Russia in November - am I nuts?
 

So my sister is on a one year assignment in Moscow and I want to go visit her. Was thinking of going over thanksgiving break in november. Am I nuts to go at that time of year? should I instead try to go in summer? it's unlikely I can make it there during may-sept - would next spring be better? Say April 2009? thoughts??

Last years the weather has changed a lot so summer comes later and the fall stays warm and sunny until Late November. So you can expect anything around 40-50 Fahrenheit. But of course you better take warm jacket and water-proof shoes with you. Early November is better than the late one. On the other hand you may see the first snow. Snow-covered Moscow is spectacular, you will like it.

Hi Ivy, I'm currently looking into traveling to Moscow (and St Petersburg) over Thanksgiving break too.

Thanks for the information, Eugenia!

trsny: would love to hear some of your research. I will certainly be cold, but Moscow in the snow could be lovely!

I was in Moscow and St. Petersburg last November (16-22). It was cold! And gray! And snowy/slushy! If you can postpone your trip to the spring, my advice would be to do that.

I suggest you look at the location of Moscow on the globe, consider how short November days are at that latitude, and research the average temperatures for November. If these factors are agreeable to you, then by all means go during your Thanksgiving break and have a great time!

April would be more pleasant but if you do not mind the cold (and have the right apparel) or the shorter days it willbe fine. We were there in late October and though we did need our scarves and gloves some days we enjoyed it.

I was in Russia in February years ago on a school trip. What were they thinking I have never been so cold!

April is not always a great month for Moscow since all the snow is thawing and it is very muddy.

In November if the weather is snowy and sunny it is lovely. It can be grey and miserable but if that is the only time you can go then you should go and not worry about the weather.

More nonsense...the visit is important, clothing makes it possible. Russians live in this environment all the time with few concerns. Buy XC underwear. Think of the stories you can tell your friends. Best, ask your sister. How is she coping?

I was in Russia last summer and kept Moscow and St. Petersburg up on my widgets and checked the weather daily. I was amazed at how warm Moscow was this winter compared to St. Petersburg.

You will enjoy it whenever you go!

"trsny: would love to hear some of your research. I will certainly be cold, but Moscow in the snow could be lovely!"

Hi Ivy! Right now, I'm in the beginning stages of planning. I hope to be in Moscow for a few days, choosing to spend most of my time in St Petersburg, as that's the city I've wanted to visit the most. So far, the best site I've come across is http://www.waytorussia.net/. The Virtual Tourist website and the Rough Guide books have been a great source of information for me too.

You're so right, Moscow could be even more beautiful blanketed with snow! :)

Moscow weather can go either way; it could be ok in November, cold in April, or if you wait 'til summer, it could get way too hot (yep! :) it gets very hot there). My personal preference would be September or early October. Actually, the fall/winter low temperatures are not that big of a deal (IMO), but the entire city is just plain GREY...very depressive. On the bright note, the humidity is low which helps to deal with the crazy temperature drops. Anyway, as other posts suggest, it's entirely up to whether you're able to deal with freez and a bulk of clothing, but either way, if you go to Moscow during winter months, the experience will be something you'll be talking for youars. Russia is ALWAYS fun regardless. Good luck!!

I was in Minsk (which is warmer than Moscow) by end of November.

We had bright sun, blue skies, a very thin layer of snow - and -22°C (-8°F) maximum temperature.

Because of low humidity, it did not feel so cold - but take care of your ears! The Russians wear fur hats, they know why!

thanks for the input everyone - anyone have an opinion as to whether the first week of october would be any better weather-wise? am now considering that timing instead. Thoughts appreciated. thanks!

I think there is a very decent chance that you will find October considerably nicer than Thanksgiving week. I've been to Moscow and Russia at all times of the year, and given the choice, I would always choose winter over summer. Russians do heat really well, but a/c is not so consistent. Also, air quality can suffer big time as the heat goes up. Theater and orchestra seasons are on "summer-scheme" only, many Moscovites are out at their summer places, it's just not as exciting. Having said that, May is, IMO, the best.

i know someone who went to russia in jan - their kids skated on red square which was cool
she suggested you stay central because the novelty of catching trains on the metro soon wears thin..people are hellbent on getting on so dont bother with the ' after you' bit cos youll be left behind..and do be very sure of where to get off because people seldom make way for you
the customs officers can be very gruff and scary but she and her family had no trouble with the police - thats the kinda stories i LIKE to hear!

know the district youre staying in - the working class areas can be creepy at night
and if the days are getting shorter you may feel uncomfortable going back to the hotel( not so much on the train or the metro itself but upon leaving the station and making your way through perhaps a poorly lit park so do be aware of the surroundings and get your bearings whilst it's light - better still ask you agent to show you exactly where your hotel is before you settle on it)
one other tip i heard from an ex - pat was: eat at yelki palki...a restaurant ( a chain ) near arbat - either old or new i dont know but apparently, though smaller than the other yelki palki, it's nice

if youre heading to st petes at all - the dostoevsky hotel near nevsky prospekt is reasonable and very nice compared to similarly priced places in moscow
hope you have a blast
we are making the trip next year in may and i have very mixed feelings about it - but "a man's gotta do what a woman's gonna make him do or else there's no making happy"

Start packing
Anytime in October is fine, just bring some warm clothes because the weather can change quickly. Im very partial to St Petersburg over Moscow, spend as much time as you can there.

It did not work out well for Napoleon or Hitler. But their aims were probably different than yours.

If your main goal is to visit your sister, then the time of year doesn't really matter. But if you want to do outdoorsy things, then November is not ideal for most activities.

We had a great time in Prague and Berlin in late November, but we were OK with more indoor activities. And Moscow averages 10 to 15 degrees lower November temperatures than does Berlin.

OK I am officially booked for the trip - will be spending thanksgiving in Russia with my sister. Due to family events, looks like I will have only 3 days in St Petersburg. Anyone got advice for a 3 day itinerary in St Petes?? Thanks!