The derivation of the long daily temperature record from St. Petersburg is described. Some alterations in observation times, procedural changes and possible site moves are adjusted for, but correction for a probable urbanization influence of up to 1.0 ° C over the 20th century is not attempted. The daily temperature series is then analysed for long-term changes in the numbers of daily extreme values. Although the 20th century shows a clear trend to lower numbers of extremely cold days, warm day counts indicate a much smaller change. The 1990s have been exceptionally warm but only just exceed some earlier decades such as the 1930s.