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Best Time to Visit Russia from India

Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit Russia. During this season, you can comfortably cover all the tourist magnets like lake Baikal, majestic Altai Mountain, and marshy tundra plain, quite comfortably.

Before visiting Russia, the largest country in the world, you need to choose a time when the weather remains calm and pleasant. This will ensure that you enjoy every moment of your journey by participating in thrilling and adventurous activities without hassles.

Best Months/Seasons to Visit Russia

If you are trying to find the best seasons for travelling to Russia, follow the list discussed below:

Month Average Temperature Description
March-May (Spring Season) -8 to 19 degrees Celsius Spring season with gradually warming temperatures, ideal for exploring historic cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg and witnessing the blooming of flowers and trees across the country.

Popular events during this time: Russian Orthodox Easter, Labour Day, and Victory Day.
June-August (Summer Season) 11 to 23 degrees Celsius Warm summer season, perfect for outdoor activities, such as visiting Russian beaches along the Black Sea, exploring the Golden Ring, and attending various cultural festivals.

Popular events during this time: White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, the International Moscow Film Festival, and the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival.
September-November (Autumn Season) -3 to 16 degrees Celsius Mild autumn season with beautiful fall foliage, ideal for exploring Russian countryside, visiting ancient monasteries, and enjoying cultural events.

Popular events during this time: Golden Autumn Festival, the Moscow International Book Fair, and the Russian Ballet Festival.
December-February (Winter Season) -16 to -5 degrees Celsius The winter season, with cold temperatures and snowy landscapes, is perfect for experiencing Russian winter traditions, visiting ice festivals, and enjoying cosy indoor activities.

Popular events during this time: Russian Orthodox Christmas, New Year Celebrations, and Maslenitsa (Farewell to Winter) festivals.

March-May (Spring Season)

Russian Springs is when the country’s natural beauty finally blooms through the icy landscapes of the country’s long and harsh Winter. It’s an ideal season to enjoy walks through the gorgeous parks and hikes through ranges.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Russia:

Weather Cold  with increasing daylight 
Temperature -8°C to 19°C
Season Moderate
Season for Localities Russian Orthodox Easter, Labour Day, Victory Day
Key Highlights
  • Visit Moscow and St. Petersburg for cultural tours and historical sites
  • Explore the parks and gardens as they come into bloom
  • Enjoy the festivities of Victory Day and other spring celebrations
  • Take a cruise on the Volga River to see the awakening landscapes

June-August (Summer Season)

Summer in Russia is characterised by pleasantly warm temperatures and long daylight hours, especially in northern regions like St. Petersburg and Moscow. It's the ideal season for exploring Russia's rich cultural heritage, visiting historic landmarks, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Russia:

Weather Warm and pleasant 
Temperature 11°C to 23°C
Season Peak
Season for Localities White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, International Moscow Film Festival, Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival in Moscow
Key Highlights
  • Experience the White Nights in St. Petersburg with endless daylight and vibrant festivities
  • Visit Moscow's iconic landmarks and enjoy outdoor cafes and parks
  • Explore Russia's natural beauty in places like Lake Baikal and the Golden Ring
  • Attend various cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the summer

September-November (Autumn Season)

Autumn in Russia is a picturesque season characterised by cooling temperatures and vibrant foliage, transforming the landscape into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. It's an ideal time to explore Russia's rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Russia:

Weather Cool and pleasant 
Temperature -3°C to 16°C
Season Moderate to Peak
Season for Localities Golden Autumn Festival, Moscow International Book Fair, Russian Ballet Festival 
Key Highlights
  • Witness the stunning fall colours in parks and forests
  • Explore Moscow and St. Petersburg with fewer crowds
  • Enjoy seasonal cuisine and harvest festivals
  • Take a scenic journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway to see the changing landscapes

December-February (Winter Season)

Winter in Russia is characterised by cold temperatures and snowy landscapes, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the country. It's the perfect season for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy activities like skiing in the Caucasus Mountains or ice skating.

Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning a trip to Russia:

Weather Cold with snowfall
Temperature -16°C to -5°C
Season Off
Season for Localities Russian Orthodox Christmas, New Year Celebrations, Maslenitsa (Farewell to Winter) festivals across the country
Key Highlights
  • Experience the festive atmosphere of New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations
  • Visit iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square under a blanket of snow
  • Enjoy winter activities, such as ice skating, skiing, and dog sledging
  • Warm up with traditional Russian dishes and hot beverages

When to Avoid Visiting Russia?

While Russia is a beautiful destination year-round, there are times and conditions when visiting it might need to be more appealing. Knowing when to avoid travelling can help you plan a more enjoyable trip.

