When you picture autumn in Moscow, you probably imagine a season of fast change. Warm days at the start of September quickly turn into chilly nights by November, and the skies shift from partly clear to mostly gray.
On average, fall in Moscow brings cooling temperatures from the mid-60s °F in early September down to the upper 20s °F by late November. Days get shorter, and the chance of snow goes up.
You’ll notice crisp mornings, damp afternoons, and daylight slipping away as the weeks go by. Rain gets less common later in autumn, but snow starts showing up by the end of November.
The mix of rain, snow, and cloud cover makes the season feel transitional—kind of in-between—but it really shapes Moscow’s climate.
If you’re planning to be outside, you’ll feel the winds picking up from the west and a drop in humidity that keeps the air dry. These changes influence not just the weather but also the city’s mood, making fall a special time to explore Moscow, especially when you compare it to the hot summers or the serious winters.
Overview of Fall Weather in Moscow
Fall in Moscow means temperatures drop quickly, days shorten, and rain gives way to snow. Cloud cover grows, and the wind picks up, making it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
During fall, daily highs in Moscow go from about 65°F (18°C) in early September to near 29°F (-2°C) by late November. Nighttime lows fall from around 50°F (10°C) to 21°F (-6°C).
Rainfall drops as autumn rolls on, averaging 2.3 inches in September and only 0.6 inches by late November. Meanwhile, snowfall rises, hitting about 6.5 inches in late fall.
Clouds really take over. Clear skies get rare, with overcast days jumping from 51% in early September to 76% by late November. Humidity stays low, so the air isn’t muggy, but it can still feel heavy and cool.
Wind speeds pick up, usually averaging 9–11 mph. Westerly winds are the most common. These breezes add to the chill, especially later in the season.
Key Weather Changes from Summer to Fall
The switch from summer to fall in Moscow happens fast. In August, you might still get warm days near 75°F (24°C), but by mid-September, the air already feels crisp.
Rain rules in early fall, but by October, you’ll see more mixed precipitation. By November, snow becomes more likely than rain. If you’re traveling, keep in mind: wet roads in September turn into icy ones later on.
Daylight disappears quickly. Early September sunsets happen after 7:00 PM, but by late November, it’s dark before 4:30 PM. The combination of less light and colder air makes fall feel pretty short compared to summer.
Length and Timing of Fall Season
Moscow’s fall usually stretches from early September to late November. The growing season ends by the first week of October, as freezing nights show up.
The season seems to speed up as temperatures dip below freezing more often. By mid-November, most days stay under 32°F (0°C), and winter really starts to take over.
You can break Moscow’s fall into three phases:
- Early September: cool and damp, with a bit of lingering warmth.
- October: more rain, with the first snowflakes showing up.
- November: cold, snowy, and usually overcast.
The steady shift makes fall feel like a true transition in the city’s climate cycle.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Temperatures in Moscow drop quickly during fall. Early September feels mild, but by late November, you’re dealing with freezing weather.
Big gaps appear between daytime and nighttime readings. The urban heat island effect often keeps the city center a bit warmer than the surrounding areas.
Monthly Average Temperature Trends
In September, the average high is about 18°C (65°F), and the low is around 10°C (50°F). By October, highs drop to roughly 10°C (50°F), with lows near 3°C (37°F).
November gets much colder, with highs at -2°C (29°F) and lows around -6°C (21°F).
The drop is steady but feels sharp. Daily highs fall by more than 30°F (17°C) over the season. Nighttime lows drop by nearly 30°F (16°C) too. This change marks the move from cool autumn days to the edge of winter.
Snow usually starts in late October or November, once daily averages dip below freezing. Rain is more common in September and early October, but it shifts to snow as fall moves along.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 65°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C |
| October | 50°F / 10°C | 37°F / 3°C |
| November | 29°F / -2°C | 21°F / -6°C |
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Day and night temperatures in Moscow during fall can feel like two different worlds. Early September afternoons might be in the mid-60s°F, but mornings already feel chilly.
