Russia Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Transfiguration Cathedral in Rybinsk on a January morning
Russia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Russia in January might conjure images of extreme cold and snow, and while that image is not false, it doesn't mean the whole country is a total no-go. By sticking to the major cities in the west visitors can enjoy many cozy indoor activities while gazing out at the snow-sprinkled landscape. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in January.

Red Square in winter
Russia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Russia in mid-winter is cold, snowy, and icy, with winter storms sometimes throwing travel plans off course. But, if you keep your itinerary simple and stick to the major cities of the west, you can still enjoy traveling to Russia in February. Here are some important things to know about traveling during this month.

Ivangorod Fortress in March
Russia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Much of Russia sees warmer temperatures and more daylight hours in March than earlier in the winter, but conditions are still cold and snowy. Although it's not the ideal month to visit Russia, there are some advantages to visiting in March. Read on to find out more.

St. Petersburg in April
Russia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April falls in Russia's short spring. A time of transition between winter and summer, the weather can be wintry or milder, depending on where you go. The cities of Western Russia get pretty slushy at this time of year, but the thaw means that other destinations away from the major cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow become more accessible again, after the winter. Here are a few important things to know about visiting Russia in April.

Aerial view of St. Petersburg
Russia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

After the freeze of winter and before the soaring temperatures of summer, May is a pleasant time to visit Russia. Travel routes are accessible, and the climate is mild. Tourist numbers pick up, but fewer people come than later in the summer. Here are a few things to know about visiting Russia in May.

Sergiev Posad
Russia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June is peak season in much of Russia: the weather is warm, the days are long, and the country is accessible. While the cities of the west and around Lake Baikal see a lot of visitors, Russia is so large that many places are less visited, even in mid-summer. Here are a few things to know about traveling to Russia in June.

Peterhof
Russia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is mid-summer in Russia, and brings hot weather, festivals and concerts, and very long days. It's also peak travel season, with Russian schools out for summer and lots of domestic vacationers. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in July.

Suzdal
Russia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

August is the final month of summer in Russia. The temperatures are generally hot and there are crowds in some beach destinations, but the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to be less crowded and expensive than in June and July. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in August.

Kunstkamera
Russia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is the start of autumn across Russia, and brings a pleasant medium between the heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter. Schools and colleges are back, so there aren't many domestic travelers around. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in September.

Fall in St. Petersburg
Russia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Autumn is short in many parts of Russia, and by late October you can expect snow in some places. But earlier in the month, temperatures remain mild, offering ideal conditions for city sightseeing. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in October.

Ice skating in Moscow's Red Square
Russia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November is the start of winter in Russia. This means cold temperatures in some parts, and very cold temperatures in others. But, Russia is actually very appealing in the winter as the cities in particular look lovely under snow. You just need to know where to go and be prepared for snow. Here's what you need to know about traveling to Russia in November.

St. Basil's Cathedral
Russia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Russia is very cold in December, but its fairytale churches and forts look especially lovely dusted in snow. Although Christmas isn't celebrated in December here, the lead up to New Year's Eve is very festive. Here are a few important things to know about traveling to Russia in December.