As winter approaches, the yearning for warmth and sunlight grows stronger, particularly in a country where cozy winter days are a rarity. For many Russians, the winter season can be emotionally challenging, as the absence of sunlight often dampens spirits. However, there’s a solution: head towards the sun. Leading the list of Russia’s sunniest cities, determined by the number of annual sunshine hours, are not the expected resort cities of the Krasnodar Krai, but rather cities in Siberia and the Far East. These regions boast the highest number of sunny days per year, providing a welcome escape for those seeking a break from the winter gloom.
Sunny Buryatia
According to meteorological data, Buryatia takes the lead in Russia’s sunshine rankings. Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia, records an impressive average of 2797 hours of sunshine annually. The city’s sunny disposition makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the winter blues. The nearby city of Chita also basks in sunlight, boasting around 2500 sunny hours per year. In the small town of Borzya, located in the Zabaykalsky Krai, the number of sunny days surpasses even the regional capital, earning it a notable spot on the list.
Far East Illumination
Heading east, Khabarovsk emerges as another sunny haven, with approximately 2449 hours of sunshine each year. With its vibrant cultural scene, Khabarovsk offers not only a sunny escape but also a rich and engaging travel experience. Yakutsk, known for its extreme cold, surprises with an abundance of sunshine, shining for an average of 2229 hours per year. Travelers can enjoy the unique beauty of the North in the most comfortable conditions.
While the cities mentioned here represent some of the sunniest regions in Russia, the list does not end there. Other sun-drenched destinations include Astrakhan, Kislovodsk, Nalchik, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Troitsk in the Chelyabinsk region, Anadyr, Vladivostok, and Nakhodka.
So, for those yearning for a winter getaway filled with sunshine, Russia has surprising options beyond the usual warm resorts. Whether exploring the cultural richness of Khabarovsk, embracing the cold with a sunny backdrop in Yakutsk, or enjoying the picturesque landscapes of Buryatia, these cities promise to brighten both your mood and your winter travel experience.
