What is the climate in moscow

Quick facts about Moscow

This section of the Moscow Hotels website provides information on geographic coordinates, area, population, government, climate, time, attractions, holidays, and so on.

Geographic coordinates

Moscow is located at 55 45 N and 37 37 E of the Greenwich meridian in the middle of the East European Plain. The area lies at a height of 30-35 meters above the Moskva river and about 150 meters above sea level

Total area

Moscow occupies more than 1,000 square kilometers. The boundary of the city corresponds to the Moscow Ring Road, which is situated at 15-17 kilometers from the city center. The city extends for 42 kilometers from the North to the South and for 35 kilometers from the East to the West.

Population

Government

Moscow as a separate subject of the Russian Federation is governed by a mayor, who is popularly elected for a four-year term, and by a 35-member Duma (assembly), which is the city’s legislature. Moscow consists of 10 administrative regions, which are subdivided into 128 districts. The Duma is elected from administrative regions and each district elects local councils. As the capital of Russia, Moscow is the seat of the national government. The Kremlin palaces house the majority of offices. The prime minister’s offices occupy the House of Government of the Russian Federation, usually known as the White House.

Area code

Moscow Standard Time — MST differs from Greenwich Mean Time — GMT

Summer MST = GMT+4 hours

Climate

The climate in Moscow is temperate continental. It is mainly characterized by hot summers and very cold winters. The amplitude in annual temperature range is 28 C. The cold period starts in October and ends in April. Snow falls in November and stays till March. The height of the snow cover usually reaches 350 millimeters. There may be long frosts or periods of thaw. The mild weather comes in June and stays till September. Rainfall levels during July and August average 72-78 millimeters per day.

Foundation

The date of Moscow’s founding is generally accepted to be April 4, 1147, when the first record of Moscow in Russian chronicles was done. Moscow’s history starts from a wooden fortress, which was built by order of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky on a hill at the confluence of the Moskva and the Neglinnaya rivers. It is often said that Moscow is the third Rome, because the main part of the city, according to the legend, was built on seven hills. The city’s general scheme can be represented as the system of concentric circles radiating from the Kremlin, Moscow’s geographical, historical and political centre.

Symbol

The official symbol of Moscow is a dark-red shield, where an ancient Old-Russian subject is depicted: St. George fighting down the Serpent. This symbol was restored in 1993 per sample of the first official symbol of Moscow, which was established in 1781.

International relations

Moscow has attitudes based on contracts and friendly communications with 50 cities and regions all over the world, 10 CIS countries, 7 Asian countries. There are 31 trade missions, 12 representations of the international organizations with labor relations, 137 diplomatic representatives (embassies) with accreditations in Moscow. Moscow carries out trading communications with about 200 countries. On a constant basis the Government of Moscow keeps in touch with sales representatives of more than 50 countries. More than 2,500 foreign companies are registered in capital representations, more than 7,5 thousand enterprises deal with the foreign capital. About 100 international exhibitions and fairs take place in Moscow every year.

Major attractions

Moscow boasts of its numerous attractions: Kremlin, Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery, Bolshoi Theater, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Armory, Novodevichy Convent, St. Basil Cathedral, Arbat, The Church of Christ the Savior, Poklonnaya Mountain, Archangelskoye Estate, Ostankino Estate and others.

Holidays

New Year (January 1st), Orthodox Christmas (January 7th), «Defenders of the Motherland Day» (February 23rd), «International Women’s Day» (March 8th), «International Labor Day» (May 1st and 2nd), «Victory Day» (May 9th). «Russian Day» (June 12th), «Day of Reconciliation and Accord» or the anniversary of the October Revolution (November 7th)

The Moscow Hotels Russia provides travelers with the most useful and up-to-date information on the best hotels of Moscow. With the help of our website you can easily reserve a room in any hotel of Moscow through our online reservation system. In addition to hotel reservations, we offer a full range of travel services. We serve both corporate and leisure clients and strive to satisfy every customer.

Weather in Moscow

Classified as having a humid continental climate, Moscow, capital of Russia, is the most northerly (56°N) “megacity” on the globe. The city is known for its climatic extremes, experiencing long, cold winters, usually blanketed with snow, and relatively short, hot summers, when heatwaves are possible in the warmest months (July and August).

To illustrate the diversity it is interesting to note that the highest temperature ever recorded in Moscow was 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) on July 29, 2010, and the lowest −42.2 °C (−44.0 °F) in January 1940.

