When is the last day of the white nights. Where do the events of M.F. Dostoevsky "White Nights" Multi-genre festival "GROM"

Saint Petersburg is one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists. It is a city with a great cultural and historical heritage, rich in museums and palaces. But the city is famous not only for its sights and architectural ensembles: in the minds of many, St. Petersburg is associated with a unique phenomenon - white nights.

This is one of the symbols of the city, which is widely reflected in art. What are white nights, why do they appear in St. Petersburg, when do they start and when do they end in 2018 - let's consider these questions.

Many tourists choose this period for a trip to the city - white nights, when the northern capital shines in all its extraordinary beauty. The most common question that worries tourists who are going to come to see the white nights with their own eyes is what period they take place in St. Petersburg, when exactly they begin in 2018.

Cause of the phenomenon

Despite such a poetic name, this phenomenon has a completely understandable scientific explanation. In the ordinary view, white nights are a period when, after sunset, night does not come, that is, complete darkness. Speaking from a scientific point of view, the solar disk during this period falls below the horizon by only 6 degrees, which is why the usual night does not come.

This phenomenon is typical for cities that are located near the Arctic Circle. It is noteworthy that geographically St. Petersburg does not belong to such cities, since it does not fall into this zone. But, nevertheless, white nights can be called one of the "sights" of the city.

Why do white nights occur in St. Petersburg at a certain period, if it does not fall into the zone for which this is typical, and when do white nights begin in 2018?

The fact is that in science there is a definition not of "white nights", but of "civil" and "navigational" twilight. The first refers to the period when the sun drops 6 degrees below the horizon, because of which the sky does not darken and night does not come. Navigation - when the disc drops below 12 degrees, and St. Petersburg fits into this framework. For comparison, the duration of civil twilight in Moscow is no more than one hour.

Thus, the white nights in St. Petersburg are the period when the solar disk does not fall below the horizon so much that darkness sets in. And formally, what we see is not night or day, but twilight.

When do white nights start in 2018? From an astronomical point of view, this is the period from June 11 to July 2. In practice, the nights become bright from May 25, and this period lasts until July 15.

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What awaits tourists this season

The White Nights season is a period when twilight, which replaces the night, allows you to walk along the streets of St. Petersburg until the morning and take photos without using a flash. That is why the largest influx of tourists falls on this time. This should be taken into account when planning: it is recommended to take care of places in hotels in advance, since it can be difficult to find free places during the peak season.

This is especially true for the end of June - the very height of the season, when there are practically no unoccupied rooms.

During this period, the city hosts many cultural and entertainment events. These are all kinds of excursions to the historical places of the city. Boat excursions will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the white nights of the city, during which you can admire drawbridges ranging from small bridges connecting canals to huge bridges, as well as all the unique sights that this city-museum is famous for: majestic palaces, monuments, architectural ensembles , paved squares, illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights.

Also guests and residents of the city are waiting for the St. George Festival. Many premieres await you, as well as the best productions of the Mariinsky Theater and other theatrical stages of St. Petersburg.

It is impossible not to mention about. This is a colorful holiday that has become one of the hallmarks of St. Petersburg. The program includes concerts, as well as a light show, accompanied by a real schooner with scarlet sails, gliding along the waves of the Neva.

White Nights, as we have seen, is one of the best and richest periods in St. Petersburg for festive events. This period accounts for the most number of festivities, festivals, concerts. We found out when the white nights begin in 2018, so it will be easier for you to plan your program for visiting the city on the Neva. Petersburg is beautiful at any time, but it is during this period that you can feel the special atmosphere of this city-museum!

Picturesque white nights are deservedly considered the hallmark of the Northern capital: a beautiful mother-of-pearl shine of the sky and clouds, the air is filled with ringing transparency, and romantics walking around the city, ready to be among the splendor of St. Petersburg parks, bridges and embankments around the clock.

