Moscow might not be at the top of most travelers’ winter vacation list, especially considering the city’s extremely cold temperatures. But maybe it should be this way: While the typical forecast for cold temperatures and snow dust calls for sturdy clothing and warm weather, a January visit to this historic city is unique and unlike any other time of year.
In film and literature, Russia is often depicted during winter, so if you expect to see the remarkable architecture, cozy fur hats, and abundant food and drink for yourself, there is no better time than winter to do so. .
Moscow weather in January
The cold Moscow winter is often accompanied by ice and snow. The city’s many winter storms can affect both air travel and car travel in the area, so be prepared. Still, despite an average overall temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius) and potential logistical challenges, the entire city looks stunning covered in a thick layer of shiny snow!
- Average Maximum: 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius)
- Average Low: 16 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius)
A Very Rare Hazard: Long periods of cold temperatures can create long, dangerous icicles that are thick and heavy. Some deaths from falling icicles occur every year in Russia.
What to pack
Packing for winter weather is always a challenge, given that winter clothing is more cumbersome and typically more expensive than the breezy summer weather, but it is a must for a winter visit to Moscow. If you travel to Moscow in winter, you’ll want to pack like you’re going skiing. Include lots of layers, lots of warm-weather accessories to cover your hands, head, and even face, as well as sturdy, waterproof footwear that offers excellent traction and warmth. Ideally, you will also pack an insulated coat that falls below the hips.
Since you will be sightseeing outdoors and walking from place to place, you will want to pack much warmer than you would for similar temperatures at home.
January events in Moscow
Moscow’s winter event schedule includes special events that travelers cannot experience at any other time of the year.
- New Year’s Eve in Moscow is one of the most important events of the year. Although some people head to Red Square to wait for the fireworks display, others choose to perform during the holidays while attending private parties or events. It can get very cold in Red Square, and you won’t be able to leave easily before the fireworks display, so plan your visit accordingly if you decide to take part in this celebration.
- January 1 is New Years Day in Moscow. Some Russians may also celebrate an alternate New Year (Stary Novy God or Old New Year) on January 14.
- January 7 is Christmas in Russia , which many Orthodox Christians celebrate across the country.
- Sviatki , Russian Christmastide, begins after Russian Christmas and runs until January 19.
- Be sure to visit the Russian Winter Festival , which serves to turn cold weather into an opportunity for fun.
January Travel Tips
- January is a culturally rich month in Moscow, and the cold weather fails to put the locals down. Although the cold can be shocking, do your best to look for events that make the most of winter in Moscow.
- The New Year trees around Moscow should stay awake until at least Orthodox Christmas, so be sure to enjoy their seasonal beauty.
- Other winter activities in Moscow include ice skating, enjoying snowman “parades” where thousands of snowmen crowd trails and tracks, and taking an icebreaker cruise.
- A way to beat the cold? Spend hours in famous Moscow museums such as the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Armory Museum, or the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.
- Obtaining a visa for Russia can be a stressful and arduous process, so using a visa agency can be helpful.
- There are no standard opening days and times for Russia’s many museums and historical attractions. Do your research ahead of time to better plan your days and decide what to visit and when.
- Navigating the beautifully crafted Moscow metro system is more challenging than many other European cities. Be sure to bring a map written in English and Russian to facilitate travel.
- Russian can be a difficult language for foreign visitors to master, but even trying to speak a few words will go a long way when it comes to connecting with locals.
