Russia is a vast land that has “the classic example” of a continental climate. Though it has long borders on two oceans (the Arctic and the Pacific), the Arctic waters are mostly frozen and the Pacific, for the most part, lies downwind.

Given the vast land surface and the great distance to upstream maritime influence, Russia has the extremes of temperature and the paucity of precipitation typical of distinctly continental climates. Because of its high latitude position, the extremes of cold are especially great. The lowest recorded temperature in Russia of -90°F (set at Oimekon on February 6, 1933 and Verkhoyansk on February 7, 1892) are lower than any continent except Antarctica. Portions of Siberia have an amazing 120°F variation in average temperature from January (-60°F) to July (+60°F).

Much of the country has just two seasons - winter which is long, and summer which is relatively short. The transition between seasons occurs very rapidly.

In general, the climate gets colder as one travels east through Russia. 45% of the country (mostly the north and east) has a permafrost -- a permanently frozen subsoil. This makes construction and agriculture in these areas very difficult.

Most of the rivers and harbors freeze in the winter for periods that range up to 150 days. Ground transportation also tends to be hampered by frequent snow and ice in winter. This increases the importance of rail and air transportation for the transfer of goods during the long cold winters.

Precipitation, typical of continental climates, is relatively low. For a good part of the country, the precipitation is too low to support large-scale agriculture. In other areas where rainfall is generally more favorable, like the southern steppes, summer drought can occur and drastically cut yields.

Most of the precipitation comes in the spring and early summer in the form of showers and thunderstorms. Snows in winter are frequent in many areas, but tend to be of the light variety. Though very cold temperatures usually keeps the snow from melting, the winds can sweep some areas bare from time-to-time while piling up high drifts in other locations.

Just two areas of Russia have relatively mild climates, the south coast of the Crimean Peninsula and the east shores of the Black Sea. These areas are considered summer vacation spots. They feature lots of sunshine and high temperatures, which average around 80°F.

LENINGRAD, RUSSIA

MOSCOW, RUSSIA

KIEV, RUSSIA

VERKHOYANSK, RUSSIA

SOCHI, RUSSIA