When you think of Moscow, you probably picture those long, snowy winters. But honestly, the summer here feels like a different world.
Average summer weather in Moscow brings warm daytime temperatures around 22–24°C (71–75°F), mild nights, and long hours of daylight that stretch well into the evening. It’s one of the most comfortable times to get out and explore the capital.
You’ll get a blend of sunny spells and regular rain showers, which keep the air fresh and make the city’s parks and gardens pop with color.
Cloud cover happens often, but with daylight lasting up to 17 hours in June, you have tons of time to enjoy outdoor events or just wander around without feeling rushed.
Knowing how Moscow’s summer weather shapes daily life helps you plan better, whether you’re strolling Red Square, checking out museums, or relaxing in a green space.
Let’s break down the temperature trends and rainfall patterns so you know what to expect during this season.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Moscow
Summers in Moscow feel warm but not sweltering. Temperatures shift a bit by month and between day and night.
You’ll notice June, July, and August bring a mix of mild evenings and warm afternoons.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
During summer, Moscow’s average daytime highs usually sit between the upper 60s and upper 70s °F (around 20–26 °C).
Nights cool off, often dipping into the low 50s to low 60s °F (10–16 °C).
| Month | Avg. High °C (°F) | Avg. Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 22 °C (72 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) |
| July | 25–26 °C (77–79 °F) | 15–16 °C (59–61 °F) |
| August | 23 °C (73 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) |
These numbers give you a solid idea, but sometimes short heat waves push highs above 30 °C (86 °F).
Even in the hottest months, Moscow still gets cooler nights.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime in Moscow feels warm but not suffocating. Afternoon highs usually stick to the low or mid-20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit).
Sightseeing outdoors is comfortable most days.
At night, temperatures drop quite a bit. Even in July, the warmest month, average lows hover around 15 °C (59 °F).
June and August nights dip even lower, closer to 12–13 °C (54–55 °F).
So, it’s smart to bring layers. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy for evenings or early mornings.
The cooler nights help balance out those warmer afternoons.
Temperature Trends Across June, July, and August
June kicks off summer with milder weather. Highs average about 22 °C (72 °F), and nights can feel crisp at 12 °C (54 °F).
July really heats up. Highs often hit 25–26 °C (77–79 °F), and lows settle near 15–16 °C (59–61 °F).
Sometimes, brief hot spells push temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F).
By August, things start to cool a bit. Highs drop back to around 23 °C (73 °F), and nights settle near 13 °C (55 °F).
This slow drop signals autumn is coming, but you’ll still catch plenty of warm, pleasant days.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Moscow’s summer brings steady rainfall, and there’s never really a true dry season.
Showers usually come in short bursts. Monthly totals vary, but there’s always enough rain to keep the air fresh and the city’s greenery looking good.
Humidity and the number of rainy days also shape how comfortable the season feels.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Moscow during summer stays moderate compared to a lot of big cities.
The wettest month is July, with about 80–85 mm of precipitation.
June and August usually get a bit less, closer to 70 mm each.
The difference between months isn’t huge, but July stands out for its frequent afternoon showers.
Rain usually falls as brief, sometimes heavy downpours—not those long, steady rains.
If you’re curious, Moscow’s summer rainfall is about the same as Melbourne, Australia, but a lot less than places with monsoon seasons like Seoul, South Korea.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~70 mm |
| July | ~81 mm |
| August | ~70 mm |
Rainy Days and Thunderstorms
You can expect 12–15 days with measurable precipitation each summer month.
So, about half the days in June, July, and August will see at least some rain.
Most rain comes as quick showers, and sometimes you’ll get thunderstorms.
Those storms aren’t as wild or frequent as in the tropics, but they can bring sudden downpours and gusty winds.
Weather can be unpredictable. Some years bring longer dry spells, while others have clusters of stormy days.
Still, summer rain usually doesn’t mess up travel plans for long, since showers pass quickly.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Humidity rises with the summer heat, but Moscow never gets as sticky as subtropical cities.
Average relative humidity runs from 65% to 75% in June through August.
Warm temperatures and moderate humidity can make July afternoons feel muggy, especially after rain.
Evenings cool down enough to bring some relief, though.
Mornings often feel more humid, thanks to overnight moisture and cooler air.
By midday, the sun and breezes usually help dry things out a bit, making outdoor activities more pleasant.
If you’re visiting, pack light clothes, but be ready for sudden rain and a few sticky afternoons.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Moscow’s summer means long days and plenty of sunlight, but the number of bright hours you get depends on the month and the weather.
There’s a sharp contrast between early and late summer as daylight slowly shrinks.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In summer, Moscow averages 8 to 10 hours of sunshine per day.
June is the brightest month, with about 276 hours of sunshine total, which works out to around 9.2 hours daily.
July and August stay sunny, but cloudier days become more common toward late August.
For reference, Moscow’s annual average is about 1,700–1,800 hours, so summer really packs in a lot of the year’s sunshine.
Rain showers are frequent in July, but they don’t usually cut down the total sunshine too much.
If you’re planning, count on:
- June: 9+ hours daily
- July: about 8–9 hours daily
- August: closer to 7–8 hours daily
Summer is easily the best time for outdoor plans, with daylight stretching late.
Length of Days in Summer
Daylight in Moscow is way longer in summer than winter.
In June, you’ll get the longest days of the year—about 17.5 hours of daylight.
