Moscow, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2018]

Traveling to Moscow, Russia? If you're planning to go to Moscow, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack:

When to go to Moscow, Russia

Based on the climate and weather in Moscow, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Moscow, Russia by month

January

January here is unbearably cold. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Multiple layer jacket shell
Scarf
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Gloves
Umbrella
Very heavy socks
Fleeces
Waterproof boots
Pajamas, such as sweats
Sweaters
Insulated boots
Waterproof coat
Thermal undergarments

February

If you are traveling to Moscow in February, you will notice that it is unbearably cold. Expect it to rain or snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Pajamas, such as sweats
Waterproof coat
Very heavy socks
Waterproof boots
Sweaters
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Multiple layer jacket shell
Fleeces
Scarf
Thermal undergarments
Insulated boots
Umbrella
Gloves

March

March in Moscow can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Sweaters
Heavy socks
Waterproof boots
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Waterproof coat
Gloves or mittens
Cold weather footwear
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Umbrella

April

Traveling to Moscow in April, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain or snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof boots
Light gloves or mittens
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Warm pants or jeans
Fleeces
Jacket or coat
Standard footwear
Umbrella
Waterproof coat
Socks

May

In May, Moscow can be chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C).

This is also a rainy time for Moscow, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Socks
Waterproof luggage
Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Umbrella
Pants or jeans
Standard footwear
Long skirts
Rain coat
Long sleeve shirts or blouses

June

June here is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Dresses
Waterproof luggage
Pants or jeans
Umbrella
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Socks
Long skirts
Rain coat
Standard footwear
Waterproof footwear

July

July in Moscow is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Sandals
Rain coat
Dresses
Sunscreen lotion
Waterproof luggage
Waterproof footwear
Light footwear
Shorts or short pants
Umbrella
Skirts
Long and short sleeve shirts

August

If you vacation in Moscow during August, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof footwear
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Waterproof luggage
Long skirts
Rain coat
Pants or jeans
Standard footwear
Umbrella
Socks

September

If you vacation in Moscow during September, you are likely to find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Socks
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Long skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Umbrella
Standard footwear
Waterproof luggage
Pants or jeans
Dresses
Waterproof footwear
Rain coat

October

If you go to Moscow in October, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof coat
Umbrella
Standard footwear
Socks
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Waterproof boots
Jacket or coat
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Fleeces

November

November in Moscow can be extremely cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.

During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Heavy socks
Sweaters
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Warm pants or jeans
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof boots
Waterproof coat
Umbrella
Heavy jacket
Gloves or mittens

December

December in Moscow can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Waterproof coat
Insulated boots
Pajamas, such as sweats
Thermal undergarments
Fleeces
Waterproof boots
Scarf
Sweaters
Gloves
Umbrella
If you plan to ski, ski equipment
Multiple layer jacket shell
Very heavy socks

Year-round what to wear/what to pack for Moscow, Russia

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Moscow, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

A plug adadpter that supports outlet types C and F
A SIM card that works in Moscow
If you plan to visit a church, make sure to bring appropriate clothing
Pickpocketing is an issue, so wear a money belt or neck pouch
Appropriate museum wear
Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere

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