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Best Times to Visit Moscow
The best time to visit Moscow is April and May, when the temperature creeps into the 50s and 60s, the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day, and hotel rates have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges. Of course, the golden period is summer, when the city is warm and bustling. But if you want to (slightly) spare yourself from the perpetually expensive rates, try the shoulder seasons in the spring and early fall. Preferably spring, since fall experiences more rainfall and less sunlight. Winters are brutally cold, but this is when you'll get a true glimpse into the Moscow experience (A frost-bitten walk through Red Square seems to intensify the historical significance of this great capital city).
Weather in Moscow
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
| June-August |
If you can afford to visit, you'll see the city and its cultural attractions in full bloom. The sun will be smiling down on you, but you might find its grin hard to appreciate against the glare of your hotel bill. Rates are absurdly high at this time and even the best bargain hunters will be paying more than they want. Key Events:
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| September-October |
Summer fades quickly into winter, but the brief fall is a short window of opportunity for travelers. Sneak in after the summer crowds and before the harsh winter to score some excellent deals (relative to Moscow standards). Key Events:
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| November-March |
Russian winters are not for the faint-hearted. "Long" is the best adjective for them. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour. Also, snow will continue to fall well into March. Few people, aside from the residents, are able to cope with the freezing conditions. If you dare visit, you'll find the lowest hotel rates, except during the popular New Year's celebrations. Key Events:
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| April-May |
Temperatures climb back into a reasonable range (average daily highs are in between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit), though you'll still need a coat in the evenings. Room rates will escalate as the spring progresses. You'll be trading lower rates for sunlight. Key Events:
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Popular Times to Visit Moscow
Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.
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