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Weather Comparison

Kyiv vs Chisinau

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Kyiv: -2°CChisinau: 2°C401 km apart

January Weather: Kyiv vs Chisinau

MetricKyivChisinauBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer-2°C (28°F)2°C (36°F)Chisinau
Average LowHigher is milder-6°C (21°F)-5°C (23°F)Chisinau
Rain DaysFewer is drier9 days7 daysChisinau
PrecipitationLess is drier34 mm34 mmTie
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier3h/day4h/dayChisinau
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better19 km/h15 km/hChisinau

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Chisinau edges ahead as the better destination in January. Chisinau offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 7 rain days, while Kyiv sees 3 sunshine hours and 9 rain days.

Kyiv is on the cooler side at -2°C, requiring warmer clothing. Chisinau is cooler at 2°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Chisinau is the stronger choice in January. Chisinau receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Kyiv reaches an average high of -2°C (28°F) and drops to -6°C (21°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Chisinau averages 2°C (36°F) for the high and -5°C (23°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The 4°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Kyiv receives approximately 34 mm of rainfall across 9 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Chisinau sees 34 mm over 7 rain days. That makes Chisinau the drier option by 2 rain days and 0 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Kyiv vs Chisinau

Packing for Kyiv in January

Highs of -2°C, lows of -6°C, 9 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Chisinau in January

Highs of 2°C, lows of -5°C, 7 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Kyiv vs Chisinau

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthKyivChisinau
HighRainHighRain
Jan-2°C9d2°C7d
Feb0°C8d4°C6d
Mar5°C9d9°C8d
Apr14°C9d16°C9d
May20°C11d22°C11d
Jun23°C11d26°C10d
Jul25°C12d28°C9d
Aug24°C8d28°C7d
Sep19°C9d22°C7d
Oct12°C8d15°C6d
Nov5°C8d8°C6d
Dec0°C9d3°C7d
-2°

Kyiv Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

2°

Chisinau Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kyiv warmer than Chisinau in January?
No. In January, Chisinau is warmer with an average high of 2°C (36°F) compared to Kyiv at -2°C (28°F), a difference of 4°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Kyiv or Chisinau?
Kyiv gets more rain in January with 9 rain days and 34 mm of precipitation. Chisinau is the drier option with 7 rain days.
Is it better to visit Kyiv or Chisinau in January?
It depends on your preferences. Kyiv averages -2°C and 3 hours of daily sunshine with 9 rain days. Chisinau averages 2°C with 4 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Chisinau. For fewer rain days, Chisinau is the better pick.
How far apart are Kyiv and Chisinau?
Kyiv and Chisinau are approximately 401 km (249 miles) apart. Kyiv is located in Ukraine (Europe) while Chisinau is in Moldova (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Kyiv and Chisinau?
For Kyiv, June tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 23°C. For Chisinau, July is typically ideal with 13 sunshine hours and 28°C highs.

Compare Kyiv and Chisinau in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Kyiv coordinates: 50.45°N, 30.52°E | Chisinau coordinates: 47.01°N, 28.86°E