 23°C 73°F |
22°C 72°F |
18°C 64°F |
12°C 54°F |
8°C 46°F |
4°C 39°F |
| ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ | ⛹ |
t° - average (daytime); ⛹ - health
Water Temperature and Seasonality
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| 8°C 46°F |
7°C 45°F |
8°C 46°F |
10°C 50°F |
16°C 61°F |
22°C 72°F |
| - | - | - | - | - | ⛱ |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 24°C 75°F |
25°C 77°F |
22°C 72°F |
18°C 64°F |
13°C 55°F |
10°C 50°F |
| ⛱ | ⛱ | ⛱ | - | - | - |
t° - average; ⛱ - beach
