Don't let the sun go down on me. - Elton John
Where the Sun Never Sets
Summer is truly a unique time in Saint Petersburg where a gift of nature known as White Nights allows visitors and citizens alike to have a midnight picnic along the banks of the Neva River, or stroll along the many canals that has given the city the nickname Venice of the North.
Bright Lights, Big City
Due to the very northerly geographical location of Saint Petersburg, the sun never falls below the horizon. From late May to Early July the nights are bright enough that the city never needs to turn the streetlights on.
But the time to experience the brightest White Nights is from June 11 to July 2. Around midnight is the choicest time for getting a feel of the real magic of this phenomenon. A silver glow falls over the city and the reflections of the splendid buildings that line the Neva River take on an glow that will make the observer feel as if they're in a fantasy land.
During this time of White Nights the temperature on average is 68 degrees F. If planning an all day outing it is suggested to layer your outfit with a medium to lightweight jacket. Remember, it's better to have a jacket and not need it, than to need a jacket and not have it.
Starry Nights and Getting Flashed
Of course, the phenomenon of white nights are just part of the special atmospheric events you might see so far north. If you don't travel during the summer, look instead for the Northern Lights, Zodiacal Lights and, the Green Flash. You might be lucky enough to catch all of them on your trip.
This article is part of the Historic Travel series on The St. Petersburg Traveler.
