Russia, the largest country in the world, spans over 17 million square kilometers and stretches across two continents—Europe and Asia. Due to its vast size, Russia encompasses a wide variety of geographical landscapes, including tundra, forests, plains, mountains, and extensive coastlines along the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. The Ural Mountains, which run north to south, serve as the traditional boundary between European and Asian Russia.
Because of its immense size and geographical diversity, Russia experiences a wide range of climates. Much of the country has a continental climate, characterized by long, harsh winters and short, warm summers. In contrast, Russia’s southern regions and parts of its Far East experience milder, more temperate conditions. The country’s Arctic and Siberian regions endure some of the coldest temperatures on Earth, while areas near the Black Sea enjoy a more moderate climate. The extreme weather patterns and vast landscapes make Russia a country of climatic contrasts.
Russia Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: -30 to -5°C (-22 to 23°F), depending on the region
- Snowfall: Heavy snow, particularly in northern and central Russia
January is the coldest month in Russia, with temperatures plunging well below freezing in most regions. Siberia, particularly cities like Yakutsk and Norilsk, experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the world, often dipping below -40°C (-40°F). European Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, also sees sub-zero temperatures, though they are milder compared to the Siberian region.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cold with frequent snow, temperatures around -5 to -10°C (23 to 14°F)
- Siberia (Yakutsk, Irkutsk): Extremely cold, with temperatures between -30 to -40°C (-22 to -40°F)
- Southern Russia (Sochi, Krasnodar): Milder, with temperatures between 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F)
- Far East (Vladivostok): Cold, with temperatures around -10 to -20°C (14 to -4°F)
January is a month of heavy snow and freezing temperatures throughout most of Russia, making it ideal for winter sports but challenging for travel in the more remote areas.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: -25 to -3°C (-13 to 27°F), depending on the region
- Snowfall: Continues in northern and central regions
February remains very cold across Russia, with much of the country still experiencing deep winter conditions. In some regions, temperatures can rise slightly compared to January, but the weather remains harsh overall. Snowfall continues to blanket most of the country, particularly in the northern and central parts.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cold, with temperatures around -3 to -8°C (27 to 18°F) and regular snow
- Siberia: Bitterly cold, with temperatures between -25 to -35°C (-13 to -31°F)
- Southern Russia: Milder, with temperatures around 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F)
- Far East: Cold, with temperatures between -10 to -20°C (14 to -4°F)
February offers a continuation of Russia’s deep winter, ideal for those interested in winter sports and cold-weather activities, though conditions in Siberia remain extremely challenging.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: -20 to 5°C (-4 to 41°F), depending on the region
- Snowfall: Snow begins to lessen in some areas, but winter persists
March is the transition month between winter and spring in Russia, though in many parts of the country, winter conditions continue to dominate. In European Russia, temperatures start to rise slightly, and the snow begins to melt. However, in Siberia and northern regions, winter maintains its grip, with freezing temperatures and snow continuing throughout the month.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cold, with temperatures between -2 to 3°C (28 to 37°F), snow begins to melt
- Siberia: Cold, with temperatures between -20 to -10°C (-4 to 14°F), snow continues
- Southern Russia: Milder, with temperatures between 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F)
- Far East: Cold, with temperatures around -5 to -15°C (23 to 5°F)
March marks the beginning of spring for some regions in Russia, particularly in the south, though much of the country remains under winter conditions, especially in the northern and Siberian areas.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: -10 to 12°C (14 to 54°F), depending on the region
- Snowfall: Snow melts in most regions, especially in European Russia
In April, winter finally begins to retreat across much of Russia, particularly in European Russia and southern regions. Temperatures rise significantly, and the snow melts in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, Siberia and the Far North still experience cold temperatures and lingering snow.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Milder, with temperatures between 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F), snow melting
- Siberia: Cold, with temperatures around -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F), some snow remains
- Southern Russia: Warm, with temperatures between 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F)
- Far East: Cool, with temperatures between 0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F)
April marks the true beginning of spring in European Russia, with melting snow and warmer temperatures, while Siberia and northern Russia slowly transition from winter.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 0 to 20°C (32 to 68°F), depending on the region
- Rainfall: Rain replaces snow in most regions
By May, most of Russia has transitioned to spring. The snow has melted in most areas, and rain begins to fall instead of snow. Temperatures warm up significantly, especially in the southern and central parts of the country. In Siberia, though, the weather can still be chilly, and occasional snow may still fall in the northernmost regions.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Mild, with temperatures between 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F), rain begins
- Siberia: Cool, with temperatures between 0 to 10°C (32 to 50°F), some snow possible
- Southern Russia: Warm, with temperatures between 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F)
- Far East: Mild, with temperatures around 8 to 15°C (46 to 59°F)
May is a pleasant time to visit Russia’s major cities, particularly Moscow and St. Petersburg, as the weather becomes warmer, and outdoor activities become more enjoyable.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F), depending on the region
- Rainfall: Increasing rainfall as summer approaches
June is the start of summer in Russia, with warmer temperatures spreading across the country. The long, harsh winter has finally given way to pleasant weather, especially in European Russia. Rainfall increases, but the weather is generally mild and comfortable. In Siberia and the northern regions, the thaw is complete, and temperatures rise significantly.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Warm, with temperatures around 18 to 23°C (64 to 73°F), occasional rain
- Siberia: Mild, with temperatures between 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F)
- Southern Russia: Warm, with temperatures between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F)