The sun comes up before 4:00 a.m. and doesn’t set until nearly 9:30 p.m., so you have tons of time outside.
By July, days shorten a bit to around 16.5 hours, but evenings still stay bright.
In August, the change feels more obvious, with about 15 hours of daylight by mid-month and closer to 14 hours by month’s end.
So, in June and early July, you can stay out late, while by late August, evenings arrive sooner and feel cooler.
Those long summer days are a signature part of Moscow’s climate.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Moscow’s summer skies bounce between clear and cloudy.
You’ll see everything from bright sun to steady cloud cover, depending on what weather systems move through.
Common Cloud Types in Summer
In summer, you’ll spot lots of cumulus clouds—those fluffy, white shapes scattered across the sky.
They usually pop up on warmer afternoons and might thicken if showers roll in later.
Stratus clouds are pretty common too, making a gray, flat layer that can block the sun for hours.
They’re not dramatic, but they do bring those overcast spells.
Higher up, cirrus clouds streak the sky with thin, wispy patterns.
They signal steady weather but sometimes show up before a change.
Altocumulus and altostratus clouds also drift by, often when a front is passing through.
You’ll notice these cloud types can all show up in a single week.
That mix reflects Moscow’s continental climate, where warm, humid air runs into cooler systems from the north and west.
Variability in Cloudiness
Cloud cover changes a lot in Moscow during summer.
Most of the time, skies are partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, but clear days pop up often enough for plenty of outdoor fun.
June usually has more sun, with daylight hours stretching past 17.
By July and August, cloudiness becomes more unpredictable, and you’ll see more short rain showers.
Expect quick shifts between sunny and overcast, sometimes in a single afternoon.
Because of all this, it’s smart to pack both sunglasses and a light rain jacket.
Cloud patterns also change how warm it feels. Clear days can feel hot under the sun, while cloudy stretches keep things several degrees cooler.
Impact of Summer Weather on Daily Life
Warm days and long daylight hours really shape how you manage your home and spend time outside.
Heat waves sometimes send temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F), but cooler evenings offer relief.
People often tweak their routines to handle these changes.
Tips for Home Comfort
Summer highs in Moscow often hit the mid-20s °C (70s °F), but hot spells can make indoor spaces feel stuffy.
To cool things down, try keeping windows open at night and closing them during the day to block heat.
Thick curtains or blinds help keep direct sunlight out.
Air conditioning isn’t super common in Moscow homes. Portable fans or small cooling units help a lot when it gets really warm.
Cross-ventilation—opening windows on opposite sides—also works well.
Humidity can make rooms feel warmer than the thermometer says.
A simple dehumidifier or even moisture-absorbing materials in certain rooms help keep things comfortable.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated indoors, too. Keep cold water in the fridge and avoid heavy cooking during the hottest part of the day if you want your kitchen to stay cool.
Gardening and Outdoor Activities
Moscow’s growing season starts in late spring and rolls through summer. July tends to be the warmest, with highs around 23–25 °C (73–77 °F). That’s pretty ideal for growing veggies, flowers, and fruit, if you ask me.
You’ll need to water your garden often. Sure, summer brings plenty of rain, but it’s not always reliable. Try watering early in the morning or in the evening to keep the soil from drying out too quickly. Mulch can help hold onto moisture and shield roots from the heat.
June’s long daylight hours really stretch out your time outdoors. Why not plan an evening picnic or a bike ride when it’s cooler? Locals flock to parks and along the riverbanks to soak up the fresh air and unwind.
If you’re spending a lot of time outside, grab some light clothing and sunscreen. Moscow sits pretty far north, but the summer sun can still burn, especially on those clear, blue-sky days.
Travel Considerations and Airport Information
Planning a summer trip to Moscow? You’ll want to think about the weather and how you’ll get into the city. Warm days, extra daylight, and the usual airport bustle all play a part in how you get ready.
Summer Weather and Travel Planning
In summer, Moscow usually serves up mild to warm days. Average highs hover around 22–24 °C (72–75 °F), while nights cool off to 12–15 °C (54–59 °F). Sometimes, a heat wave will surprise you and push things up to 30–35 °C (86–95 °F).
Rain falls pretty often, especially in July and August when afternoon thunderstorms roll through. I’d suggest keeping a light rain jacket or umbrella handy, since showers can pop up out of nowhere.
Daylight stretches up to 17 hours in June. That’s a lot of time for sightseeing, but it also means you’ll want lighter clothes for the day and maybe something warmer for the evening.
Humidity isn’t usually extreme. Still, crowded spots and public transport can feel stuffy, so breathable fabrics and comfy shoes make a difference when you’re out and about.
Getting to Moscow: Major Airports
You’ll probably land at one of two major international airports: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) or Vnukovo International Airport (VKO). Both airports handle lots of international flights and connect straight to the city.
Sheremetyevo sits about 29 km northwest of central Moscow. It’s the busiest airport around and offers the most international connections.
The airport has several terminals, and you can hop on the Aeroexpress train, which gets you to Belorussky Station in about 35 minutes.
Vnukovo is 28 km southwest of the city center. It’s a bit smaller, but it connects to plenty of European cities.
This airport also has an Aeroexpress train that takes you to Kievsky Station in roughly 35 minutes.
At both airports, you’ll find taxis, ride-hailing apps, and bus routes. Traffic in Moscow can be a headache, honestly.
Taking the train usually works out as the fastest way into the city, especially if you’re traveling in summer.