Months to Avoid Reason
December to February (Winter Season)
  • Russia is unbearably cold in these months, with average temperatures ranging between -16°C and -5°C. It is tough to travel during winter due harsh weather conditions, making it difficult for people to move around. The winter season reduces the working hours of tourist destinations, especially those that are outside.
  • Compared to other seasons offering warm temperatures and various attractions, this period mostly appeals to skiers and football fans who love festivals involving snowmen.

Seasonal Travel Costs of Visiting Russia from India

Travelling to Russia from India can be affordable if you choose the right time of year. The cost of flights and hotels varies significantly between seasons. Below is a detailed table outlining the different months/seasons and their respective pricing for various parameters:

Season Average Flight Cost Average Hotel Cost per Night Description
Spring (March-May) ₹30,000 - ₹45,000 ₹3,000 - ₹6,000 Moderate prices; ideal for exploring cities and outdoor activities with mild weather.
Summer (June-August) ₹35,000 - ₹50,000 ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 Peak season with higher prices due to increased tourism; perfect for beach and hiking trips.
Autumn (September-November) ₹30,000 - ₹45,000 ₹3,000 - 5,000 Moderate to peak prices; great for sightseeing and experiencing the grape harvest season.
Winter (December-February) ₹25,000 - ₹40,000 ₹2,500 - ₹5,000 Low season with the cheapest prices; best for winter sports and indoor cultural activities.

Things to Know Before Visiting Russia

Following are some of the aspects you must know before visiting Russia to make your journey more enjoyable:

  • Russians expect that you and your companions maintain basic etiquette. In this respect, take a small gift with you while visiting any local home, if possible.
  • You also should ideally avoid shaking hands without taking off gloves, irrespective of how cold the weather is, as Russians consider it very impolite. Besides, residents also believe handshakes over thresholds as ominous.
  • While entering churches, women need to put on long skirts and cover their heads. Men also should ideally wear trousers and take off their headwear.
  • In Russia, criminal activities and theft are almost negligible in broad daylight. Still, if you encounter such unlikely problems, you can get help from the hotels where you stay. They will help you reach the police.
  • Participating in toasts is an important gesture of expressing your friendship and admiration for this country. You must not avoid this, especially when you are joining any local's birthday party.
  • The temperature is near freezing in almost all the seasons except summer. Therefore, you must pack your dress according to the time of your travel.

Tips for Travelling in Russia

Here are some of the tips that you can follow in your journey to enjoy it more thoroughly:

  • Conduct proper research on the famous tourist places of Russia, especially if you are visiting any museums, galleries or parks. They have definite opening and closing times, and you may also find them closed on certain days of the week.
  • Take mosquito repellents with you and apply them as necessary.
  • Keep the addresses and contact numbers of the Indian embassy so that you can approach them in emergency situations.
  • Refrain from smoking publicly.
  • Carry your government identity proofs, visa, passport, etc., during your journey.
  • Maintain hygiene before taking meals and after returning from trips.

What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to Russia?

Following are some local Russian phrases and their English equivalents that you need to remember for basic communication:

English Russian
Do you speak English? Vy govorite po-angliyski? (Вы говорите по-английски?)
I do not speak Russian Ya ne govoryu po-russki (Я не говорю по-русски)
How much is the price of this? Skol’ko eto stoit? (Сколько это стоит?)
Can I pay by card? Kartoy mozhno oplatit’? (Картой можно оплатить?)
Thank You Spasibo (Спасибо)
Welcome Pozhaluysta (Пожалуйста)
Excuse me Izvinite (Извините)
Hi Privet (Привет)
Bye Poka (Пока)
Yes Da (Да)
No Net (Нет)
Good Khorosho (Хорошо)
Please stop Ostanovite, pozhaluysta (Остановите, пожалуйста)
Help me Pomogite (Помогите!)
Good evening! Dobryy vecher (Добрый вечер!)
Good night! Dobroy nochi (Доброй ночи!)
What’s your name? Kak tebya zovut (Как тебя зовут?)
How do I get there? Skazhite pozhaluysta, kak proyti v palatu (Скажите пожалуйста, как пройти в палату?)
See you next time. Obyazatelʹno priyedu k vam snova (Обязательно приеду к вам снова)
See you soon! Do skorogo! (До скорого!)
Let's have some fun Poveselimsya (Повеселимся)
How old are you? Skolʹko vam let (Сколько вам лет?)
I’m… years old Mne … let (Мне … лет)
Don't worry Ne volnuytes (Не волнуйтесь)

 

Now that you know about the best time to visit Russia and the things you can enjoy at this time, you can plan your trip, pack your luggage and budget accordingly. Nevertheless, before you take the flight, ensure that you have covered your journey with a travel insurance policy. It can help you to bear the financial losses if you meet with an accident and undergo medical treatments on your trip. The plan also gives coverage for emergency medical/accidental treatment, death and disability, flight cancellation, etc.

