Best time to go to Moscow Average weather of Moscow, Russia
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Moscow?
Moscow, the largest city in Europe and the capital of Russia, is located on the Moskva River. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country, it will delight travelers with its dynamism and cultural appeal. The best time to visit Moscow is from May to August, when the climate is most favorable.
Indeed, throughout this period, you can expect average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C (77°F) , with relatively warm weather in July-August. You will have the chance to walk on the famous Red Square under the sun!
Moreover, it must be said that between two rays of sunshine, a shower could occur... Indeed, summer is also a quite rainy season in Russia. But this won't spoil your stay, as Moscow's museums are full of wonders to discover.
Furthermore, it is also a period of high tourist traffic. Airfare and hotel prices may rise during this season.
So, if you are wondering when to visit Moscow to enjoy lower prices, you can consider the month of April, even though the weather remains quite cool.
Lastly, winter is particularly cold in Moscow, with negative temperatures from December to March. However, traveling during this period could allow you to explore the city under the snow and witness the famous Vyugovey ice sculpture festival. Moreover, Saint Basil's Cathedral will shine brightly during the holiday season.
So, when is the best time to go to Moscow? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Moscow are May, June, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are May, June and July
Annual weather in Moscow
Weather details in Moscow month by month
Weather and climate in Moscow
The city of Moscow has a continental climate, similar to what can be found in Saint Petersburg or Bucharest in Romania. There is a significant variation in temperatures between the seasons that succeed each other throughout the year.
Moreover, Moscow's climate is characterized by long and rather harsh winters, as well as hot summers, mostly sunny but also rainy. Autumn and spring, on the other hand, are transitional seasons marked by coolness.
Climate in Moscow in Spring
The weather in Moscow experiences a rather late and therefore relatively short spring. Indeed, temperatures start to rise from April onwards, although snowfall can still occur until May.
In March, temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F) , and in April, they barely reach 10°C (50°F) . This means that the landscape can still be quite white if you travel during this period.
However, in May, although mornings are still cold, the sun often shines in the middle of the day, bringing more pleasant temperatures.
Finally, while Moscow's climate is quite dry at the beginning of spring, it must be acknowledged that May is marked by significant precipitation. There are often over 100mm of rain during the month.
Climate in Moscow in Summer
Although the heat is less intense than in Volgograd, summer in Moscow is a pleasant period. Between late June and early September, both Muscovites and visitors can enjoy beautiful sunny days. The temperatures are quite warm: ranging from around 20 to 25°C (77°F) in July and August.
Furthermore, precipitation can occur from time to time, in the form of passing showers or evening thunderstorms. However, these rains should not really spoil your holidays, as the sun predominates in Moscow during the summer. This period is therefore recommended for a trip!
Climate in Moscow in Autumn
From September onwards, the weather cools down significantly in the Russian capital. Indeed, average temperatures are already around 15°C (59°F) during this month.
Then, the climatic conditions become increasingly harsh. In October, the climate in Moscow is relatively cold, around 5-10°C, and the thermometer drops to around 0°C (32°F) in November.
Moreover, even though autumn is a less rainy period, snowfall is possible as early as the beginning of November in the capital. Autumn in Moscow is therefore an introduction to the long winter ahead…
Climate in Moscow in Winter
Although winter truly begins at the end of December, it generally starts in early November in Moscow. From December to the end of March, expect to see Moscow under a thick blanket of snow.
Furthermore, while winter weather conditions are less severe than in Omsk, cold prevails during this season. In December, temperatures range between 0 and 5°C (41°F) . They drop further between January and February, the coldest months of the year. Indeed, temperatures range between -5 and -10°C approximately during these two months.
Finally, another characteristic of Moscow's winter climate is the short daylight hours. In December, the sun rises around 8:20 am and sets at 4 pm. The weather is generally quite grey during this period, sometimes even with fog.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Moscow
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Moscow: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Moscow
Find out when Moscow has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Moscow
- Very low season in Moscow
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in Moscow
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April and November. - High season in Moscow
The number of visitors to Moscow is high in: May, June, July, October and December. - Peak season in Moscow
The largest number of tourists visiting Moscow is during: August and September.
Figure: Visitor index for Moscow month by month
Best time for low prices in Moscow
Average prices of hotels in Moscow month by month
Generally, February is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Moscow. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Moscow
A return flight between London and Moscow is generally cheaper if you go in april ($ 102 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 106 more for your airline ticket to Moscow if you go in august.
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