WHEN TO TRAVEL to Ukraine

Location

Climate

Ukraine is a fascinating country with an unrivalled wealth of culture and history. To take full advantage of all it has to offer, it's essential to plan your trip according to the seasons, temperatures and major cultural events.

Seasons and climate in Ukraine

The climate in Ukraine is temperate continental, with cold winters and hot summers. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, but is generally heaviest in summer. Here's an overview of the different seasons and average temperatures in Ukraine:

• Spring (March to May) Temperatures rise gradually during this period, from 5°C in March to 18°C in May. The weather is generally pleasant, with sunny days and moderate rainfall.
• Summer (June to August) Summer is the hottest season in Ukraine, with average temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Rainfall can be heavy, especially in July and August, but days are generally sunny and pleasant.
• Autumn (September to November) Autumn: Temperatures drop gradually in autumn, from 15°C in September to 5°C in November. Precipitation is generally moderate, and days can be cloudy or rainy.
• Winter (December to February) Winter is the coldest season in Ukraine, with average temperatures between -6°C and 0°C. The country also experiences heavy snowfalls, especially in mountainous regions.

Low and high season in Ukraine

Tourist numbers in Ukraine vary according to season and major cultural events. Here is an overview of the low and high seasons:

• Low season (November to March): The winter months are generally considered low season in Ukraine, due to the cold and less favorable weather conditions. Tourist numbers are lower, which means you can take advantage of special rates on accommodation and tourist activities.
• High season (April to October) : Peak season in Ukraine is spring, summer and autumn. Weather conditions are more favorable and the country hosts many major cultural events. Tourist numbers are higher, which can lead to higher prices and limited availability of accommodation and attractions.

Major cultural events in Ukraine

Ukraine is a country rich in traditions and cultural events. Here are just a few of the must-see events not to be missed during your stay:

Kiev International Film Festival (May)

Every year, this prestigious festival attracts filmmakers, actors and film professionals from all over the world. On the program: film screenings, workshops, conferences and meetings with directors.

Ukrainian Independence Day (August 24)

August 24 is a public holiday in Ukraine, celebrating the country's independence in 1991. Parades, concerts, fireworks and other festivities are organized throughout the country to mark this important occasion.

Alfa Jazz Fest (June)

Held in the city of Lviv, the Alfa Jazz Fest is one of the biggest jazz festivals in Eastern Europe. It brings together international and local artists for open-air concerts and late-night jam sessions.

Constitution Day (June 28)

This day commemorates the adoption of the Ukrainian Constitution in 1996. Cultural and political events are organized throughout the country, including concerts, exhibitions and public debates.

GogolFest festival (September)

This international festival of contemporary arts is held annually in Kiev and brings together artists from a variety of disciplines, including dance, theater, music and visual arts. The program includes performances, workshops and exhibitions at various venues around the city.

Public holidays in Ukraine

Here is a list of the main public holidays in Ukraine, which may affect the opening hours of shops, museums and tourist attractions:

• January 1: New Year
• January 7: Orthodox Christmas
• March 8: International Women's Day
• April (date varies) : Orthodox Easter
• May 1: Labour Day
• May 9: Victory Day
• June 28: Constitution Day
• August 24: Ukrainian Independence Day

Immigration statistics for Ukraine

According to data published by the Migration Office in Ukraine, there has been a steady increase in the number of foreigners moving to the country in recent years. Here are some key figures:

• In 2020In 2007, almost 25,000 foreigners obtained temporary residence permits in Ukraine, an increase on previous years.
• Between 2019 and 2020The number of naturalization applications rose by 7%.
• Ukrainians abroad are also returning in increasing numbers, with nearly 30,000 returns recorded in 2020.

Immigrant origins

Nationals of neighboring countries make up the majority of immigrants to Ukraine. The most common nationalities are :

• The Russians;
• Belarus;
• Moldavians;
• The Georgians.

However, there is also a growing presence of immigrants from other parts of the world, notably from Asia and Africa.

Most popular visas in Ukraine

There are several types of visa to enter Ukraine, but some are more popular than others. Here are the most popular visas:

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is undoubtedly the most popular among foreigners wishing to visit Ukraine. In 2019, nearly 15 million international tourists visited the country, generating revenue of around $5 billion. Key attractions include historic cities like Lviv and Kiev, as well as the Black Sea and the Carpathian Mountains.

Business Visa

As Ukraine is a developing country, many foreigners are interested in the business opportunities it offers. Business visas are therefore in great demand from investors, entrepreneurs and professionals wishing to set up businesses or work with local partners.

Study visa

More and more foreign students are choosing Ukraine to pursue their higher education, attracted by the quality of teaching and affordable tuition fees. In 2019, nearly 80,000 international students were enrolled in Ukrainian universities.

Work visa

Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors, such as IT and medicine. Work visas are therefore in great demand from foreigners wishing to work in these fields. According to statistics, around 10% of residence permits issued in Ukraine are linked to employment.

International tourism figures for Ukraine

Tourism is a key sector for the Ukrainian economy, and the country has seen rapid growth in the number of international visitors in recent years. Here are some interesting figures on tourism in Ukraine:

• In 2019Ukraine welcomed nearly 15 million international tourists, an increase of 20% over the previous year.
• Tourism revenues accounted for around 5 billion in 20194% of the country's GDP.
• Ukraine's main tourist destinations are Kiev, Lviv, Odessa and the Carpathian mountain regions.
• Foreign tourists mainly come from European countries such as France, Germany and Italy. Polandthe Hungarythe Romania and the Slovakiabut also Russia and UNITED STATES.