When Is the Best Time to Visit Russia

Russia is a destination the oozes character and charisma. From its opulent cathedrals to the designer shops nestled among prestigious neighborhoods in Moscow, I always wanted to learn more about its culture and people. There’s plenty to see throughout the year. So you do need to take Russia’s seasons into account when planning your itinerary. So when is the best time to visit Russia?

This is arguably the most common question I keep receiving from anyone who is going there.

Put it this way: you’ll find delicious Russian foods year round and the Kremlin is open in all four seasons. But your experience will change dramatically depending on when you go. Tourists typically flock to Russia during warm (often hot though) summer months. Actually, I say that quite relatively as Russia today is never really short of travelers. However, you’ll find fewer people around in winter than in summer but I do think that’s a huge oversight.

I’m not as keen on early spring (which looks and feels pretty much the same as winter) nor late autumn (with its heavy rains). So when I’m asked, I always recommend visiting Moscow in late spring or early summer when the temperatures are mild and the city’s gardens are green and blooming.

Yup, the country generally gets a bad climate rap. Although summer is great because there is so much more outdoorsy stuff you can do, Moscow is a charming place to visit in winter and here’s (some) proof!

January to March

I bet you have heard that the winter months of January to March are cold and unpleasant. But the truth is Russia is a true winter wonderland.

Unlike countries like Sweden or Norway, Russian major cities are densely populated even in the most northern areas such as Arkhangelsk and St. Petersburg. This fact makes traveling easier as you can find places to eat, things to do and enjoy the smaller crowds at Russia’s top attractions.

I have been to the country many times in different seasons and there’s something special about visiting Russia in winter. If you’re brave enough to get out there in the frigid winter months, you can expect the most special time and very unique experience. Look at the picture below:

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Wrapped in all white from December to March, Moscow is elegantly decorated so you will be able to take really good pictures and then post those on social media. The Moscow authorities and shop owners start decorating the entire location in mid-November.

Starting from mid-December there are venues with unique art objects and exciting street shows and concerts all over the city. It’s a perfect time to sample traditional food and get unusual souvenirs. And you’ll be around for two of the biggest annual events: New Year celebrations and Orthodox Christmas.

What to Wear in Russia in Winter: If you’re planning on being outdoors in the countryside then you have to wear thermals. I would also suggest bringing a hat, winter jacket and winter gloves for exploring Moscow because the temperature in January often drops to as low as -25°C (-13 Fahrenheit).

April to May

April is when all the fun begins. It is when winter’s snow and cold fade away and the warm air pushes temperature in Moscow up to around 15°C (59F).

Traveling to Russia in late April and early May is the best time for mingling with locals.

Spring in Moscow is all about waking up.. and you can feel it in the local bustle of the countless red flags on Labor Day and the lavish military parade on the Victory Day.

Get your vitamin D fix at one of the Black Sea resort towns. Explore the Black Sea coastline by boat (maybe find some surf?) or go for a hike along the high winding cliffs along the seaside. Hop on a bus to discover several smaller towns such as Adler and Tuapse.

Ready to get physical? Grab a bike and see Sochi, which hosted Olympic games in 2014 as you breeze along the river embankment or get a glimpse of the atmosphere in the Fisht Olympic Stadium.

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The advantages of the spring season in Russia come with decent weather and long-enough daylight.

Is traveling to Russia in Spring or Fall better? You will have to consider your destination. Both weather and crowds are the same throughout Russia in the spring and fall. Russia is generally green in the springtime with lots of blooming parks all around. However, it can be wet and cold wherein the fall plants start to brown up.

For outdoor lovers like me, late May is the best time to discover places like Curonian Spit or Solovetsky Islands since many hiking trails are covered with snow throughout early spring.

What to Wear in Moscow in April: If the idea of visiting Russia in April seems overwhelming and you have no idea what to pack for Moscow in spring. Don’t stress over it. It’s actually a lot less daunting than you think.

I found that I actually didn’t need much that I didn’t already have when I did my research and wrote down my Russia packing list. Even though one of my journeys took me north of Moscow, I actually didn’t need to think what to pack for Karelia over since it was actually colder in Moscow than Russian Lapland during my trip!