When do white nights start in St. Petersburg? Of course, there is no exact date for the start of the White Nights. At the end of May, the nights begin to brighten every day, and the peak of this fabulous time falls on the 20th of June. But it must be said that the idea that white nights is certainly “Come to St. Petersburg in June!” - a popular PR move for tourists, of which there are an incredible number in the city these days. At the end of June and most of July, the white nights are no worse, and at the same time, there are no such queues near the main attractions. In the white nights, Peter lives his own life - people go to work, transport runs only during the day. Only the lights are not included. Petersburgers find their bearings simply: if the bridges on the Neva are drawn, then it is already more than 12 o'clock at night. And most importantly - an incredible, lively, cheerful and at the same time touching atmosphere of the charm of the white nights, when there are more people on the streets than during the day. This is because the time sung by so many writers and poets is really the best opportunity to enjoy quiet walks around the city. What else to do on white nights in St. Petersburg 2017? During this period, many festivals, open-airs and mass events take place in St. Petersburg. In 2017, at the end of May, City Day in St. Petersburg falls, and at the end of June - the spectacular performance "Scarlet Sails", St. Petersburg graduations. Traditional sightseeing is also a good thing if you know where to go, because in St. Petersburg there are many informal monuments, courtyards, streets that have only selected admirers among St. Petersburg residents. Remember that if you are going to visit the city on the Neva in the high season, it is better to book a suitable hotel in advance so as not to overpay. The Rachmaninov Art Hotel, located in the very center, right behind the Kazan Cathedral, has long become a kind of art object for residents and guests of St. Petersburg: here you can not only live in comfort, but also see exhibitions of famous St. Petersburg artists and a collection of photographs and antiques. Where else are white nights It should be noted that this phenomenon is not strictly Petersburg. They also happen in Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Cherepovets ... For especially beautiful and long white nights, it is worth going to Finland - there for two whole months - June and July - the sun does not set over the horizon. It is worth a delightful polar day. One of the places where you can relax surrounded by amazing Finnish nature, go fishing on a boat and get creative away from the metropolis is

How did they appear, and how to explain this phenomenon? Such amazing nights are found not only on the banks of the Neva, but also in many other parts of our planet. For most people, they are associated with something mystical, inexplicable, and now we will discuss all this.

What are white nights

Young children ask a lot of questions, and parents and teachers explain to them what certain concepts are. Any explanation is accompanied by the phrase: “Only this way and nothing else!” This forms in people the concept that during the day the sun shines and therefore it is light, and at night it becomes dark due to the appearance of the moon. This is the correct order of day and night, and we are used to it, but sometimes nature changes its rules. White nights are such non-standard "tricks" of hers.

The white nights of St. Petersburg are twilight that extends to the entire dark time of the day. Twilight, from the point of view of astronomy, is called the period when the sun is located at the shallowest depth below the horizon.

Why exactly St. Petersburg?

In most cases, white nights are associated with the great St. Petersburg. It should be noted that this is far from the only city in which one can observe such an excellent phenomenon, the creator of which is nature itself. The white nights of St. Petersburg are considered the most beautiful, although a similar phenomenon can be admired in Surgut, Murmansk or Arkhangelsk. However, only one of these cities was destined to become famous.

In order to admire this incredible spectacle, people from all over the world come to St. Petersburg. Even the locals are waiting for this event with tenderness and trepidation. This is not surprising, since the city is not only famous for its special nights. It is impossible to remain indifferent when observing the historical heritage, unsurpassed landscape, architecture and atmosphere. And if we add white nights to all this? That is why St. Petersburg is the city of white nights. Only he was awarded this honorary title.

When do these nights start and how long do they last?

In Russia, this amazing phenomenon can be observed in different periods in different cities.

  • Saint Petersburg. White Nights - the period from approximately the end of May to the beginning of July. To be more precise, they usually start on June 11 and last until July 2.
  • Arkhangelsk. Here the white nights come a little later, namely on May 13th. And they end at the end of July.
  • Petrozavodsk. Here the nights are brighter and last longer.
  • Vorkuta, Murmansk and Norilsk. Their common feature is polar days and nights.

Why do they arise?

Probably, many are interested in why the nights are white? How does this phenomenon occur? It happens because the sun is below the horizon at a shallow depth. This period is called twilight, and they have several gradations.

  • Civil Twilight. At this time, the street is quite light, but the stars in the sky are not visible. They start right after sunset. They last until the luminary falls 6 degrees below the horizon.
  • Navigational. When this twilight comes, you can admire the bright stars that are perfectly visible in the sky.
  • Astronomical twilight. The celestial body must fall 12 degrees below the horizon, and then they will come.

The main reason for the appearance of white nights is latitude. At low latitudes, the above types of twilight change at such a speed that we do not notice it. A completely different situation occurs with high latitudes, where this beautiful natural phenomenon is observed.

The sun's rays illuminate the planet differently due to the inclination of the Earth to the plane of the orbit. The northern polar region during the summer solstice becomes more illuminated, and at a latitude above 65 degrees, the polar day begins at all. So it is customary to call the period when the heavenly body does not fall below the horizon.

