Russia has never been more accessible.
Despite frosty international relations and a lengthy visa process, regular budget flights connect Moscow to cities across Europe – including an EasyJet service to London Gatwick.Ā So when is the best time to go?
Though thereās never a bad time to visit the worldās largest country, seeing Russia in winter is an unforgettable experience. Of course, a Russian winter isn’t exactly a walk in the (snowy) park, soĀ here are a few pros and consĀ to visiting during the colder months.
It is cold
Winter in Russia really is as cold as you think. Whilst European RussiaĀ doesnāt reach the icy temperatures of Siberia or the Far North, it can and regularly does get as cold as -30.
The coldest temperature I experienced while I was living in Yaroslavl was -29. Industrial walk-in freezers are kept at -25.
CON: it was not warm.
PRO: past -15, itās all the same.
Winter means business as usual
Coming from a country where a few flurries of snow can bring entire cities to a standstill, it still amazes me how efficient Russians are about snow: people regularly sweep the snow off roofs to prevent collapse; itās piled up in parks and fountains until it can be removed from the city and dumped on the outskirts by skips; and people regularly hack through the ice that form on pavements to prevent too much build up.
PRO: reliable transport links year-round.
Rivers freeze
Despite being the longest river in Europe, even the Volga freezes over during the winter months, which really is a sight to see. You can also walk along St. Petersburgās famous canals and out on the Neva river during the winter months.
PRO: walking on water.
Falling ice
Towards the end of winter, falling blocks of ice can be a real problem, particularly in St. Petersburg where streets are narrow and up to six people a year are killed by falling ice.
CON: almost constant fear of death
Government-regulated heating
This really is a mixed blessing. Whilst it ensures that your flat is kept toasty all through winter, unseasonal temperatures can mean you end up freezing or roasting, with no power to turn the heating down or off. It also makes wearing layers a necessity, as even though it might be -30 outside, your flat will be still be toasty and warm.
PRO: warm, cosy flat
CON: putting on all your layers to leave any building takes forever
It is beautiful
While Russian winter might be as cold as you imagined, itās also every bit as beautiful. On a clear sunny day, the white snow dazzles and it really is amazing. For me, itās exactly how I imagined Russia to look.
PRO: fairy-tale Russia
So whilst the cold temperature might freeze your face, the beautiful onion domes against the pure white snow will melt your heart.
Just remember not to spend too much time wondering around in the cold and take regular breaks for hot chocolate or a shot of vodka to warm you up!
Coming from a city where it never snows, I agree very strongly with you about how snow makes places look like a fairytale. I think people from snowy climates forget how beautiful snow can be! Great post!
Couldn’t agree more – I always felt that snowy winter-y Russia was ‘real’ Russia. As for snow, in the UK our climate is so mild, we miss out on hot summers and beautiful snowy winters, so it’s nice to visit places with real seasons.
We visited St Petersburg end of March and I thought it was the perfect time to go – none of these insane temperatures you encountered in the middle of Winter, but still covered in thick snow and absolutely beautiful. Would not fancy hanging out in -29 degrees!
I think end of March is the end of the good winter weather – in mid-April everything turns to slush. I would not recommend St. Petersburg then!
I will try to glean this positivity into my struggles with 6 months of winter š
Good, and know that I am very jealous! Ok, a bit jealous…
Of WHAT?????
Right now it’s pretty much winter wonderland – soft snow and averaging -5C for the last few days š