Want to travel to Russia but not sure where to start? Travel to Russia is a little more complicated than going to the Dominican Republic or France because of the following reasons. 1. Russia is far away. 2. Russia is cold. 3. You will need a visa to travel to Russia.
When to Go on Your Long-Awaited Trip to Russia
Don't worry! You've come to the right place. We'll help you understand Russian weather and find the best time for you to travel to Russia. Let's start with a brief overview of weather averages in Moscow & St. Petersburg.
Find out in the video above why traveling to Russia in summers is an excellent choice!
Weather in Russia
Next to consider when planning your travel to Russia is temperature. Russia is most beautiful in winter. After all, it is a northern country (coldest in the world actually) that spends 8/12 months in winter and knows how to make the most of it. If you travel to Russia in winter, you can save lots of money & expect a better service, & get to do many fun things, such as troika rides. If you don't like the cold, your safer bet is to travel to Russia next summer.
Don't try to fool the weather and travel to Russia in inter-seasons. You might be in for a big surprise. Of course, you will travel to Russia for different reasons than Napoleon, but you should know that snowing starts in October and ends in April! Or you could just ask your travel agent who is helping you to organize your travel to Russia to ensure that you spend as little time as possible in the snow.
Weather Averages in Moscow, Russia
Weather averages in Moscow fluctuate significantly depending on the season. July and August are the hottest months in the Russian capital.
The average temperature stays at 19°C (65°F) and often surpasses 30°C (86°F). Due to the continental climate and megapolis environment, peak temperatures often feel boiling hot. The coldest month in Moscow is January with an average temperature of -8°C (18°F).
Tip: the best time to visit Moscow weather-wise is late spring-early June. This is the period when the weather is the most convenient for long hours of sightseeing.
Weather Averages in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Weather averages in St Petersburg are generally lower than for Russia's capital, Moscow. July & August are the hottest months in St Pete's (and also have the longest daily sunshine hours.
The average temperature during summers is usually at 18°C (64°F). However, sometimes it gets really hot and thermometers climb up to 30°C (86°F). The coldest month obviously is January with an average temperature of -6°C (22°F). The wettest months are October & November.
Tip: the best time to visit St. Petersburg weather-wise is late spring-early June. This is the season when the weather is the most convenient for long hours of sightseeing.
The Best Time for Flying to Russia
There are few flights, so airfares fluctuate depending on seasons (New York - Moscow flight is $450 - $1200). It's cheapest to Travel to Russia in November, March and late August and most expensive during summers.
Overview of Travel Seasons in Russia
The high season for traveling to Russia is May through October. This is the best time to tour Russia and admire its masterpieces like the fountains of Peterhof, parks of Pushkin, and the quaint countryside of the Golden Ring.
However, during summers main tourist routes are crowded and sometimes even impossible to access. So the best time to visit Russia is in inter-seasons like late spring and early fall.
In addition, if you are brave enough, visiting Russia in winter can be just as rewarding if not more. Watch the video on the left and discover what's traveling Russia in winter like.