Unforgettable moments

Petersburg white nights are accompanied by a number of cultural events. The scale and uniqueness of some of them is simply unique. Tourists, as well as the residents of the city, admire this breathtaking spectacle with pleasure and take part in recreational activities.

One of the events dedicated to the white nights is the All-Russian ball of graduates "Scarlet Sails". The first stage of the event takes place on land and in the daytime, and the second is held in the Neva. At night, you can watch this grand multimedia fireworks show.

Another unique event in the northern capital is the music festival, which bears the name of the time and place of its holding, namely the "White Nights of St. Petersburg". Stars of both domestic and global scale take part in it.

The most important event

The most important event that accompanies the white nights is the raising of bridges and the passage of motor ships along the Neva. It should be noted that this is a bewitching and very beautiful sight that cannot be missed during a night walk around St. Petersburg.

There is a certain schedule for bridges, so you can admire not only the beauty of the white nights.

As you can see, white nights are not only a fascinating natural phenomenon, but also a cultural value. Once you see the white nights of St. Petersburg, you will never be able to forget it. The unique beauty of the city and this amazing natural phenomenon were glorified by the great classics and painters, including such famous personalities as F. M. Dostoevsky and A. S. Pushkin. They sang the white nights in their works, which made the city famous all over the world. Be sure to visit the northern capital during the white nights and admire this spectacle.

Of course, people who want to visit the city this year and have never encountered such a phenomenon are interested in the question, when in St. Petersburg there are white nights in 2018?

When the city is "awake"

By the end of May, the night in our northern city becomes very short, and Peter enters a period of “insomnia”. Outside the window it is light day and night, do not fall asleep. Citizens draw thick curtains on the windows, and tourists have the opportunity to extend their acquaintance with the city and stretch the pleasure for as long as 24 hours.

The exact dates of the white nights in St. Petersburg different sources indicate in their own way, changing them from year to year. Based on the geographical position of the city, white nights in St. Petersburg "start" on May 26, reaching their peak on the day of solar opposition - June 22. They end July 17th.

Festive events in St. Petersburg

During the white nights, the city traditionally hosts many interesting events. You can visit both city holidays and international competitions and festivals. Unlocks the colorful City Festival extravaganza. The International Music Festival “Stars of the White Nights” lasts until the usual “dark nights” return.

City Holiday

The birthday of St. Petersburg is celebrated on May 27. In 2018, this significant date falls on Saturday. The celebration will be held at numerous venues in the city. In the evening, at 9 o'clock, the magnificent annual show "Classics on the Palace" will begin. World-class opera soloists will perform in the open-air format on the square.

International Festival “Stars of the White Nights”

The classical music festival held annually under the direction of Valery Gergiev in 2018 will be held from May 26 to July 23. The best ballet and opera productions will be presented on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater. The audience will be introduced to the premiere screenings. Symphony and chamber orchestras will perform.

Scarlet Sails

For several generations, St. Petersburg graduates have been admiring an unforgettable sight - a schooner with scarlet sails slowly glides along the Neva. They usually try to coincide with the time of the holiday on the day of the solstice (the day off closest to June 22), but changes are possible. The city administration usually announces the exact date of the Scarlet Sails in the last days of May or at the beginning of June.

International Marathon “White Nights”

In 2018, the marathon traditionally held in St. Petersburg will be held on July 22. The start will be given at 9 am on the Palace Square. The athletes will finish there. Professional athletes will run the usual 42 km 193 meters. Fans are offered a shortened route - 10 kilometers. The track is laid along the central streets of the city. Registration for the marathon started in January.

International Festival “White Night Swing”

Petersburg Jazz Festival usually takes place in the last days of June. The best jazz bands from all over the world perform at the Jazz Philharmonic. The last day of the festival is open-air. Jazz lovers can enjoy free of charge the skill of the performers performing on the site near the Russian Museum. In 2018, the holiday is planned to be held on June 30.

How transport works

On white nights, guests of St. Petersburg can admire the spectacle characteristic of our city - drawn bridges. The spectacle is beautiful, but it is better to enjoy it without leaving the island where your hotel is located. Petersburg is built on islands, a raised bridge can cut you off from your habitat. The night metro train, which allows you to cross the Neva in the section between the stations Sportivnaya and Admiralteyskaya, carries passengers in a limited mode (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays). Night buses duplicate metro lines closed at night from 0 to 6 hours within the islands.