Summers run from May to October, and the rest of the year can be categorized as experiencing wintry weather, with most of the precipitation falling as snow.

Summer in Moscow is unexpectedly warm, with high humidity during the height of the season (June, July and August). The snow begins to thaw in April/May and highs during the peak summer period range between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), with a steep increase in temperature from mid-April to May. In recent years the city has experienced extreme heatwaves for a week or more between May and September.

By October summer is over, and temperatures plummet, with frosts at night. January and February are the most bitterly cold months of Moscow in winter, when the temperature very rarely registers beyond freezing. The winter chill is compounded by the fact that Moscow’s situation in the northern latitudes mean that there is little daylight during the mid-winter months.

When it comes to precipitation, Moscow experiences precipitation all year round, but the wettest months are during the winter, when it snows relentlessly. Moscow is generally blanketed in thick snow for around four months of the year.

When is the best time to go to Moscow?

Moscow’s main tourist season is the height of summer, in July and August, but the weather in the city is also very pleasant in the shoulder seasons of spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October). Intrepid travellers may enjoy a winter season in Moscow, when the snow is thick and the city is picturesque and full of indoor festive events.

What to pack for a holiday in Moscow

Russia is conservative, so wear dark colours ; jeans and long sleeved shirts are typical local attire and smart-casual or formal wear is preferable to casual clothing. It’s reputation as an ice cube in winter is well deserved, so scarves, gloves, hats and sturdy boots (soft rubber soles) with good grip are essential for navigating the icy streets of the capital. Bring many layers for winter, including thermals, warm jerseys, and a thick waterproof coat– and, oddly enough, swimwear for local wintertime rituals of hot pool bathing, steam rooms and saunas.

Use lighter layers with a pair of jeans in the summer and don’t be afraid to dress-up, as Moscow is a very fashionable city. Be sure to have comfortable walking shoes for exploring in the day, before going out at night; and have something smart because formal attire is required at some restaurants and events.

The climate of Moscow. Climatic zone of the Moscow region

Location of Moscow Region

Continental climate

The climate of the Moscow region is moderatelycontinental. It is transitional from the European, the soft, to the sharply continental Asian. The fact that the region is remote from large water spaces, such as the seas and oceans, explains this feature. Moscow as a climatic zone is interesting because there is a pronounced seasonality: warm summers, moderately cold winters. It must be borne in mind that in the direction from the north-west to the southeast, continentality is increasing. This is reflected, among other things, in a lower temperature in the winter season and in a higher temperature in the summer.

You might also be interested in what kind ofthe climatic belt in Moscow stands out. In Russia, there are the following options: I, II, III, IV and a special one. So what is the climatic belt in Moscow? According to the temperature data, it refers to the II belt.

Temperate climate and clearly expressed seasonality

The climate of the Moscow region is different fromsimilar for other regions of Russia in that moderation of natural conditions is observed here. There are relatively mild winters and not too hot summer. The climatic zone of Moscow, like the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, is characterized by a marked warming in the last 50 years. This is reflected in a significant increase in the number of hot days in the year. In addition, winters come later. They become softer, with frequent and prolonged thaws. However, despite all these changes, in general, the climate of Moscow and the region expresses quite clearly the seasonality of 4 seasons: summer, autumn, spring and winter.

More about Climate Change

Global warming is an actual problem of our time, which can only be solved together. I would like the countries of the world to be more active in this direction.

Precipitation

Duration of daylight hours, average daily temperatures

Winds

The beginning of the winter period, the duration of winter

The first half of winter

The advent of the winter anticyclone

With the arrival in winter of warm air masses (especially inFebruary and December) there are thaws. They are caused by Mediterranean and (more often) Atlantic cyclones. As a rule, thaws are accompanied by heavy snowfalls. Temperatures in the midst of winter at this time suddenly rise to + 4-5 ° C. Thaws sometimes last for several days, and can last a week or more. 4 days is their average duration, and the total number can reach 50, from November to March. February is a blizzard, characterized by heavy snowfalls and snowstorms. This is especially true in the second half of the month and shows that it is not yet ready to retreat the winter at this time. Observed after heavy snowfall, sharp warming forms the so-called porridge on the roads. Another winter’s misfortune, which marked the climate of Moscow and the Moscow region, is frost. And if the puff turned into puddles after the thaw, it freezes, there is a sleet on the roads. In winter, strong winds (mainly in the western and south-western directions), huge icicles hanging from the roofs, snowstorms and fogs are sometimes observed.

