Spring in Moscow really brings one of the most dramatic seasonal shifts of the year. You move from those freezing winter days to much milder conditions, with daylight stretching longer and snow turning into rain. On average, daily highs climb from about 30°F in early March to around 68°F by the end of May, so spring changes fast.
The skies start to clear up as the season goes on, and overcast days become less common. Rainfall increases, swapping out the snow that dominates early March. By late spring, you’ll notice green parks, longer evenings, and a lot more people outside.
If you’re curious about how Moscow’s spring stacks up against its long winters and short, warm summers, you’ll find the patterns in temperature, precipitation, and daylight especially useful. This mix of cold mornings, thawing afternoons, and sudden rain showers makes spring unpredictable and, honestly, pretty fascinating.
Overview of Spring in Moscow
Spring in Moscow moves quickly. Temperatures rise sharply, daylight hours grow longer, and you watch the landscape shift from snow-covered streets to green parks. The weather can change a lot, so it’s helpful to know what to expect each month.
Spring Months and Calendar
Spring in Moscow covers March, April, and May. Each month has its own vibe.
- March still feels like winter. Nights often drop below freezing, and snow remains common.
- April is milder, with daytime highs in the 40s and 50s °F (5–15 °C).
- May feels almost like summer, with highs reaching the upper 60s °F (around 20 °C).
The days get longer fast. Early March gives you about 10–11 hours of daylight, but by late May, you get more than 17 hours. That extra light makes outdoor activities a lot easier.
By the end of May, the growing season kicks off, and Moscow’s gardens and parks buzz with planting.
Transition from Winter to Spring
Winter sticks around in Moscow well into March. Snow and ice linger, and streets turn slushy as things start to thaw. Nights can still dip below 20 °F (-7 °C) in early March.
By mid-April, snow usually disappears. Trees start to bud, and the air feels less harsh. The average low climbs above freezing, so mornings and evenings get more comfortable.
The change happens gradually, not all at once. You’ll notice fewer cloudy days as spring moves forward. The sky shifts from mostly overcast in March to partly clear by late May. Warmer temperatures and brighter days come together as the season progresses.
Typical Weather Patterns
Spring in Moscow means rising temperatures, less snow, and more rain.
- Temperature: Daily highs rise from about 30 °F (-1 °C) in early March to nearly 68 °F (20 °C) by late May.
- Precipitation: Rain becomes more frequent. The chance of a wet day jumps from about 17% in March to around 30% in May.
- Snow: Snowfall drops off quickly, going from several inches in March to almost none by May.
Winds stay moderate but get lighter as the season goes on, shifting from southerly in early spring to westerly later. Humidity remains low, so you don’t usually feel muggy.
By late spring, evenings turn mild, days stretch out, and outdoor conditions feel just right for exploring the city.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Moscow brings a steady climb in temperatures. You go from freezing conditions in early March to much milder weather by late May. The transition from winter’s chill to the start of the growing season is pretty clear, with big differences between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
In March, average highs stick close to 30°F (-1°C), and lows often dip to 17°F (-8°C). Snow and freezing nights are still the norm.
By April, daytime temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s°F (7–12°C), while lows hover near 32°F (0°C). The month feels mixed, with thawing snow and the odd chilly night.
May brings much warmer days, with highs averaging 65–68°F (18–20°C) and lows around 48–50°F (9–10°C). By late May, frost is rare, and it’s way more comfortable to be outside.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 30 | 17 |
| April | 50 | 32 |
| May | 68 | 50 |
This steady, almost 40°F rise through the season makes spring one of the most dramatic transitions of the year in Moscow.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
You’ll notice big differences between day and night early on. In March, nights often fall below 20°F (-7°C), but daytime highs might creep above freezing, leaving slush everywhere.
April brings milder days, though nights can still sit near freezing. You might need a heavy coat in the morning but can switch to lighter clothes by afternoon.
