Murmansk in April 2026 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices in hotels and excursions? What to do and what to see in Murmansk in April, where to go on the Kola Peninsula, whether whales appear in the Barents Sea, what is the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights – Eurotraveler talks about all this.
April in the Arctic is clearly not the month when the atmosphere is saturated with warmth, and nature makes it clear that it is waiting for the imminent arrival of summer. On the contrary, it’s mid-spring in these parts more like winter.
And the snow – it all depends on the year, of course – usually lies in the same thick blanket.
That is why most often those who know a lot about wine vacation in Murmansk in April skiing and sledding. And, of course, romantics – most of the Kola Peninsula at the turn of winter and spring looks as if it is not aware of the presence of man and civilization in these parts.
Severe, but at the same time lyrical, sometimes incredibly beautiful. And also: detached and incredibly calm.
It’s as if the local nature is aware of its own uniqueness, but is not going to boast about it. Floats through centuries, enjoying balance, as if having found nirvana…
It is quite possible that you too will find a balance point here. If you don’t, you’ll definitely want to hunt for the Polar Lights in Murmansk in April and just relax!
How much does such a psychotherapy session cost? What should you expect in terms of weather and entertainment?
Now we’ll tell you!
Weather in Murmansk in April
Reminiscent of a not too cold winter in one of the much more southern Russian regions. At the beginning of April in Murmansk there may be even warm — in mid-spring, the polar city sometimes experiences completely non-Arctic temperatures in the region of -6-+3 and even +5 degrees Celsius.
Although on some particularly cold nights, street thermometers in the vicinity of the city – we are not talking about the remote hills on the coast of the Barents Sea – show down to -20 °C.
Towards mid-April, the air on the Kola Peninsula during the day more or less regularly warms up to +4-6 °C. However, at night frosts regularly drop the temperature to -5-10 °C.
At the end of April, Murmansk and the region headed by him may… never come real spring. On the contrary, the weather is worsening as if out of spite, and the air temperature is squeezing towards zero levels even in the daytime.
A similar picture is observed on the Kola Peninsula every April. Almost – deviations from the drawn diagram are so insignificantwhich hardly makes sense to dive into their description.
That is, snow in Murmansk and the region in April lay, lies and will lie. Even on the May holidays and later, until (at best) until June.
And no brief thaw will lead to significant progress. That is, at least to the appearance of significant bald spots in last year’s grass.
Overall this is does not create inconvenience for tourists and does not ruin their plans for tours to Teriberka and other excursions around the Kola Peninsula.
Of course, if travelers arriving from large cities realize that the borderline temperatures between minus and plus are actually guarantee snow porridge. And wet feet – if you choose the wrong shoes.
In a metropolis, you simply change your shoes and socks. In the tundra near Murmansk, wet feet can lead to really unpleasant consequences…
Precipitation and sun
By the way, it rarely rains (and sometimes snows) here in the middle of spring. Although cloudy days are numerous noticeably ahead of the good weather.
But the length of daylight in April Murmansk is commendably long – this is how nature, apparently, compensates for the Polar Night.
On April 1, for example, the sun shines (naturally in theory) for just under 14 hours. And on the threshold of May it does not set for more than 18!
- Prices for daily rental of apartments in Murmansk
How to dress
This is perhaps the most important question. And if tourists planning to go skiing in Kirovsk in April know exactly what clothes to wear need to take with youthen “ordinary” travelers often get into trouble.
Having decided that on the threshold of May, spring is definitely coming to the Kola Peninsula.
Which, as should be clear from the above, is true – from the point of view of the calendar. But not the actual weather.
Be sure to take this into account and stock up on enough really warmwoolen and windproof items. And also accessories like gloves and mittens, scarves, hats.
For even a simple walk around Murmansk with a climb to the hills at this time can literally freeze.
What can we say about a trip to the (overly) popular Teriberka today, which looks into the face of the Arctic Ocean? Or going to sea in search of whales appearing in these waters at the end of April?
Prices 2026
It’s no secret that a trip to Murmansk by car today has already turned into a kind of sport for residents not only of Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also of other regions of Russia. Fortunately, the roads connecting the Kola Peninsula with the rest of the country are not so bad today.
And snowstorms affecting local destinations are already a thing of the past in the spring
But if you go to the “Capital of the Russian Arctic” by plane, then also don’t go broke. Since a flight from the capital and back for an adult passenger with luggage will cost a relatively modest 15-20 (only hand luggage or with luggage) thousand rubles.
Not so much, considering that it will save a lot of time?!
Equally, the cost of renting an apartment is quite reasonable near the city center. Moreover, even for a 2-room mansion you will pay about 4-5 thousand rubles per day. And a whole family of up to 4 people can live there.
Accommodation in a mini-hotel will cost comparable money. But – with a much smaller area – the room will cost 3.5+ thousand rubles for only 2 guests.
As for Teriberka, everything is more expensive there. And, curiously, in the village today you can stay not only in hotels, but also rent apartments.
There are very good restaurants. Where tourists will be fed with local specialties: stroganina and scallops, venison, lichen chips…
Excursions around Murmansk itself cost from 1.5 thousand rubles per participant or from 5 thousand for everyone. Around 4.5-6 kilo rubles will have to be paid for an individual tour to Teriberka. But already for one person!
Things to do
The vast majority of travelers go to Murmansk for just two things: the northern lights and whales in Teriberka. Okay, today it’s already three – skiing on the ski slopes near Kirovsk has traditionally become a decoration for the winter and most of the spring seasons.
Well, of course, it will remain so until real warming occurs. That is, until about mid-May!
As for the aurora, although not as (usually) bright as in winter, it is often can be seen near Murmansk throughout April. Around the middle to the end of the month, you will be able to meet whales in the Barents Sea.
Most often, of course, not the giant ones, the ones that are blue. But if you see minke whales or killer whales releasing fountains, then this will be enough to recognize the whole trip as fantastically successful!
You can go on a trip from Murmansk to Teriberka for other reasons. At least to try to feel that very harsh northern romancewhich is usually mentioned in literally all reviews.
If you consider Teriberka to be an overly promoted and “pop” place, you can make a less standard move.
For example, go to Lovozero tundra. Or visit Kandalaksha, perched on the actually inland sea of the Kola Peninsula, the White Sea.
Very popular trips from Murmansk to Sami village – at any time of the year, not only in April.
Fans of snow sports – let’s say this again – will not fail to pay a visit to Kirovsk. Where in the middle of spring you will be able to combine a purely sightseeing holiday with active entertainment in the fresh air.
And of course, don’t forget about the main attraction of the Arctic capital – nuclear-powered icebreaker Leninstanding at the pier in Murmansk. Just choose the time for your visit carefully.
For the legendary ship turned into a museum, for example, experiences an incredibly large influx of visitors on weekends. Now even in completely non-tourist months!
© Eurotraveler