In a nutshell, I would recommend wearing decent shoe brands since it can snow both in March and April. Layering your outfit is a great idea because the temperature can range from 0 to 16°C (32 to 60 Fahrenheit).

June to August

June to August is high season in Russia. Hundreds of travelers from around Europe and the rest of the world flock to St. Petersburg and Moscow for their summer vacation.

Summer is warm (and often hot), with July generally being the hottest month. The weather is perfect for long days on the pebble beaches of Sochi or relaxing on the lawns in the Tsaritsyno park with a picnic and a hand-cranked ice cream. You can expect large crowds of tourists outside attractions like the Kremlin and the Gorky Park.

Expect temperatures in the mid to high twenties (that’s around 68-79 Fahrenheit) with 60-75% humidity.

Visiting Russia in summer can make your journey much easier. Aside from the fact that you don’t have to pack too many clothes, you’ll keep yourself (and your camera) from both the snow and the cold. In summer, the temperatures are usually pleasant. So depending on your destination, the weather will be mild, or even quite hot.

What is most important about going to Russia in summer is getting a better sense of what are locals really like. When they don’t have to wear so many clothes to protect themselves from extreme cold, they just love to show off their unusual and often eccentric sense of style. Get a glimpse of everyday Russian clothing.

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If you made it to St. Petersburg in June, you just can’t miss out on enjoying the White Nights Festival. Stating from mid-June to early July the sky in St. Petersburg never gets dark. Since the city isn’t as close to the Arctic Circle as Bergen, you won’t admire the midnight sun. However, due to the charming tradition of bridge raising, architecture and culture just around every corner coupled with a silver glow that fills the sky, make visiting St. Petersburg so special.

The summer season is also when you can catch dozens of international acts performing around Moscow. There’s also plenty of open-air festivals you can attend like Red Bull Flugtag, Nashestvie, and Faces&Laces. Despite being hot, summer is one of my favorite times of year because of all the summer festivals. There are dance festivals, Russia Day and nightly fireworks.

What to Wear in Russia in Summer: I suggest bringing whatever you normally wear in summer. Exploring Moscow and other big cities may involve a lot of walking. That is why a couple of pairs of comfortable arch support shoes is a must. Consider purchasing a pair of decent sneakers if you don’t already have one. These are comfortable enough to walk throughout the day. Oh, and one more thing – don’t forget your travel umbrella I dare you!

September to December

As tourists hurry back home, prices in major cities start to go back down. From September to December, airlines and hotels will lower their rates making it another affordable and, perhaps, the best time to visit western Russia.

On the first weekend in September, you can attend the Moscow City Day. It’s an official event with plenty of music, processions, fairs and street entertainment that honors the city’s founding.

Starting from mid-September to mid-October, European Russia has its trees dressed into many shades of yellow. Known as the Golden Autumn (or Indian summer as we know it), this is the best time to travel to Russia and enjoy architecture, explore the Golden Ring, the cultural side and get away from the stifling heat of the city.

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Another perk of visiting Russia in autumn is the opportunity to attend a world-renowned Russian ballet performance. Since the ballet dancers return back home in September, do your best to book the tickets in advance as they sell off very quickly. Ballet performances are usually staged from September to mid-June.

In December, you can attend Moscow’s unusual Christmas Markets. Why unusual? Because due to the fact that Russians are Orthodox Christians, and they celebrate Orthodox Christmas on 7th January Christmas Markets stay open until then.

December isn’t the coldest month for Moscow so the city is getting prettier day by day. There is nothing more magical than seeing the city with a dusting of snow. But if you’re looking to escape the chilly winter temperatures, head to the south of Russia.

What to Wear in Russia in October: you’ll need a light coat or insulated jacket. Don’t worry, though! The weather is often perfect for strolling along the paths of the public parks, shopping and enjoying all the seasonal festivities.

The Best Time to Visit Russia: Final Thoughts

If you are visiting Russia for the first time I would recommend visiting in summer just to make things more convenient. However, if your budget permits, don’t think twice about going there in winter. You just have to think carefully about what you pack.

This country is one of those destinations that is beautiful all year round. Whether you’re looking to explore Russia’s Golden Ring towns, wander around the Amber Room at Catherine Palace of Tsarskoye Selo or shop up a storm at GUM and TSUM, there’s a way for everyone to soak up Russia’s history and heritage.