What's the best time to visit Moscow?
The best months to visit Moscow are from May to September, when the weather is warm and the city hosts numerous festivals. May and September are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience, while the summer months are ideal for enjoying long days and a lively atmosphere. To make the most of Moscow’s festive events and beautiful outdoor settings, it’s advisable to book your trip early.
Is a trip to Moscow on your bucket list, but don’t know the best time to travel? As you would do when visiting a new destination, it’s best to research before going to Russia’s capital. Moscow is a large and beautiful city, so you want to get the most out of your trip.
The first thing to consider is the city’s weather. The weather in Moscow can sometimes be brutal, but there are months with comfortable temperatures.
Besides the climate, you’ll also want to research the period that offers the lowest prices, fewer crowds, and exciting festivals. Below we’ll cover the best time to visit Moscow; let us be your guide!
The Overall Best Time to Visit Moscow
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The best time to visit Moscow is May through September. These months suit travelers looking for warmer weather, the best attractions, and plenty of festivals.
May in Moscow comes in late spring when the snow has melted and the weather is mild. The natural greenery is coming back, and students have returned to school. The city’s liveliness begins to kick off, with several tourists starting to trickle in again.
The good thing about visiting Moscow in May is that you’ll enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. The average temperature in May is in the low of 45.9°F and high of 65.5°F.
It’s Moscow’s least humid month, with a relative humidity of around 64%. Days are now longer than March and April. This is the best time to spend long days exploring parks, museums, cathedral churches, and unique architecture.
Summer in Moscow starts from June to August, and most tourists flock to the city. The weather is quite pleasant, with moderate temperatures. These months experience average highs of 75°F, but temperatures in July can go up to 86°F.
June has the longest days, with some experiencing up to 17 hours of daylight. June and July are the hottest, but you have a lot to enjoy in the city. You can walk in the parks or neighborhoods to discover the city.
Boat trips are in full swing, so your afternoons are well-occupied. Additionally, you can explore Moscow off the beaten tracks, go shopping and try the local food.
Temperatures during August start to drop, but tourist areas are still crowded. You can spend time in Moscow during the first month of fall to enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The temperature in September ranges between 46°F to 61°F.
If you’re visiting Moscow from May to September, book your flight and accommodations earlier to avoid higher prices in the peak season. You can also choose your favorite festivals and events to attend.
Some of the best festivals to add to your itinerary include the following:
- Labor Day: May 1st
- Victory Day: May 9th
- Day of Memory and Grief: June 22nd
- Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity: July 8th
- Day of Russian Cinema: August 27th
- Day of Unity: November 4th
Cheapest Time to Visit Moscow
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The cheapest time to visit Moscow is October. This month allows for a budget-friendly vacation with the best chances to explore less crowded attractions.
In October, the climate has transitioned from hot or mild summer to a colder fall. Most tourists have left the city, and it’s quieter. Temperatures are slightly lower than in the summer months, ranging from 40°F to 54°F.
This is the time to enjoy fall colors as the plants recover from the hot summer. If you’re traveling during October, you’ll enjoy lower accommodation prices.
However, the cost of plane tickets in October can be higher because of the school holidays. So, you’ll want to book the flights earlier. While most attractions have closed down, you can still enjoy long walks in the city and festivals.
The best festivals you can enjoy include the following:
- Day of Older Persons: October 1st
- Remembrance Day of Victims of Political Repression: October 30th
To get the best from your travel, ask your guide or locals for the attractions that are still open. Pack your basic fall outfits for October.
Least Busy Time to Visit Moscow
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The least busy time to visit Moscow is March to April. These months are in spring when the city is recovering from the long winter.
Flights and accommodation rates are low since only a few tourists visit the city. March is not one of the best months for visiting Moscow because of the falling snow. The city has a lot to offer if you can cope with the snow that starts melting in mid-March.
It’s a quiet month, and temperatures range from 37°F during the day and 25°F at night. The weather begins to feel warmer in April, and the tourist season starts in a month.
Temperatures range from 40°F to 59°F. It’s still cold and breezy, but a better time to explore the city more quietly. The lush green parks offer the best opportunities to walk and relax with your family.
Unfortunately, most attractions have yet to open and are preparing for the peak season. You can, however, explore the picturesque architecture and enjoy the stunning views from the city’s highest points.
Pack warmer outfits to beat the cold weather in March and April. You can also ask your hotel or locals where to find the remaining attractions that offer indoor activities.