By November, daytime highs often stay below freezing, and nights can drop well below -5°C (23°F).
This difference affects your plans. A light jacket works for September afternoons, but you’ll need heavier layers in the evening. By late fall, you’ll want winter clothing all day.
Frost becomes common during October nights, even when daytime temps are still above freezing. These swings are typical for places far from the ocean and are especially noticeable in Moscow.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Moscow’s size and all its buildings create an urban heat island effect. The city center stays a little warmer than rural areas. Buildings and roads soak up heat during the day and release it slowly at night.
You’ll notice this most on calm, clear fall nights. The outskirts might freeze earlier, but central Moscow hangs on to a couple extra degrees.
For example, suburbs might see lows near -2°C (28°F) in October, while downtown stays closer to 0°C (32°F).
It’s a small difference, but it matters. The first frost in central Moscow can arrive a week or more later than in nearby towns. Snow also sticks around longer in the outer areas, while the city core stays snow-free a bit longer.
Precipitation Patterns in Autumn
During autumn in Moscow, rainfall slowly gives way to snow as it gets colder. September and October bring plenty of wet days, but by November, the first real snowfalls arrive.
Storms don’t happen much, but light rain events pop up until the ground starts to freeze.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rain keeps up through September, with monthly averages near 60–70 mm. You’ll usually get 12–15 rainy days, mostly light to moderate showers.
October brings a bit less rain, about 45–55 mm, but you’ll still see rain for close to two weeks. Late in the month, rain often mixes with sleet as nights get colder.
November’s rainfall drops to 35–40 mm, but precipitation continues in different forms. Rain becomes less common, and snow starts to take over.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| Sept | 60–70 | 12–15 |
| Oct | 45–55 | 11–14 |
| Nov | 35–40 | 9–11 |
Snowfall and First Snow Dates
Snow usually starts falling in Moscow in late October or early November. The first snow often melts fast, but by mid-November, it sticks around longer.
Average November snowfall is about 20–25 cm, though it can change a lot from year to year. Early snows are often wet and slushy, sometimes mixing with rain, and this makes streets slippery.
By late November, snow cover becomes more reliable as daytime highs settle near or below freezing. Travelers should plan for icy sidewalks and lower visibility when snow falls harder.
Thunderstorms and Rain Events
Thunderstorms almost never happen in Moscow during fall. The unstable air that causes summer storms fades by September, and cooler temperatures keep thunder away.
You might still get a quick rain shower in September, sometimes with gusty winds, but they don’t last long. By October, these events get rare, and gray, steady skies take over.
By November, thunderstorms are basically gone. Rain events turn into light drizzle or mixed precipitation, lasting longer but with less punch. It’s just part of the cooling trend that marks Moscow’s autumn.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In Moscow’s fall months, you’ll notice higher humidity than in summer and a steady rise in wind as the season moves along. These two things really affect how cold it feels outside.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Moscow goes up through autumn because cooler air holds less moisture. In September, average relative humidity sits around 75%, so it feels damp but not too bad.
By October, it rises to about 80%. In November, it often hits 85–86%, making the air feel heavier and colder.
This extra humidity, mixed with falling temperatures, creates a sharper chill—even if the thermometer doesn’t look that low. For example, a day at 5°C in November with high humidity can feel colder than the same temperature when it’s dry.
Expect more overcast days, too. The clouds and dampness cut down on sunshine, so outdoor conditions can feel a bit dreary. If you visit, layers and water-resistant clothes help keep you comfortable.
Wind Speed and Gusts
Winds in Moscow get more noticeable as fall goes on. In September, average wind speeds are usually 10–12 km/h, so you might not notice them much.
By October, winds pick up to about 13–15 km/h. In November, you’ll often see averages closer to 15–17 km/h.
Gusts get stronger in late fall, sometimes reaching 25–30 km/h. These stronger bursts can make it feel much colder, especially with high humidity.
Winds usually come from the west or northwest, bringing in colder air. Even moderate winds can cut through lighter jackets, so windproof outerwear is a good idea if you’re out and about.