The height of the snow cover, the freezing of the soil

The height of the snow cover on the average by the end of winteris 25-50 cm. On 65-75 cm the soil freezes (in the west of the region this mark is smaller). Freezing reaches a depth of 150 cm in low-snow, anomalously cold winters.

The beginning of spring

During the first half of March, winter fights within the spring. At this time, the weather in Moscow is unstable: snow hurricanes and frosts alternate with the sunny days and a thaw. This confusion is about to end mid-March. Gradually, the weather is getting better, the spring sun begins to heat up, the snow melts. 15 days is the average duration of the thawing period. Usually this process ends on April 2-8. This date practically coincides with the period when the average daily temperatures pass through the 0 ° C mark. 1-2 days after the snow cover comes down, the soil thaws. Most of the meltwater therefore slips at this time over frozen soil. If the area is poorly drained, the moisture stagnates in the plowing layer on the surface, thus causing the leaching of crops, as well as superficial seasonal gleying. This is especially true for acidic soils. Usually in the third decade of April, the complete thawing of the land ends. In most cases, spring frosts stop on May 10-20. The time for the drying of the soil begins when the snow finally falls off. It lasts about 20-22 days. Usually, the weather in Moscow and the region in mid-April gives local residents the opportunity to farm.

Completely nature comes to life in May. The climatic zone of Moscow is characterized at this time by the fact that leaves and leaves are blossoming on bushes and trees, the grass is green, many plants bloom, and the life of insects is activated. Colors and warmth smell in the air. The first May thunderstorms fill the space with the fragrant moisture of the blossoming plants at this time. Despite the fact that in May the average air temperature is +16 ° C during the day, cold returns are still probable at this time, and frosts on the soil. This month, the average daily temperature is 10.9-11.6 ° C.

Summer in the Moscow Region

The climate zone of Moscow is characterized by a warmin summer. It usually lasts 3.5 months, from the end of May to September. On average, in the summer months about 75 mm of precipitation falls. However, in the Moscow region there are severe droughts every 25-30 years. At this time, precipitation falls less than 5 mm.

Weather in July

However, such heat is not a frequent occurrence and israther an exception to the rules. In the form of heavy rains, precipitation usually occurs. Often they are accompanied by thunderstorms. The most threatening areas are Mozhaisk, Stupino and Naro-Fominsk. Up to 80 mm of precipitation falls in July.

August in the Moscow Region

August is harvest time. At this time, there is rarely a hot weather. The temperature averages 15-15.5 ° C. The sun still pampers with its presence, but the nights get pretty cool. In August, the light day is significantly reduced, precipitation is added, and cloud days become larger.

Beginning of autumn

In the Moscow region, the fall is quite long,warm and moist. It usually starts in early September. This is a moderately warm month, but it already feels cold in the air. + 9,6-10,1 ° C is the average daily temperature in September. Visibly less than in summer, a light day continues, therefore all processes in wildlife are slowed down. The leaves turn yellow, dressed in motley elegant clothes near Moscow forests. This is a beautiful time of year. For a few days in the middle of September, the sunny warm weather returns. The air temperature can reach + 22-25 ° C. Such period in the people is called a woman’s summer. This is the last warm year in the year, and at this time, some bushes and trees often bloom repeatedly.

September 10-14 is the time that comes to an endactive vegetation. During the same period, there is a transition through the 10 ° C mark of the average daily temperature, which ends on October 8-12. September 20-23 the first frosts come.

October

October is a cold, rainy and cloudy month. Only + 3.2-4 ° C is the average daily temperature. Precipitation usually has the form of rain, rain with snow or snow. Their number is about 50 mm per month. Even shorter is the light day. The last leaves shed their trees. Vegetation stops, processes in wildlife slow down.

November weather conditions

Weather in Moscow

Weather is interesting to all. It is interesting as for coming for a few days’ tourists as well for local residents. Hardly anyone leaves home without seeing previously forecast. On this page you can check the temperature of the air right now, and the weather forecast in Moscow today and in the coming days. There is also a general description of the climate in Moscow and the individual characteristics of the Moscow weather.

Weather in Moscow

There are several weather stations in Moscow. The air temperature in different parts of the city may be slightly different. Official data are measuring by weather station in the north-east of the city.

Moscow climate is moderately continental. There can be severe frosts in winter, and often occur hot days in the summer. The maximum recorded temperature in Moscow is + 38C, the minimum temperature is minus 42C. The warmest months are June, July and August, the coldest months of the year are December, January and February. 600-800 mm of precipitation falls in Moscow on average per year. According to statistics, the largest number of rain falls in July.