Worst Time to Visit Moscow
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The worst time to visit Moscow is in winter, from December to February. The cold weather and snow make it tricky for locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.
Most attractions are closed, so you’ll have few options if you still want to visit. Temperatures in winter can drop to around 14°F, with warmer days experiencing temperatures above 32°F. Despite the low temperatures, Moscow receives visitors in December and January.
Hotels rates are higher since more visitors have arrived to celebrate the festive season. Expect larger crowds in the city during December 31st and the first week of the New Year.
However, the city’s silence resumes after mid-January as the third month of winter approaches. January is the coldest month in the city. As February approaches, the city is quiet, with a few activities for tourists.
Hotel and flight rates are at their lowest because tourism has decreased to a trickle. You can visit Moscow in late January and February if you don’t fear the cold weather and snowy landscapes. Activities like ice skating and snowmobiling are available in The Red Square and Shunut Mountain.
You can also consider the following tips for traveling to Moscow in winter:
- Pack winter clothing such as knit scarves, wooly hats, gloves, a coat, and weatherproof boots.
- Try indoor and outdoor activities to avoid boredom.
- Spend time in the snow-capped parks.
- Stroll the decorated streets such as Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
- Join locals to celebrate Christmas.
- Visit Moscow Zoo
- Explore The Garage Museum
- Visit The Ural Buddhist Temple
Moscow by Month: Climate & Activities
Moscow, Russia – 05.29.2023. Fountain of Friendship of Peoples and Ferris wheel Sun of Moscow, VDNKh, Moscow/Baturina Yuliya/Shutterstock
Still unsure about the best time to visit Moscow? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Moscow, with temperatures often ranging from 10 to 23°F (-12 to -5°C), is a winter wonderland. It’s the perfect time to explore the beautiful Red Square adorned with snow, enjoy ice skating at the iconic Gorky Park, and experience the grandeur of the Moscow Kremlin.
February
February continues with the charm of Russian winter, ideal for visiting the Tretyakov Gallery to view classic Russian art, exploring the historic Izmaylovo Market for unique souvenirs, and attending the Maslenitsa Festival with traditional pancakes and folk celebrations.
March
As winter slowly gives way to spring, March temperatures range from 19 to 36°F (-7 to 2°C). Visit the Bolshoi Theatre for a world-renowned ballet or opera performance, explore the State Historical Museum, and stroll through the Arbat, one of Moscow’s oldest streets.
April
April’s milder weather, with temperatures between 32 to 50°F (0 to 10°C), beckons for a visit to the beautiful Kolomenskoye Estate, exploring the vibrant streets of Moscow, and enjoying the city as it begins to bloom with spring flowers.
May
May brings warmer days, from 50 to 68°F (10 to 20°C), perfect for exploring the stunning gardens of the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, visiting the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoying the Victory Day celebrations on May 9th.
June
June, welcoming summer with temperatures between 57 to 73°F (14 to 23°C), offers ideal conditions for a river cruise on the Moskva River, exploring the Sparrow Hills for panoramic city views, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Moscow streets.
July
July’s warmth, ranging from 60 to 77°F (16 to 25°C), is all about outdoor dining in Moscow’s many cafes, visiting the Moscow Zoo, and exploring the vibrant Tverskaya Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares.
August
In August, with temperatures of 59 to 75°F (15 to 24°C), enjoy the famous Moscow International Film Festival, explore the Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery, and take evening strolls in the Alexander Garden.
September
Welcoming fall, September, with temperatures from 50 to 66°F (10 to 19°C), is perfect for attending the Moscow Autumn Cultural Festival, exploring the Bunker-42 Cold War Museum, and enjoying the changing leaves in the city’s many parks.
October
October’s cooler days, from 39 to 53°F (4 to 12°C), are ideal for visiting the Cosmonautics Museum, exploring the grandeur of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and experiencing the contemporary art scene at the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.
November
November, as the air turns crisp, temperatures from 28 to 39°F (-2 to 4°C), is a time for exploring the indoor attractions like the Moscow Planetarium, enjoying the comfort of traditional Russian cuisine, and visiting the iconic Lenin’s Mausoleum.
December
December brings a festive atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°F (-7 to -1°C). Enjoy the magical Christmas lights and markets, celebrate the New Year with spectacular fireworks, and experience the charm of Russian winter in this historic city.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Moscow?
The best time to visit Moscow is from May to November, when the country experiences mild weather and offers the best opportunity to explore most attractions in the city.
However, there’s plenty to see and do year-round, so any time you go will make for a trip to remember. Happy travels!