FAQs about Best Time to Visit Russia

What is the peak season in Russia?

The peak season in Russia is from June to August when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring diverse landscapes and attending outdoor festivals.

What is the moderate season in Russia?

Russia's moderate seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), which offer mild weather and fewer tourists, perfect for sightseeing and cultural experiences.

What is the off-season in Russia?

The off-season in Russia is during the winter months from December to February, which is characterised by cold weather and fewer visitors, except in ski resorts and festive holiday markets.

What are the hottest and coldest months in Russia?

The hottest months in Russia are July and August, while the coldest are January and February.

What month is the rainy season in Russia?

The rainy season in Russia varies by region, but generally, the peak is in June, with sporadic showers continuing through summer.

How many days are enough for Russia?

Depending on your interests and the cities you plan to visit, a trip of 7 to 14 days is typically enough to explore the main attractions of Russia.

Is Russia a tourist-friendly country?

Yes, Russia is generally tourist-friendly, with infrastructure supporting tourism, though knowledge of basic Russian and familiarity with local customs can enhance your experience.

What currency to take to Russia?

The currency used in Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB). It's advisable to carry rubles, but major cities and tourist areas may accept US dollars and euros.

Is Russia expensive to visit?

Russia can vary in cost depending on your travel style, but it offers a range of budget-friendly options for accommodation, dining, and transportation.

When should you go to Moscow and St. Petersburg?

The best time to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg is from May to September when the weather is most pleasant for exploring outdoor attractions and attending cultural events.

Do Indians need a visa for Russia?

Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to visit Russia. The visa application process can be facilitated through the Russian embassy or consulate, and an invitation may be required.

Which month is there snow in Russia?

Snowfall in Russia occurs primarily from November to April, with heavier snow in northern and eastern regions from December to February.

Which month is good for visiting Russia?

The best months to visit Russia are May to September for favourable weather conditions and a wide range of activities and festivals.

Why is Russia worth visiting?

Russia offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and modernity, making it a captivating destination for travellers.

Is Moscow worth visiting?

Yes, Moscow is worth visiting for its iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square, rich history, vibrant arts scene, and bustling nightlife.

Is Moscow hot or cold?

Moscow experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging between 17°C to 25°C and cold winters with temperatures ranging from −10°C to 0°C.

Is it safe to go to Moscow at night?

Moscow is generally safe at night, but it's advisable to exercise caution, especially in less crowded or unfamiliar areas.

Is Russia good for nightlife?

Yes, Russia has a vibrant nightlife scene with various bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, especially in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

What is the speciality of Russia?

Russia is known for its rich cultural heritage, literature, arts, ballet, and distinctive architecture, including iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Hermitage Museum.

What is the most visited place in Russia?

Moscow is the most visited place in Russia, followed by St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, and Vladivostok.

What is the prettiest place in Russia?

With its blend of Russian and Tatar cultures, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Kazan is considered one of Russia's prettiest cities.

What to buy from Russia?

Popular souvenirs from Russia include Matryoshka dolls, Russian nesting dolls, lacquer boxes, traditional handicrafts, and Russian vodka.

What foods is Russia famous for?

Russia is famous for dishes such as borscht (beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings), blini (pancakes), and traditional Russian pastries and desserts.

What are 5 facts about Russia?

Here are five facts about Russia:

  • Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of land area.
  • Russian is the official language, and Cyrillic is the script used.
  • Russia has a rich cultural heritage with contributions to literature, music, ballet, and science.
  • The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, spanning over 9,000 kilometres.
  • Russia has diverse landscapes, including tundra, forests, mountains, and steppes.

Is Russia good for shopping?

Yes, Russia offers diverse shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to traditional markets, where you can find unique Russian products and souvenirs.

Is Russia safe for female travellers?

Yes, Russia is generally safe for female travellers, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow standard safety precautions.

What language is spoken in Russia?

In Russia, the primary language spoken is Russian. It is the official language and is used in government, education, and daily communication.

Does Russia have beaches?

Yes, Russia has beaches, particularly along the Black Sea coast in the Krasnodar Krai region, with popular beach destinations like Sochi and Anapa.

How many hours from India to Russia?

On average, a non-stop flight from New Delhi to Moscow takes about 6 to 7 hours. Flights with layovers can take significantly longer.