The most favorable time of year for tourists are the months May, June, July, August and September. At this time of year, as a rule, is warm weather. Important for tourists is the fact that the length of daylight at this time more long, allowing you to get good photos. (See: the main sights of Moscow.)

It is considered that the winter in Moscow lasts from late November to late March. There could be as severe prolonged frost and thaw at this time. It is impossible to give a reliable forecast what the weather will be next winter. At different periods, the frosts and thaws have different durations and fall in different months of the year. Therefore, planning a trip to Moscow in the winter you need to choose clothes and shoes suitable for different weather. (Shelter from the weather can always be on the subway or in shopping centers.)

Seasons in Moscow

Overall climate conditions of Moscow are considered as moderate continental. However number of features should be taken to account. Relief, urban land, parks and forest plantations provide features of the weather in different parts of the city.

I.e. regions protected by steep slopes of Sparrow Hills are having milder and warmer weather than neighborhood. In general severe frosts and exhausting heat aren’t usual in Moscow. However lately weather deviations become more frequent. There is probability of thaw at December and at summer cooling and showers are possible.

Seasons

Spring in Moscow

In term of weather conditions March in Moscow is completely winter month. Range of air temperatures stays below 0 °C (32 °F) with drops to –15 °C (5 °F) at night. Cold weather alternates with short thaws and streets become slushy. Only at last decade of March actual spring comes to the city. Temperature shifts to positive range (above 32 °F) and snow thaws away.

However there always chances of early or late spring. In first case temperature rises to about 15 °C (59 °F) while late spring adds some snow at April. At May even night frosts are ceasing. Amount of daylight hours is increasing. There were year when May was hot with about 30 °C (86 °F). Last several days of the month are usually slightly colder, cloudy and rainy.

Climate of the Spring Months

Spring Holidays

March 8: International Women’s Day

April 1st: April Fool’s Day
April 2nd: Day of Unity
April 12: Cosmonautics Day
April 26: Day in memory of the victims of radiation accidents and catastrophes
April 30: Labor Day holiday

May 1st: Labor Day
May 9: Victory Day

Summer in Moscow

Period of summer weather in almost perfectly matches calendar. Sometimes it even lasts through first half of September when Indian summer comes. Weather conditions of June are uncertain. There is probability of cool and hot days and thunders. When cooling occurs night temperatures may drop to 5 °C (41 °F) and daytime heat may reach 30 °C (86 °F).

July is hot month when air warms up to 33 °C (91 °F) at day and never cools lover 17 °C (63 °F) at night. There are occasional showers but they are short. August is characterized by alteration of warm (up to 29 °C; 84 °F) and cold (below 20 °C; 68 °F) days. By the end of August average marks are lower for autumn is approaching.

Climate of the Summer Months

Summer Holidays

June 1st: International Children’s Day
June 6: Pushkin’s Day (Day of Russian language)
June 12: National Russia’s Day
June 22: Day of Memory and Grief (beginning of WW II)

July 8: Day of Family, Love and Fidelity
July 28: Day of the Baptism of Rus

August 22: State Flag Day of the Russian Federation
August 27: Day of Russian Cinema

Autumn in Moscow

Autumn in Moscow have wide range of temperatures. At September and early October temperature may rise up to 25 °C (77 °F) if Indian summer occurs. However constant gradual decreasing of temperature and daylight is happening too. Rains become more frequent and longer but lose intensity.

At October weather become damp and dull with occasional night frosts yet at daytime air still warms up to 15 °C (56 °F). November is colder and even duller with probability of snow. Though snow cover thaws quickly for ground haven’t cooled down. This will last until late November.

Climate of the Autumn Months

Autumn Holidays

The first weekend of September: Day of the city of Moscow

September 1: Day of Knowledge
September 3: Day of solidarity in the fight against terrorism
September 27: World Tourism Day

October 1st: Day of Older Persons
October 30: Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression

November 4 – Day of Unity.
November 5 – Day of Unity Holiday.
Last Sunday of November: Mother’s Day

Winter in Moscow

Climate of the Winter Months

Winter Holidays

December 9: Heroes of the Fatherland Day
December 12: Constitution Day of the Russian Federation
December 31: New Year’s Eve

January 1-6,8: New Year holidays
January 7: Christmas
January 25: Tatyana’s Day (a holiday for all students)

February 8: Day of Russian Science
February 23: Day of the Defender of Fatherland