Are you in doubt when to go on vacation to Kyiv? We will tell you about climatic conditions, interesting places and events of each season.
Kyiv is an unusual and interesting city; here, you can always find exciting places to visit regardless of the season. Therefore, travelers come to the capital all year round.
The best time to visit Kyiv is early fall and late spring. During these seasons, there are fewer tourists, the weather is warm, and prices can be lower than in the summer.
Spring in the capital
Kyiv in spring offers an abundance of greenery, blossoms, and nature awakens after its winter slumber. In March, it's still cool, with snow on the streets, and the average temperature is around +5°C during the day. By May, the air warms up to +20°C, and precipitation decreases as spring progresses. Prices for vacations in Kyiv start to rise in May as the flow of tourists increases.
A spring vacation in Kyiv will particularly appeal to nature lovers since the capital boasts numerous natural areas where you can walk and relax. Mariinsky Park, Singing Field, VDNKh Park, Pirogovo Museum, Feofania Park, and Goloseevsky Park are among the top places to visit in spring in Kyiv.
March 8th marks the first spring holiday when International Women's Day is celebrated. Lovers won't feel a lack of entertainment in Kyiv on this day. You can enjoy plays in theaters about love, romantic movies in cinemas, and restaurants and cafes in the city create an unbeatable romantic atmosphere for couples to relax in.
Spring in Kyiv offers its guests plenty of fun during the May holidays. It's the perfect time to explore new places in the capital. A favorite spot for spring holidays in Kyiv is Trukhanov Island, where you can take leisurely strolls, have picnics, and even take an early dip as the swimming season begins.
Summer in Kyiv
Summer in the city brings hot and rain-free weather. The average daytime temperature is around +23°C. July is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching up to +30°C. Summer months mark the peak of the tourist season, and a vacation in Kyiv during this time can be more expensive. However, by booking flights, hotels, and excursions in advance, you can save money.
The city's beaches offer excellent options for an active summer vacation in Kyiv. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as beach volleyball, catamaran rides, and amusements, including those for children. The most popular places include Hydropark and Trukhanov Island.
Tourists often recommend interesting places to explore in Kyiv during the summer months. These include Landscape Alley with its mosaic exhibits and unique benches, Shevchenko Park, which hosts various events, Park Slava with some of the best viewing platforms in the city.
Summer in Kyiv also features public holidays, such as Constitution Day (June 28) and Independence Day (August 24). These occasions see the organization of concerts, children's contests, and other entertainment on the city's main squares.
Another worthwhile activity in Kyiv during the summer, especially in August, is visiting shopping centers. Here, you can find sales with discounts of up to -70%.
Autumn in Kyiv
Autumn paints Kyiv in golden hues, basking in the last warm rays of the sun. September (+19°C) is still pleasantly warm, but by November, the weather (+4°C) can turn frosty and snowy. Kyiv experiences a considerable amount of precipitation in the fall, with penetrating winds arriving in October. While the first month of autumn doesn't significantly differ in terms of prices from the summer, interesting discounts can often be found by the end of September.
The vibrant colors of autumn in Kyiv invite you to take leisurely strolls around the city and savor the beauty. If you're wondering what to see in the capital during autumn and where to visit, tourists recommend the Botanical Gardens, featuring colorful exhibitions and unique natural displays. Walking through Kyiv's parks in the fall is a delightful experience, with parks like Mariinsky Park, Goloseevsky Forest, Park "Friendship of Peoples," Singing Field, and others showcasing their autumn beauty.
In the first half of autumn, Kyiv hosts various festivals, fairs, and quests for adults and children on the main squares of the city. As the colder weather approaches, the number of events in the capital diminishes. However, don't be too disheartened, as Halloween is celebrated at the end of October in a bright and lively manner in Kyiv. Festivities include numerous parties, masquerades, night games, and adventures.
Kyiv in Winter
Winter in Kyiv brings snow and frost, with January being the coldest month. Temperatures in winter drop to an average of -5°C during the day and -7°C at night. The cost of accommodation, excursions, and air tickets during the winter months is generally reasonable, except for the New Year holidays when prices tend to increase. Winter in Kyiv offers plenty of fun, especially in the lead-up to the New Year, attracting many tourists. There are numerous options for celebrating New Year and Christmas, as well as various activities and sights to explore in Kyiv during the winter season.
Where to Celebrate New Year and Christmas in Kyiv
New Year's Kyiv is adorned with vibrant street decorations and offers a plethora of entertainment for both adults and children. Tourists often find the city's center, particularly Sofievskaya Square, to be the most beautiful place during the winter season. This square is a must-visit for New Year and Christmas celebrations, featuring neon garlands and various colorful installations that create a unique holiday atmosphere.
While visiting Kyiv in winter, don't miss a stroll along Khreshchatyk, the city's main street, which is especially enchanting when illuminated by Christmas lights. The best winter entertainment in Kyiv can be found at the National Exhibition Center of Ukraine (VDNKh). Here, you can explore the New Year's fair and the "Zimnyaya Kraina" entertainment zone, which includes activities such as ice skating, an exhibition of ice sculptures, exciting contests for children, and much more.
During winter in Kyiv, you can explore other interesting places and enjoy various forms of entertainment. Highlights include Protasov Yar, where you can go skiing and sledding, winter activities at Feofania Park, and experiencing folk festivities at the open-air museum of Pirogovo.
With an understanding of Kyiv's climatic characteristics, you can now easily decide when the best time is to visit for your vacation. However, keep in mind that weather conditions can be quite changeable, so it's advisable to check the forecast before your trip. This will help you determine what clothing to bring and plan your city excursions accordingly.