Travel Tips for Visiting Moscow in Fall
Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the switch from rain to early snow define Moscow’s autumn. You’ll want to prepare for changing weather, but you also get the city’s seasonal events, fewer crowds, and colorful scenery.
Best Time to Visit
September gives you the most comfortable weather, with highs usually in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C). Skies are clearer early in the season, and there’s more daylight for exploring.
By October, temperatures drop fast, often landing in the 40s °F (5–10 °C). Clouds move in, and rain picks up. November brings regular snowfalls, with highs right around freezing.
If you like milder conditions, visit in early fall. For a quieter vibe and fewer tourists, late October and November work, but expect colder, wetter days.
What to Pack for Autumn Weather
You’ll want to pack layers, since temperatures can swing a lot from September to November. In early fall, a lightweight jacket usually does the trick, but by mid-season, you’ll definitely want a warmer coat.
Don’t forget waterproof outerwear, since rain showers and even sleet can pop up. I always toss in comfortable walking shoes with good grip, especially for those wet or icy sidewalks.
By late October, mornings and evenings get chilly, so a hat, gloves, and scarf feel pretty necessary. I’d also recommend packing a small umbrella and some quick-dry clothing.
Daylight hours slip away fast, so reflective or light-colored outerwear can help when you’re out walking in the dimmer light. Dressing in layers just makes it easier to go from heated buildings to the cold outside without feeling uncomfortable.
Popular Fall Activities
Autumn’s actually a great time for sightseeing, since the big attractions aren’t as packed as they are in summer. You can check out the Kremlin, Red Square, and museums without waiting in long lines.
If you love the outdoors, Gorky Park and Kolomenskoye look amazing with all the colorful leaves in September and October. It’s a fantastic time for photography, honestly.
Cultural life kicks into high gear during fall. Theaters, concert halls, and ballet companies all start their new seasons, so you get a real taste of Russian performing arts.
Food markets and cafés start featuring seasonal produce, so it’s a perfect chance to try traditional dishes in a cozier, cooler setting.
Comparing Fall to Other Seasons
Fall in Moscow brings a sharp drop in both temperature and daylight, and the sky gets cloudier. Rainfall drops off, but snow starts to show up, marking the change from summer’s warmth to the long, cold winter ahead.
Differences from Summer Temperature
Summer in Moscow feels pretty mild compared to some other European capitals. In July, average highs usually hit around 23°C (73°F), and sometimes heat waves push temps over 30°C (86°F).
Nights stay cool but comfortable, with lows near 14°C (57°F). By September, you’ll notice the change—highs drop to about 18°C (65°F), and lows cool down to 10°C (50°F).
As fall moves along, the daily high keeps dropping, and by late November, you’re looking at highs close to 0°C (32°F). That’s quite a shift.
You go from wearing short sleeves in late summer to needing a heavy coat before winter really hits. Summer days stretch out for more than 16 hours, but in fall, daylight disappears fast, leaving you less time outdoors in those comfy conditions.
The difference between summer and fall really stands out in the average low temperatures. In July, nights rarely fall below 12–14°C, but by November, lows often dip below freezing, sometimes hitting -6°C (21°F).
Transition into Winter
Moscow’s fall doesn’t just fade out with gentle weather. The city gradually sinks into winter.
Rain tapers off, and then the snow really starts to pile up. By late November, you can see average monthly snowfall topping 160 millimeters. That’s a huge jump from almost nothing back in early September.
Daylight slips away fast. At the start of September, sunrise happens before 6:00 a.m., and sunset drags on past 7:00 p.m. By late November, though, sunrise doesn’t show up until after 8:30 a.m., and sunset can sneak in as early as 4:00 p.m.
Winds pick up speed as the weeks go by, usually blowing in from the west at 15–18 km/h by November. When you add in the freezing temperatures, stepping outside feels a lot rougher.
You’ll notice the growing season wraps up in early October, once frost starts showing up most mornings. By then, winter’s really taken over, and snow begins to stick around for good.