Summer in Russia is a special season, and it is the most popular time to travel to Russia for obvious reasons: the warm weather makes traveling more enjoyable; attractions that close or operate at reduced hours during winter welcome visitors on a normal schedule; Packing for summer trips is easier too! What can you expect if you travel to Russia during the summer?
Weather
Russian summers are hot, but cities like Moscow (and even those as far east as Tomsk) can experience intense heat waves that push residents out of doors and, in some cases, out of the city. Short showers happen unexpectedly; It is good to take a small travel umbrella with you even on the sunniest days.
When you are sightseeing or touring in the summer, remember to wear sunscreen. Getting sunburned early in your trip will make the rest of your visit less enjoyable. Don’t forget to protect your ears, the back of your knees, your face, and other exposed skin areas with a good-quality sunscreen that will last all day.
What to pack
Make sure you pack clothes that are breathable and comfortable for your summer trip to Russia. Lightweight pants for men and sundresses for women are preferable to shorts; Shorts can prevent you from seeing the main Orthodox cathedrals due to the dress code, and you will more easily adapt to the local fashion scene.
You will probably walk a lot when you visit Russia, so bring a comfortable pair of shoes. Forget shoe sneakers that can go from day to night when you need it, have good arch support, and go the distance without putting wear and tear on your feet. If you don’t have a suitable pair of shoes yet, consider buying two pairs well in advance of your trip and gradually dividing them up. Two shoe options allow you to swap one pair for another should one pair begin to rub, get wet, or become unusable.
Other summer essentials include a small travel umbrella for sudden rains, a pair of sunglasses, and a lightweight bag. Make sure your bag sits close to your body to help deter pickpockets and is roomy enough for your camera, personal items, and, if you’re going out into the evening, a light sweater or jacket.
Tips for traveling to Russia in summer
Start planning your trip to Russia 3-6 months before your departure date. You will need a valid passport and a visa. The series of hepatitis vaccines, recommended for travel to Russia, is given over a period of weeks, so talk to your doctor as soon as possible about these and other recommended vaccines.
Because June, July, and August are such popular travel times, research flight and hotel prices in advance and book as soon as you can. If you’ve never been to your destination city before, look for a guided tour, which will provide you with an overview of the attractions. Make a list of sights and museums you don’t want to miss and do some groundwork to determine how difficult it will be to get to from your hotel or from the city center.
If your schedule allows, look for day trips you can take. You will see more of the country and learn about Russian life outside the city.
Be on the lookout for Russian summer phenomena:
- Ivan Kupala, a holiday on July 7, marks the official start of summer, but it is also a day to “soak up” – watch the kids with buckets of water!
- The poplar below, the tree seeds wrapped in white fluff, is a summer miracle that mimics snow. The breeze blows cottonwood down to pick it up on sidewalks, around streetlights, and under cars.
- Hand-picked from personal gardens and orchards, babushki sells fresh produce along roads and main thoroughfares. The prices are good and the fruits and vegetables are delicious!
How Russians Enjoy Summer
Air conditioning is less common (in residences and hotels) than in the United States, so Russians cool down in other ways. They use the green spaces of their cities to escape the heat of the sun, eat large amounts of ice cream or enjoy refreshing glasses of kvass, a fermented and effervescent drink.
Russians who can flee the city on weekends or on vacation to enjoy their country house or summer house. The dachas are located on the outskirts of cities and towns. Some Russians maintain gardens there, but the intention of the country house is to provide a place away from the heat and noise of the city where families can relax and communicate with nature.
