The best time to travel in Russia
Russia is known for its freezing cold, but the country is so charming under the snow that it is worth braving the cold! The climate of summer and autumn is favourable for outdoor sports and relaxation in the south of the country. Avoid the spring, when the melting snow plunges the country in deep mud for two months. And don't miss a trip to Russia during a national holiday!
At a glance
The climate of the largest country in the world is very cold in the north and east. Winters there are very cold and during the spring the melting snow makes for generally muddy conditions. So avoid travelling to Russia in the spring, it is far too muddy. The country is beautiful in autumn, when the colours of nature change and offer spectacular landscapes. And even if the winter is icy, it is the period when the country is at its most magical. The theatres are open and the vodka flows abundantly! Those who fear the cold will stick to the months of July and August, but beware if you don't like crowds: these are the busiest months!
Partying in Russia
In Russia, they know how to party. Easter and Christmas, religious festivals that are fervently celebrated throughout the country, are the occasions for midnight masses, candlelight processions as well as traditional folk events. During the last ten days of June, St. Petersburg celebrates the Stars of the White Nights Festival: the party goes on all night and you stay up until dawn. The cinema festival animates the city of Moscow every month of June. Russians also celebrate the New Year with lots of champagne and, above all, vodka!
The South
The city of Novgorod was the cradle of modern Russia. Its ramparts and many ancient churches make it one of the most beautiful cities of Russia. The magnificent kremlin of the city is not to be missed. It is especially visited during the summer, with a few days also reserved for Sochi, the famous Russian seaside resort. The sea is warm in summer and this "seaside Switzerland" offers travellers many bars, restaurants and entertainment activities. Go to Sochi in the south of Russia, a region that is ideal for relaxing during a summer trip. Also visit Dombai and Mount Elbrouz by taking the chairlifts to admire the wild nature of the Caucasus.
The Centre
Moscow is the political, economic and cultural capital of the country: the famous Kremlin and Red Square are must-sees and you can even warm up at the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum! If you visit Moscow in winter, you will need to come in from the cold from time to time. But don't worry: Moscow offers plenty of operas and plays during the winter, and even if it is cold from the end of November to April, the city is still very lively. If you suffer from the cold, prefer the months of May, June, September and October... avoiding the summer crowds! In any event, avoid the muddy springtime.The East
It is the most isolated, immense and coldest part of the country. The region consists of snowy mountains and forests, and receives very few tourists. It offers superb trekking, rafting, back-country skiing and fishing. Of course, it is also possible to organise a dog-sledding excursion! As for Siberia, you can visit the region in winter on condition that you are prepared to withstand absolutely frigid temperatures. Otherwise, prefer summer and autumn.
The Urals
The Ural range separates Europe from Asia and stretches over 2,000 km. Although this mountain range is famous, in reality it is not so big: it peaks at only 2000 metres. In contrast, the Urals offer many activities regardless of the season. It is a place for hiking, cycling, skiing or even rafting during the spring. Go hiking or cycling in Taganay National Park and, of course, try out the snow-covered slopes of Abzakovo! Avoid the spring - the season is much too muddy.
The Northwest
You will surely be amazed by St. Petersburg, the sumptuous city of the great Tsars of Russia, where the nights are clear and the sun hardly sets. It is also safe to say that you are going to be cold! This is the region of polar nights, icy tundra and frozen seas. But the city of the Tsars and Northwest Russia are beautiful under their mantle of snow, so it is worth the trip. In the spring, the melting snow creates a lot of mud in this region. The temperatures in summer and autumn are more pleasant: take the opportunity to visit the beautiful monastery of the Solovetsky Islands!
Siberia
Immense Siberia is absolutely freezing in winter. In contrast, it is very hot in summer. So prefer the summer and the beginning of autumn to visit this region - winter is only for those who are not afraid of the cold. As with the rest of the country, avoid the mud of the spring. The south of Siberia is interesting for its rafting, hiking and climbing. Also go on a dog-sledding excursion and meet the shamans, then climb Mounts Ergaski, Saian or Altai. And explore the legendary treasure of Siberia - Lake Baikal!