By May, day and night temperatures get closer together. Daytime highs in the upper 60s°F pair with nights in the high 40s to low 50s°F, making evenings much more pleasant. The smaller gap signals the end of the cold season and a more settled climate for outdoor plans.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Central Moscow feels a bit warmer than the countryside because of the urban heat island effect. Dense buildings, paved streets, and not much greenery trap heat by day and release it at night.
This effect stands out most in March and April. While rural spots might still freeze at night, the city center stays a few degrees warmer, which lowers frost risk.
By May, the difference shrinks but doesn’t disappear. Urban areas may run 2–4°F (1–2°C) warmer than the countryside. Visitors will notice milder evenings in the city, but if you head outside Moscow, you might still need an extra layer. This small but steady effect shapes how you experience spring, depending on where you are.
Precipitation and Humidity Trends
Spring in Moscow brings more rain, rising humidity, and changing winds. You’ll notice wetter conditions than in winter, but it’s not as rainy as summer, and the air feels damp as the temperature rises.
Rainfall Patterns in Spring
Rainfall in Moscow during spring is steady and picks up as the months go by. Early March often has mixed precipitation, with snow slowly giving way to rain by April. By May, rain showers pop up more often, but they’re usually not too heavy.
On average, spring precipitation totals range from 40–60 mm per month. That’s enough to keep the ground moist, but it doesn’t usually mess up travel or outdoor plans. Rain tends to fall as light or moderate showers, not long downpours.
You can expect about 10–15 days with measurable precipitation each spring month. Cloud cover still hangs around, especially in March, but skies clear up more by late May. The switch from snow to rain can make the city feel damp, especially in April when the ground is still cold.
Humidity Levels
Relative humidity stays pretty high in Moscow during spring, though it’s lower than in late autumn. March averages around 80%, while May drops closer to 67–70%. This drop lines up with warmer weather and longer days.
Mornings often feel damp, especially when overnight lows are near freezing. By afternoon, humidity dips a bit, making it more comfortable to be outside. You might still see condensation on windows and dampness in shady spots, especially early in spring.
The higher humidity in March and April can make cool temperatures feel even colder. By May, milder air and lower humidity make the climate much nicer for walking and sightseeing.
Wind Speed and Weather Variability
Winds in Moscow during spring usually stay moderate but can change direction quickly. Average wind speeds run from 10–15 km/h, but gusts can be stronger when weather fronts pass through. These winds help move clouds and bring sudden temperature swings.
March tends to be the windiest month, with brisk breezes that add to the chill. By May, winds calm down a bit, though you’ll still get some gusts during spring showers.
Because of these changes, a calm, sunny afternoon can turn into a breezy, cloudy evening. This kind of variability is typical of Moscow’s continental climate, where the weather can flip fast in spring. It’s smart to prepare for both cool winds and milder, calmer days.
Snow and Thaw Events
Spring in Moscow often starts with leftover snow and lots of freeze-thaw cycles. You’ll see late-season snowfalls, periods of melting, and gradual changes in ground conditions as it warms up.
Late Snowfall in Early Spring
Snow keeps falling well into March, and sometimes even in April. Light flurries or heavier snow showers can pop up, depending on the weather. Nighttime temperatures can still drop below freezing, so snow can pile up even after a daytime thaw.
In early spring, you need to be ready for surprises. A warm day might be followed by a sudden snowstorm. These late snowfalls can mess with travel and leave streets slushy, especially when mixed with melting snow from earlier in the week.
March usually brings about 10 snowy or rainy days, with temperatures ranging from -8°C (18°F) at night to 0°C (32°F) during the day. April still sees the occasional snow, but it drops off as daytime highs climb into the 40s and 50s °F.
Thaw and Melting Snow
By late March, thaws become common. Snow softens and melts during the day, then refreezes at night. This cycle makes sidewalks and roads icy, so you’ve got to watch your step or drive carefully.
Longer daylight hours speed up the melting. In April, average highs reach about 10°C (50°F), and snow finally starts to disappear from open spaces. Still, shaded parks and forested areas can hold onto snow longer.
You’ll see slush and puddles everywhere during this time. Drainage systems sometimes struggle with all the meltwater, so expect muddy spots and standing water. By May, most of the snow is gone, and even nighttime frost is pretty rare.
