Moscow
About Moscow
Moscow is a city of dramatic contrasts, where imperial history meets Soviet grandeur and a cutting-edge modern pulse. Its humid continental climate ensures four distinct seasons, each offering a radically different experience. Whether you're drawn to the fairytale snowscapes of Red Square in January or the vibrant 'White Nights' atmosphere of the summer, timing is everything. While summer brings the warmest weather and peak crowds, the shoulder seasons of May and September offer a perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. For those seeking the full Russian experience, many travelers combine a Moscow trip with a visit to the imperial capital; be sure to check our guide on the [Best Time to Visit Saint Petersburg](/best-time-to-visit/saint-petersburg) to coordinate your cross-country journey via the high-speed Sapsan train.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Moscow at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Moscow, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
RUB (Russian Ruble) / USD daily budgets: $45–$70/day to $350+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Moscow
Best Overall
May–June, September
Cheapest
November, February–March
Busiest
July–August, Late December
Best Weather
June to August
For Events
May and September
For Families
June and September
For Couples
December (for lights) and June
Budget Travel
February and November
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Moscow.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Moscow — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Moscow
January
Average temperatures range from -12°C to -6°C (10°F to 21°F). Frequent snow, low sunshine hours, and high humidity make it feel colder.
“Best for those seeking a winter wonderland atmosphere despite the crowds and cold.”
February
Temp: -11°C to -4°C (12°F to 25°F). One of the snowiest months with short days but increasing light.
“Best for budget travelers who want to experience traditional Russian folk festivals.”
March
Temp: -4°C to 3°C (25°F to 37°F). A messy transition month with melting snow and frequent grey skies.
“Best for indoor cultural exploration and bargain hotel rates.”
April
Temp: 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F). Spring begins to stir; parks start greening by late April.
“Best for seeing the city wake up without the summer tourist crush.”
May
Temp: 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F). One of the most beautiful months with blooming trees and crisp air.
“Best overall for vibrant atmosphere and major national celebrations.”
June
Temp: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). Long daylight hours (up to 18 hours). Occasional summer thunderstorms.
“Best for maximizing sightseeing time with nearly endless daylight.”
July
Temp: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Warmest month, can occasionally hit 30°C+ (86°F+).
“Best for sun-seekers and those who enjoy a buzzing, high-energy city vibe.”
August
Temp: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F). Pleasant warmth with slightly shorter days and less humidity.
“Best for family vacations and enjoying Moscow's expansive green spaces.”
September
Temp: 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Golden autumn foliage begins; crisp, dry air.
“Best for photographers and romantic getaways in the 'Golden Autumn'.”
October
Temp: 3°C to 9°C (37°F to 48°F). Damp and cooling rapidly; first frosts may occur.
“Best for those who prefer cool weather and avoiding tourist crowds.”
November
Temp: -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F). Grey, overcast skies and the first persistent snowfall.
“Best for the absolute lowest prices and a moody, atmospheric city experience.”
December
Temp: -7°C to -2°C (19°F to 28°F). Heavily snowy and magical with holiday decorations.
“Best for the quintessential 'Russian winter' experience and festive charm.”
Festivals & Events in Moscow
Journey to Christmas
A massive city-wide festival featuring European-style markets, ice shows, and light installations.
Hotels in Kitay-Gorod and Tverskoy sell out; book 3+ months ahead.Maslenitsa
The 'Pancake Week' celebrating the end of winter with folk games, burning effigies, and endless blini.
Increased local crowds in parks like Gorky and VDNKh.Victory Day
A massive military parade on Red Square and fireworks to celebrate the end of WWII.
Extremely high security; central roads closed; hotels at maximum capacity.Moscow International Film Festival
One of the oldest film festivals in the world, attracting global cinema talent.
Theaters are busy; boutique hotels near the city center see higher demand.Russia Day
A national holiday with outdoor concerts, historical reenactments, and festive markets.
A popular three-day weekend for locals; expect busy public transport.Spasskaya Tower Festival
An international military music festival held directly on Red Square.
Evening tickets sell out quickly; Red Square access may be restricted during rehearsals.Moscow City Day
The city's birthday bash with hundreds of free concerts, street food fairs, and massive fireworks.
The busiest weekend in autumn; book restaurants well in advance.Circle of Light
Stunning 3D mapping and light projections on iconic buildings like the Bolshoi Theatre.
High foot traffic around central landmarks during evening hours.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Moscow?
RUB (Russian Ruble) / USD
Daily Budget
Peak
$140–$250 (Central Mid-range)
Off-Peak
$60–$110 (Central Mid-range)
Hotel rates peak in July and during the New Year period (late Dec). May and September see moderate premiums due to business travel and events. The best deals are found in February and November.
Where to Stay in Moscow by Season
Kitay-Gorod
PremiumWinter
The oldest district outside the Kremlin, perfect for seeing the Christmas lights and markets on foot.
Arbat
Moderate to HighSummer
A pedestrian-friendly historic district with endless street performers and terrace cafes.
Patriarch Ponds
LuxuryAutumn
A trendy, upscale residential area perfect for crisp walks and cozying up in boutique bistros.
Presnensky
Budget to ModerateSpring
Offers great value hotels and easy access to both the Zoo and the modern Moscow City skyscrapers.
What to Pack for Moscow
Winter
Pro tip: Moscow uses salt/chemicals to melt ice; wash your boots daily to prevent damage.
Spring
Pro tip: Layering is key as morning frost can turn into warm afternoon sun.
Summer
Pro tip: Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) if you plan to enter Orthodox churches.
Autumn
Pro tip: Early September can be warm, but by mid-October, you'll need a proper winter coat.
FAQs: Visiting Moscow
What is the best month to visit Moscow?
May and September are the best months. You'll enjoy pleasant temperatures (15°C–20°C), blooming gardens or golden foliage, and full access to all seasonal attractions without the peak summer heat or crowds.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Moscow?
Late January, February, and November are consistently the cheapest months for flights and hotels due to the cold weather and lack of major holidays.
Is Moscow worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. While cold, the city is arguably at its most beautiful in December and early January due to the world-class holiday decorations and festive spirit.
What is the weather like in Moscow in July?
July is warm and can be hot, with highs averaging 25°C (77°F) but often reaching 30°C (86°F). It's also one of the rainier months, with short but heavy thunderstorms common.
Does Moscow have 'White Nights' like Saint Petersburg?
Moscow experiences very long days in June (up to 18 hours), but it does not have the true 'White Nights' where the sun never fully sets. For that specific phenomenon, take the Sapsan train to Saint Petersburg.
What should I wear for a night at the Bolshoi?
Moscow audiences tend to dress up. Think smart-casual to formal: a dress or nice trousers and a blouse for women, and a collared shirt or suit for men.
Is Moscow crowded during Victory Day?
Yes, extremely. Red Square and many central streets are closed for parades. If you aren't interested in the celebrations, avoid the week surrounding May 9th.
When do the fountains in Moscow operate?
Fountains typically operate from late April (usually starting around the last weekend) through late September or early October.
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