Russia Travel Weather

March - May

The spring months are a quiet time without a huge rush of tourists. Days are getting longer, but still cold, both in the Asian part of Russia (Siberia, Vladivostok) and in the European part (Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, Volgograd).

In March, temperatures range from -4°C to 6°C, and in some areas (including around the Arctic Circle) there is still snow. The weather can be capricious sometimes warm and sunny, other times snow or rain with snow.

In April, the temperature gradually rises and the thaw and melt begin. Even the ice covering Lake Baikal during the winter begins to crumble, making access to the famous Olchon Island impossible, ferries still can't run, and cars can no longer cross on the ice.

It is only in May that the real spring comes, feeling warmer air (8°C - 17°C) and a large dose of sunshine. There may also be fleeting rainfall, but it is not very troublesome. Nature is waking up, everything is turning green and flowers are blooming, so trekking in the lower parts of the mountains and hiking along the trails of national parks and reserves are possible. Also, traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway in May because of the views is a good idea. It's also worth a trip to St. Petersburg, where you can observe "white nights" from mid-May to mid-July. Also from May you can see the famous gushing fountains in Peterhof.

The warmest region of the country is the Black Sea area (Novorossiysk, Sochi). The spring months here are sunny and warm, with temperatures oscillating between 10°C and 18°C. There are also days with temperatures exceeding 20°C. This is a good time for those who appreciate a more intimate and less expensive vacation. Admittedly, it's too cool for beachcombing, and the Black Sea is around 17°C, which doesn't create comfortable conditions for swimming, but you can explore and walk around without worrying about the aura.

In spring, the Russian tundra (the northern reaches of Russia and the islands of the Arctic Ocean) remains frigid, and the mercury bar does not rise above 0°C. The same is true in the higher parts of the mountains (Caucasus, Altai, Urals), where peaks and slopes remain covered with snow.

June - August

The summer months are also the peak tourist season in Russia. This is when the best weather prevails for exploring all corners of the country, both in the European and Asian parts. Depending on the region, temperatures range from 13°C to 25°C, with the south of the country usually much warmer and sunnier than the far north. Heat waves reaching 30°C are not uncommon during this period either. In addition to full sun and high temperatures, we will also encounter rainfall, which is usually fleeting and does not impede relaxation. Long and warm days encourage sightseeing in major cities (Kaliningrad, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Irkutsk). Around the Arctic Circle and even further north, one can observe "white nights," when the sun does not hide behind the horizon. In St. Petersburg, this effect is seen from mid-May to mid-July.

In the Black Sea region (Novorossiysk, Sochi), the beach and sea bathing season is underway, and seaside resorts are bustling with activity. Hot days and water temperatures above 20°C attract tourists who enjoy blissful laziness. You can also enjoy the beaches at this time on the Baltic Sea, but it is usually cooler there than in southern Russia. You can also relax on the eastern and southeastern coasts (including Seaside Krai, Vladivostok), although the weather here tends to be more capricious. The area is under the influence of the East Asian monsoon, which means that summers are usually warm, but foggy, humid and rainy.

During the summer months, it is worthwhile to organize an escapade to the dry and windy steppe areas (Kazakh Steppe, Pontic Steppe), as well as trekking along mountain trails (Caucasus, Altai, Urals), where the weather is also good.

Also, a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway is best planned for this period, especially lovers of photography will be delighted. Fans of nature and wild animals can observe tigers in Zov Tigra National Park or Durminskoye Reserve. The surroundings of Lake Baikal attract those wishing to relax in nature in summer. Admittedly, you can't count on hot weather here, as the temperature oscillates around 14°C, but usually the sun will accompany us during hiking.

Summer is the best time to travel to the northern regions of Russia (including the Chukotka Autonomous District) and the islands of the Arctic Ocean (Wrangel Island, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, Novosibirsk Islands). Temperatures here are much lower than in other regions of the country, oscillating between 5°C and 10°C. Summers are generally short, cloudy and windy. The snows (outer surface) melt, but the permafrost remains. Vegetation and flowers appear, and animals become more visible. You can visit Beringia National Park or take a cruise around the islands without any problems.