Snowfall Amounts and Duration
How much snow you see in early spring depends on how harsh the winter was. In many years, Moscow still has several inches of snow in March, with even deeper layers in the forests and countryside.
March typically gets about 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation, most of it as snow. April brings a similar amount, but rain takes over. Snow in May is rare, but it’s not unheard of to get a quick flurry.
Snow cover usually sticks around until early April in the city center. Outlying areas can keep snow into mid-April, especially if nights stay cold. By late spring, any leftover snow hides in shaded or higher-up spots.
Spring Weather Extremes
Spring in Moscow can swing between extremes. You might get a sudden warm spell that feels like summer, and then a quick storm rolls in to break up an otherwise calm day. These shifts change how you plan your outings and what you wear.
Hot Days and Temperature Spikes
Spring is mostly about cool mornings and mild afternoons, but hot days can sneak in early. By late May, daytime highs can hit 25–27°C (77–81°F), which is pretty warm for Moscow. These spikes feel even hotter after weeks of chilly weather.
You’ll feel these hot days more in the city, thanks to the urban heat effect. Paved streets and buildings trap warmth, so central Moscow feels warmer than the parks or countryside. That means a sunny afternoon walk in the city center can feel surprisingly toasty.
These warm spells usually don’t last long, maybe just a few days. Still, you might want lighter clothes for the day, but keep a jacket handy for those cooler nights when temperatures drop back into the single digits Celsius.
Thunderstorms and Sudden Weather Changes
Spring thunderstorms in Moscow can pop up out of nowhere, especially in May. Rising temperatures clash with leftover cool air, and suddenly, the sky shifts from partly cloudy to dark and stormy—sometimes in less than an hour.
These storms tend to bring short bursts of heavy rain, some hail, and gusty winds. Even though they don’t happen as often as in summer, they still manage to mess up outdoor plans and make the streets slick in no time.
A storm might roll in fast and leave just as quickly. Once it’s gone, the air usually feels cooler and a bit fresher. You’ll want to keep an umbrella or a light rain jacket handy, even if the morning looks sunny and calm.
Comparing Spring to Other Seasons in Moscow
Spring in Moscow feels like a real turning point. You can finally sense the end of winter’s freezing grip and the slow arrival of warmer, longer days.
Differences from Winter
Winter in Moscow drags on—long, dark, and bitterly cold. From December to February, daytime highs rarely climb above freezing, and nights? They can easily dip below -10°C (14°F). Snow falls heavily and sticks around, sometimes until March.
Spring, though, starts to warm things up. In March, temperatures still flirt with freezing, but by May, you’ll often see daytime temperatures close to 20°C (68°F). The snow melts away quickly, and by late spring, it’s usually gone for good.
Daylight shifts a lot too. In December, you might only get 7 hours of daylight. By late spring, the sun seems to hang around forever, stretching daylight to more than 17 hours and giving the city a whole new vibe.
Clouds also behave differently. Winter skies stay mostly gray and overcast. Spring, on the other hand, brings more clear or partly cloudy days, making it way easier to get outside without relying on artificial light.
Transition to Summer
Spring rolls into Moscow’s short, warm summer. By late May, you’ll notice average highs creeping up to the same range you’ll get in June, usually somewhere between 18°C and 23°C (64–73°F). Nights start to feel milder too, and it’s rare for temperatures to dip below 10°C (50°F).
Rainfall starts picking up as summer gets closer. Early spring stays pretty dry, but by May, it feels like you might need an umbrella every third day. Snow’s out of the picture, and now you’ve got frequent showers instead.
The days just keep stretching out. Once June hits, you’re looking at over 17 hours of daylight, which feels wild compared to those gloomy winter months. All that sunlight, plus the warmer air, really kicks off the city’s growing season.
Winds calm down compared to earlier in spring. You’ll probably notice average speeds dropping a bit, so late spring and early summer end up feeling calmer and just nicer for strolling, sightseeing, or hanging out in the parks.