How to get to St. Petersburg

Petersburg can be reached by any means of transport - by train, plane, bus. You need to take care of purchasing air tickets or train tickets in advance, because there are usually a lot of people who want to visit the city, immersed in the mystery of the white nights.

Where to stay in St. Petersburg

mysterious white nights in St. Petersburg, attracting crowds of tourists, affect the level of cost of rooms in hotels. You can get cheap accommodation in numerous hostels and mini-hotels. Comfortable rooms with the necessary minimum of amenities will fully satisfy the needs of those tourists who come to enjoy walks around our city. In order not to run around the city in search of accommodation, it is advisable to book hotels in advance

  • Summer in the northern city of St. Petersburg is fraught with surprises. Going for a night walk, take an umbrella and something “warming” with you.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The city is big, you want to see everything, you have to walk a lot.
  • When planning your trip, set aside time to visit the palace complexes in the suburbs of St. Petersburg.
  • Shops and cafes work in the city at night. If you get hungry, there is where and what to eat.

Our city loves guests. Come at any time, you will always be welcome.



Probably, every tourist who comes to St. Petersburg is concerned about the question of when the white nights begin and end. According to many sources, in 2019 this spectacle will "cover" the northern capital from June 11 to July 2. That is, it is worth coming to this segment.

But, as many believe (erroneously), that the white nights strictly last in this period of time. In reality, this is absolutely not the case. Therefore, let's look at this topic from a scientific and practical point of view.

  • How long is daylight
  • Let's summarize

What does the term "white nights" mean?

Strange, but many people confuse them with the polar day, during which the sun does not set below the horizon at all, but, in fact, “floats” along it. If you want to look at this phenomenon, then you should visit cities such as Usinsk, Naryan-Mar, Salekhard or Norilsk.

On white nights, the sun sets below the horizon. But, not far away - it falls only behind the line at a small angle. Therefore, it is not a day on the street, but constant twilight. Moreover, the closer you are to the horizon line, the brighter they are.




There is even a so-called division of twilight into “civilian” - the brightest, when no stars are visible in the sky, and “sea” - navigational, when you can see the main stars and you can navigate by them. In the first case, the sun goes below the horizon at an angle of 6 degrees, in the second - up to 12. Also, in the Capital, "civil" twilight lasts only 60 minutes.

So, it turns out that ordinary white nights are when "civil" twilight does not turn into "marine" twilight, but immediately becomes morning. At the same time, each object can be viewed at any time of the day or night without street lighting.


An important nuance! Twilight "from dusk to dawn" can only be observed at latitudes above 60°60′00″, and St. Petersburg is located at a latitude of 59°57′00″. That is, if we take this issue formally, then there are no “white nights” as such. Even at the brightest midnight of June 20-21.

But it's hard to notice, and here's why.

How long is daylight

Let's take the officer's reference table of the average length of daylight hours:




Attention should be paid to the fact that the period from May 21 to the end of July at a latitude of 64 degrees differs in that the day exceeds 19 hours, and only 5 hours remain for the whole night, including twilight.

St. Petersburg is located south of this latitude, and the period in which the day length is almost 19 hours will begin from the last week of May and end as early as mid-July.

And if given the short night (together with the time for twilight)? And remember that the city is always more well lit than natural places due to the work of lanterns and any other lighting devices?




Of course, a brief "real" darkness still occurs, but it is simply impossible to notice with the naked eye. You won’t be able to see the stars either, and you won’t be able to fall asleep with the curtains open either.

In reality, in the Northern capital it is most light at night starting from the end of May and ending in mid-July.

What will the city authorities and tour operators tell us?

With regards to the city government, they are closer to the "practical" point of view. For example, State Unitary Enterprise "LenSvet" is a company that annually approves the schedule for switching on lights in the city.




If you go to their official website www.lensvet.spb.ru and look at the lighting map for the current year, it becomes immediately clear when the white nights begin and end according to the "version" of LenSvet. These are the time periods when the streets are lit only until 3 am - from the end of May to the second week of July.

The federal authorities also agree that it is during this period that the city will be the most presentable for tourists and citizens. For example, the St. Petersburg Economic Forum was previously held in the second half of July (last time it was held from 01.06 to 03.06), and in 2019 the event is scheduled for May 24-26.

Well, everything is clear with travel companies and operators. Almost all packages for the "White Nights of St. Petersburg" for the end of May and mid-July have already been sold out. It is at this time that the city is visited by the largest number of tourists.