September - November

When organizing a visit to Russia during the autumn months, keep in mind that the weather is no longer as good as in summer. Temperatures gradually drop, it gets cloudy, and it rains more often.

September is still a reasonably good month to travel - especially for those focused on sightseeing away from the heat and crowds of tourists. It's also possible to go mountain trekking, but in the somewhat lower parts of the mountains, as it can be cold and windy on the higher peaks. The Black Sea region (Novorossiysk, Sochi) is the warmest, with temperatures between 17°C and 25°C, and you can't complain about the lack of sunshine. You can still beach and sunbathe without problems. A few degrees cooler is on the coast of the Baltic Sea - here the weather can be changeable - once it can be warm and sunny other times cloudy and rainy.

Visiting the European part of Russia (Kaliningrad, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan) is pleasant, with temperatures reaching 10°C - 17°C. On the other hand, exploring the Asian (Siberian) part (Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk) is no longer so trouble-free. The pillar of the mercury can drop below 10°C, but warmer and sunny days also occur. Nature lovers can enjoy nature in colorful autumn and observe animals preparing for winter in national parks and reserves (including Kamchatka). Because of the spectacular views, a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway is a good idea.

The coldest regions of Russia, i.e. its northern extremities (including the Chukotka Autonomous District) and the islands of the Arctic Ocean (Wrangel Island, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, Novosibirsk Islands) in September still have positive temperatures (0°C - 5°C), but from October winter begins here with severe frosts and heavy snow.

October and November throughout the country bring falling temperatures more cloud cover and rain and, in places, snow. The European part of Russia is warmer (0°C - 10°C), but falling rain or rain with snow results in plush and muddy streets. This will make it somewhat difficult to visit the major attractions of Moscow, St. Petersburg or Kazan. Although the beach season has come to an end in the Black Sea region (Novorossiysk, Sochi), the area is still relatively cheerful and warm (11°C - 18°C). In the Asian part of the country (Siberia), a harsh winter with frost and snow slowly begins from October. On the other hand, the Lake Baikal region and southeastern areas (Vladivostok) are windy, but the mercury bar remains above 0°C.

December - February

The cold and snowy winter months are outside the tourist season. Due to low temperatures and heavy snowfall, it is not a good time for city sightseeing, mountain trekking or hiking. Traffic difficulties due to snow-covered streets, trails and airports are the order of the day. Many tourist attractions are closed or made inaccessible to tourists by the weather. In some areas, frosts as low as -40 degrees Celsius make normal functioning impossible. Only winter sports enthusiasts do not complain about the weather - the ski season is underway. There is no shortage of snow on the slopes of the Urals (Ezhovaya, Zavyalikha, Abzakovo, Adzhigardak) and the steeper slopes of the Caucasus (Roza Khutor, Krasnaya Polyana, Elbrus, Cheget, Dombay), and winter sports centers are bustling with activity. You can also ski and snowboard in Russia's northern Kirov region (Kolasportland, Aikuai) and Siberia's Krasnoyarsk Krai (Bobroviy Log).

Visiting the western and central parts of the country (Kaliningrad, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Irkutsk) is not a pleasure. Temperatures drop to -5°C, but frosts as low as -20°C occur. The situation is aggravated by the wind making the perceived temperature much lower. The farther north you go (Arkhangelsk, Kyzha, Siberia, Yakutsk, Magdan, Kamchatka, Kuril Islands and Arctic Ocean islands), the colder it gets. Winters there last a very long time and are extremely harsh and snowy. They already start in late autumn and end in early spring (November-March). Eastern Siberia is even colder, with local towns and cities (Oymiakon, Verkhoyansk, Tomtor) experiencing record-breaking frosts of up to -50°C.

The Black Sea region (Novorossiysk, Sochi) is warmest in winter. There, temperatures are usually positive (5°C - 10°C), but humidity and rainfall increase. Those who are not intimidated by frost and snow can arrange a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, which also runs reliably in winter, or go to the frozen Lake Baikal. In towns near the Arctic Circle, you can experience "polar nights."