Moscow — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Moscow.
Moscow climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -6°C | -13°C | 41mm | 83% |
| Feb | -5°C | -12°C | 35mm | 82% |
| Mar | 0°C | -7°C | 35mm | 78% |
| Apr | 10°C | 2°C | 37mm | 72% |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 47mm | 64% |
| Jun | 22°C | 13°C | 78mm | 65% |
| Jul | 24°C | 15°C | 85mm | 66% |
| Aug | 22°C | 13°C | 76mm | 68% |
| Sep | 15°C | 7°C | 65mm | 74% |
| Oct | 7°C | 2°C | 62mm | 81% |
| Nov | 0°C | -5°C | 51mm | 86% |
| Dec | -4°C | -9°C | 47mm | 85% |
Climate overview
Moscow has a humid continental climate (Dfb), with long, cold, snowy winters and warm, fairly short summers. Located deep inside the East European Plain, it is far from any ocean, so its seasons are strongly contrasting: average highs range from -6°C in January to 24°C in July.
Annual precipitation is around 700 mm. Summer is the wettest season, with July averaging about 85 mm, mostly from showers and thunderstorms. In winter much of the precipitation falls as snow, and a lasting snow cover usually forms from late November until late March or April.
Köppen classification: Dfb — humid continental
Moscow through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinter is long and cold, with highs of -4 to -6°C and lows around -9 to -13°C. Cold waves from Siberia can push temperatures below -25°C for several days. Snow cover is reliable, and daylight is short — around seven hours in late December.
Spring
March – MaySpring arrives late. March is still wintry at about 0°C, and the snowmelt in April turns streets slushy. By May, highs reach 18°C and the city becomes green very quickly.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are warm and pleasant, with highs of 22–24°C and long daylight hours. Heatwaves above 30°C occur in some years. Showers and thunderstorms are frequent, making July the wettest month.
Autumn
September – NovemberAutumn cools quickly. September is mild at 15°C, with golden foliage, but by October highs fall to 7°C and November usually brings the first lasting frosts and snow.
What makes Moscow's weather distinctive
Moscow's winters are cold but generally manageable thanks to excellent heating indoors and a city designed for snow. The bigger challenge is often slush and ice during thaws, when temperatures hover around freezing.
In summer the city can be surprisingly warm, and long evenings in June and July give plenty of time outdoors. Weather can change quickly with passing fronts, so a light rain jacket is useful.
Best time to visit Moscow
June to August is the warmest and most comfortable time to visit Moscow, with highs of 22–24°C and long days. Early September is also pleasant. Winter is for travellers who want snow and are prepared for cold.
What to pack
- A heavy insulated coat, hat, gloves and scarf in winter
- Waterproof, non-slip boots for snow and slush
- Light layers and a rain jacket for summer showers
- A warm sweater for spring and autumn evenings
- Sunglasses for bright snowy days
Frequently asked questions
How cold is Moscow in winter?
January averages highs of about -6°C and lows of -13°C. Cold waves can bring temperatures below -25°C.
When does snow fall in Moscow?
Snow usually begins in November and lasting snow cover often remains until late March or early April.
Is Moscow warm in summer?
Yes. July averages 24°C, and some summers bring heatwaves above 30°C.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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