The season of Russia in general, but especially the seasons of Moscow tend to frighten travelers. However, with a little bit of education and preparation, a traveler can overcome any discomfort.
What season to take a Russian vacation?
Moscow
(or Moskva as it is pronounced in Russian), sits in the northeast of
Russia, south of St. Petersburg. This city, like a lot of Russia, looks
quite European, however, it holds quite a lot of the Central Asian
chaotic spirit.
Moscow is a city that holds high amounts of cultural and historical importance.
Moscow is home to 14 million people, which is, in fact, one of every
fifteen Russians. The city was born in 1147 with the building of the
Kremlin. The Kremlin is now the heart of the city, surrounded by
concentric circles laid out like the corresponding feudal settlements
that existed during medieval times. These circles are not the original
ones, a fire occurred in 1812 and at that time they rebuilt the city
with a more European tone. It was then modernized under Stalin's rule.
There are also former manors and monasteries that use to lie outside of
the city, that now lay well within the reaches of the city limits.
Average Daily Temperatures in Moscow
Month
| Average Min/Max in Celsius
| Average Min/Max in Fahrenheit
|
Jan
| -13/-7
| 8/19
|
Feb
| -12/-5
| 10/23
|
Mar
| -8/0
| 17/32
|
Apr
| 0/8
| 32/46
|
May
| 6/15
| 42/59
|
Jun
| 11/20
| 51/68
|
Jul
| 13/21
| 55/70
|
Aug
| 13/20
| 55/68
|
Sep
| 9/15
| 48/59
|
Oct
| 4/9
| 39/48
|
Nov
| -2/2
| 28/36
|
Dec
| -8/-3
| 17/26
|
The average temperatures in Moscow, Russia by month according to "The Rough Guide to Moscow" by Dan Richardson.
Moscow's Weather
The
climate in Moscow is close to the weather in Edmonton, Canada. Although
summers are hot, and winters are cold by the standards of the rest of
the world, the lack of humidity and since the weather is often sunny
which makes it tolerable, and occasionally pleasant. Regardless of when
you plan to travel, unexpected showers are a possibility, so packing a
waterproof jacket and a compact umbrella would be wise.
Since most people are cautious about traveling through Russia during
cold months, the highest tourist season is summer. Summer lasts from
about June to mid-September, however with the influx of tourists and the
cheerful weather, many native Moscovites leave the city for the
countryside during this time. This is also the time vacation time for
many theatre houses which remain closed during this season. The Bolshoi
Ballet is also away during the summer. During the summer, mosquitoes can
be a pest, so either packing a cream bug barrier or planning to buy one
shortly upon arrival.
Autumn does not last long, sometimes as short as just a few weeks of
falling temperature and glorious hues of leaves, before winter
essentially sets in with sub-zero temperatures. This can happen as early
as two months before winter's official beginning in December.
Once winter comes to the city, Moscow seems to be cleansed by the
fresh blanket of snow and crispness in the air. Normally it is only a
few degrees below freezing and sunny, so the weather tends to be
tolerable and the buildings overheated. Once the Christmas and the New
Year roll around, be aware that cold snaps can occur at any time sending
the temperature as far down as -20 degrees Celsius For travelers
planning to visit during autumn-winter or early spring, packing plenty
of layers is advisable. Thermal underwear, thick socks, gloves, and warm
hats are mandatory items to pack and use. Also, boots with a thick
tread are advisable due to the ice and slush.
Spring's arrival is unpredictable, but it is filled with festivals
such as the Orthodox Easter celebration, "Moscow Stars", May Day, and
Victory Day. Cold snaps can continue to occur until the end of May.
2017 Seasonal Festivals in Moscow
There
are things worth seeing and experiencing in Moscow year round (even
some things that are worth braving the winter for). Although the exact
date of these festivals can vary from year to year, they are generally
held at the same time of year.
Chekhov International Theatre Festival
This festival has run since 1992 and is still going strong. The events for 2019 begin in May, and range from Shakespeare to Chekhov to Scottish Ballet.
Summer at the Bolshoi
The Bolshoi is possibly Moscow's most well known cultural
destination. The Bolshoi is a historical theatre that features opera,
ballet, and concerts.
 |
The Circle of Lights festival is a great time to visit Moscow. See the city decorated in millions of twinkling lights. Unsplash.
|
Circle of Light Festival
The Circle of Light Festival began in 2011 and is held in October. It has grown to include eight majestic locations.
Spasskaya Bashnya Festival
The Spasskaya Bashnya Festival is an odd juxtaposition of military
and music that creates Moscow's yearly international military music
festival, Spasskaya Bashnya, held in September. About 1,500 participants
in Russian and foreign military bands, folk groups, and honorary guard
units of various heads of states will participate in the week-long event
on Moscow's historic Red Square.
How to Prepare before Traveling to Moscow
It's always important to be prepared when traveling to a foreign country, this applies to know about the country, knowing at least the alphabet, if not some survival phrases in the native language and some travel tips, knowing the expected weather, how to use the public transportation systems, and current crime problems. So save yourself a headache, and do your research before you travel.
Most importantly, have fun while exploring the new country, and try things that you normally wouldn't. Happy exploring!
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