Geography, Weather, & Wildlife of Ukraine
WARNING: Ukraine is politically unstable, please read this travel warning before going!
Geography
Field reflecting the flag
Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe and dominates much of the Black Sea's northern coast. It is a fairly large and geographically diverse country, stretching to the Carpathian Mountains in the west of the country. Ukraine is bordered by Poland (west), Slovakia (west), Hungary (west), Romania (southwest), Moldova (southwest), Russia (east and northeast), and Belarus (north).
Geographically, Ukraine is fairly diverse. The Carpathian Mountains pass through the west, but these mountains are not difficult to traverse so much as they are at elevation. This has slowed trade and transportation, but has allowed great growth for the country as a whole as rivers from here feed the rest of the country, making the country very livable. Most of the Crimean Peninsula in the south is fairly dry and living here is difficult; along the rainy southern tip of the peninsula living conditions greatly improve.
Weather
Carpathian Mountains
Ukraine's seasons are very distinct and geographical differences make these seasons more pronounced. Winters (December-February) can be very cold, especially in the east, where temperatures in Kharkov average about 20˚ F (-7˚ C) and rarely get above freezing. The Carpathian Mountains in the west are slightly warmer, but due to the elevation can be colder and generally snowier. The Crimean Peninsula rarely gets cold enough for snow.
The spring and fall (autumn) experience unpredictable temperatures and precipitation, yet temperatures are warmer than in winter, making most mountain ranges accessible and the Crimean Peninsula warm, but not too hot.