- Far East: Mild, with temperatures around 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F)
June offers ideal weather for exploring Russia’s major cities and natural landscapes, as the weather is pleasant, and daylight hours are long.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F), depending on the region
- Rainfall: Peak of summer with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall
July is the height of summer in Russia, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. European Russia experiences pleasant summer weather, while southern regions can get quite hot. Rainfall is moderate, with occasional thunderstorms. Siberia also enjoys mild summer weather, making it a great time to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Warm, with temperatures around 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), occasional thunderstorms
- Siberia: Mild, with temperatures between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
- Southern Russia: Hot, with temperatures around 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)
- Far East: Warm, with temperatures around 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F)
July is one of the best months to visit Russia, particularly for those interested in exploring outdoor activities and cultural festivals during the warm summer months.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 15 to 28°C (59 to 82°F), depending on the region
- Rainfall: Warm with occasional rain and thunderstorms
August continues the summer weather, with warm temperatures throughout the country. European Russia and southern regions experience hot days, while Siberia enjoys comfortable, mild weather. Rain showers and thunderstorms are common but do not usually last long.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Warm, with temperatures around 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F), occasional rain
- Siberia: Mild, with temperatures between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)
- Southern Russia: Hot, with temperatures around 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F)
- Far East: Warm, with temperatures around 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F)
August is another great month for travel and outdoor activities, especially in northern and Siberian regions where the weather remains mild and comfortable.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F), depending on the region
- Rainfall: Autumn begins, with cooler temperatures and more frequent rain
In September, autumn begins in Russia, and temperatures start to drop, especially in the northern and central regions. The weather is still pleasant, particularly in southern Russia, but the days become shorter, and rainfall increases. European Russia sees a gradual cooling, while Siberia starts to prepare for the return of winter.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cool, with temperatures around 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F), increasing rain
- Siberia: Cooler, with temperatures between 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F)
- Southern Russia: Warm, with temperatures around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F)
- Far East: Mild, with temperatures around 10 to 18°C (50 to 64°F)
September is ideal for visiting Russia’s cultural and historical landmarks, as the weather is still comfortable, and the autumn colors start to appear.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 0 to 10°C (32 to 50°F), depending on the region
- Rainfall: Cooler weather with rain and the first signs of snow in northern regions
October sees a rapid cooling across Russia, especially in the north and Siberia, where temperatures can fall below freezing. European Russia also cools down, with rain becoming more frequent, and the first snow may appear toward the end of the month.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cool and rainy, with temperatures around 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F)
- Siberia: Cold, with temperatures between -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F), first snow possible
- Southern Russia: Cool, with temperatures around 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F)
- Far East: Cold, with temperatures around 0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F)
October is a transitional month, and travelers should prepare for cooler temperatures and occasional rain or snow, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: -10 to 5°C (14 to 41°F), depending on the region
- Snowfall: Snow begins to fall regularly in many regions
November marks the start of winter in much of Russia, with temperatures dropping sharply and snow becoming more common, particularly in the northern and central regions. Siberia and northern Russia experience freezing temperatures, while southern Russia remains relatively mild but cool.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cold, with temperatures around -2 to 3°C (28 to 37°F), snow likely
- Siberia: Very cold, with temperatures between -10 to -20°C (14 to -4°F)
- Southern Russia: Cool, with temperatures around 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F)
- Far East: Cold, with temperatures around -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F)
November is the beginning of the long Russian winter, with snow and cold weather dominating much of the country.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: -20 to 0°C (-4 to 32°F), depending on the region
- Snowfall: Heavy snow in northern and central Russia
December is the start of deep winter in Russia, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall across much of the country. Siberia and northern regions experience extremely cold conditions, while European Russia also faces sub-zero temperatures and regular snowstorms.
Regional Differences
- Moscow and St. Petersburg: Cold, with temperatures around -5 to 0°C (23 to 32°F), regular snow
- Siberia: Bitterly cold, with temperatures between -20 to -30°C (-4 to -22°F)
- Southern Russia: Cool, with temperatures between 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F)
- Far East: Cold, with temperatures around -10 to 0°C (14 to 32°F)
December is a challenging month for travel due to the snow and freezing temperatures, but it offers winter sports enthusiasts and adventurers the opportunity to experience Russia’s winter landscapes.
Summary of Russia’s Climate by Region
European Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg)
- Best months: May to September (mild and pleasant)
- Winter months: December to February (cold with snow)
Siberia (Novosibirsk, Yakutsk)
- Best months: June to August (mild and warm)
- Winter months: November to March (extremely cold with snow)
Southern Russia (Sochi, Krasnodar)
- Best months: April to October (warm and sunny)
- Winter months: December to February (mild with some rain)
Far East (Vladivostok, Khabarovsk)
- Best months: May to September (mild and warm)
- Winter months: November to March (cold with snow)
Russia’s vast size and geographical diversity mean that the country experiences a wide range of climates, from Arctic conditions in the north to subtropical conditions in the south. The best time to visit depends on the region and the activities travelers wish to experience, but the summer months generally offer the most favorable weather for exploring this vast and diverse country.