January is not an ideal time to visit Moscow, Russia, due to the following reasons:
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Cold Weather: Moscow experiences harsh winters, with average temperatures in January ranging from -10°C (14°F) to -5°C (23°F), frequently dropping below -15°C (5°F). The cold weather can be uncomfortable and limit outdoor activities.
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Snow and Ice: During January, Moscow receives an average of 25-30 centimeters (9.8-11.8 inches) of snowfall, making the city covered in snow and ice. This can lead to icy roads and sidewalks, making it challenging to walk and drive.
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Short Daylight Hours: Moscow’s daylight hours in January are very short, with sunrise occurring around 8:30 AM and sunset around 4:00 PM. This means that most of the day is spent in darkness, limiting opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Fewer Open Attractions: While Moscow has many attractions, some of them may have reduced hours or be closed altogether during January due to the low season and harsh weather conditions. This can limit your options for sightseeing and entertainment.
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Crowds and Costs: January is generally considered the low season for tourism in Moscow, meaning fewer crowds and shorter lines at popular attractions. However, prices for hotels and flights may be higher during this time, as airlines and hotels adjust their pricing based on demand.
If you are considering visiting Moscow, it might be better to choose a warmer month, such as May-September, when the weather is more pleasant, daylight hours are longer, and more attractions are open.
Weather In Moscow During January
The weather in Moscow, Russia during January is typically very cold, with average temperatures ranging from -10 to -4 degrees Celsius (14 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit). The city experiences long, dark days, with only about 8 hours of daylight each day. Snowfall is common, and the city is often covered in a blanket of snow. The wind chill factor can make the temperature feel even colder, so it is important to dress in warm layers.
Here is a closer look at the average weather conditions in Moscow during January:
- Average temperature: -7 degrees Celsius (19 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Average high temperature: -4 degrees Celsius (25 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Average low temperature: -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Average precipitation: 52 millimeters (2.0 inches)
- Average snowfall: 40 centimeters (16 inches)
- Average wind speed: 3 meters per second (6.7 miles per hour)
- Average humidity: 80%
It is important to note that these are just average temperatures and weather conditions. Actual weather conditions can vary from year to year, and even from day to day. It is always a good idea to check the latest weather forecast before traveling to Moscow in January.
Things To Do In Moscow In January
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Christmas and New Year Celebrations:
- Moscow transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas and New Year. The city is decorated with festive lights, Christmas trees, and decorations.
- Attend the traditional Russian Orthodox Christmas Eve service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on January 6.
- Enjoy ice skating at renowned rinks such as Gorky Park, Red Square, or VDNKh.
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Moscow Christmas Festival:
- Held annually in January, this festival features various activities, including ice sculptures, festive markets, and cultural performances.
- Visit the Red Square Christmas Market for unique gifts and souvenirs.
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Winter Adventures:
- Experience the beauty of Moscow’s snowy landscapes by taking a sleigh ride or enjoying winter sports like cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing.
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Moscow International Circus:
- Known for its spectacular performances, the Moscow International Circus presents shows featuring acrobats, clowns, and various animals.
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Moscow Museum of Cosmonautics:
- Learn about the history of space exploration at this museum, which houses exhibits on Soviet and Russian space missions and achievements.
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Moscow Planetarium:
- Explore the wonders of the cosmos through captivating shows and exhibits at the Moscow Planetarium.
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Tretyakov Gallery:
- Admire the collection of Russian art from the 11th to the 20th centuries at the Tretyakov Gallery, including works by famous artists like Ivan Aivazovsky and Ilya Repin.
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Bolshoi Theatre:
- Catch a performance of ballet, opera, or classical music at the iconic Bolshoi Theatre, known for its world-class productions.
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Moscow Winter Jazz Festival:
- Enjoy live jazz performances by talented musicians from around the world at this annual festival held in late January.
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Kremlin Ice Rink:
- Glide across the ice rink located in the heart of the Kremlin, surrounded by historic landmarks like the Spasskaya Tower and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Tourism In Moscow, Russia During January
- Weather: January is the coldest month in Moscow, with average temperatures ranging from 14°F to 23°F (-10°C to -5°C). It is also the driest month, with an average of only 1.2 inches (30 mm) of precipitation. Snowfall is common, and the city is often covered in a blanket of white.
- Things to do: Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of things to do in Moscow in January. Popular activities include:
- Visiting the Red Square and Kremlin: These are two of the most iconic landmarks in Moscow and are a must-see for any visitor.
- Taking a walk along the Moscow River: The city’s riverfront is a beautiful place to stroll and take in the sights.
- Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery: This museum houses a collection of Russian art from the 11th century to the present day.
- Seeing a ballet or opera at the Bolshoi Theatre: The Bolshoi is one of the world’s most famous theaters and offers a variety of performances throughout the year.
- Going ice skating at Gorky Park: This large park is home to an ice skating rink that is open during the winter months.
- Visiting the Christmas markets: Moscow’s Christmas markets are a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
- Food: Moscow offers a wide variety of restaurants serving both Russian and international cuisine. Some popular dishes to try include:
- Borscht: This hearty soup is made with beets, cabbage, and meat.
- Pelmeni: These dumplings are filled with meat or vegetables and served with sour cream.
- Shashlik: This grilled meat dish is usually made with lamb or pork.
- Blini: These thin pancakes are often served with caviar or sour cream.
- Transportation: Moscow has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the metro. The metro is the most efficient way to get around the city and is very affordable.
- Tips:
- Dress warmly: January is a cold month in Moscow, so be sure to dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves, and scarf.
- Learn some basic Russian: While English is spoken in some tourist areas, it is helpful to know some basic Russian phrases.
- Get a visa: US citizens need a visa to visit Russia. You can apply for a visa online or at a Russian embassy or consulate.