Christmas in Moscow really brings out the essence of a Russian winter. Most days stay below freezing, with average temperatures ranging from about -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F).
Nights feel even colder, and snow almost always covers the city, giving everything that festive, magical look.
December days are short. The sun rises late and sets early, so you only get a few hours of light.
Clouds and overcast skies dominate, which means sunshine is rare. Still, the holiday lights and decorations do a lot to brighten things up.
Snow falls pretty often, and you’ll see it piling up on streets and squares. The air feels colder than the numbers suggest, thanks to humidity and that crispness you only get in winter.
If you’re heading outside, bundle up in warm layers and wear sturdy boots. That’s the best way to actually enjoy Moscow’s winter vibe.
Overview of Moscow’s December Climate
December in Moscow feels cold, with snow falling often and days that seem to fly by. Freezing temperatures, high humidity, and very little sunshine mean you’ll need to plan your outfits and outings carefully.
General Climate Patterns
December brings consistent cold to Moscow. Daytime highs typically stay between -2°C and -5°C (23–28°F).
At night, temperatures usually drop to -7°C to -10°C (14–19°F), though some days get even colder, sometimes below -14°C (7°F).
Snow falls on about 20 to 22 days in the month. Most precipitation comes as snow, with 40–50 mm on average.
Rain can happen if it warms up a bit, but that’s pretty rare. Humidity often sits above 80–85%, so the cold feels more intense.
Winds blow at 3–5 m/s, adding to the chill, but big storms don’t really happen often.
Daylight is short—about 7 hours per day—and the sky is usually cloudy. You’ll only see the sun for less than 10% of those hours, so expect mostly gray days.
Winter Season Characteristics
December really kicks off winter in Moscow. The city usually has a stable snow cover that can stick around until March.
You’ll see streets, parks, and rooftops blanketed in white, which gives Moscow its classic winter look.
The cold doesn’t usually hit extremes, but you still need insulated boots, thermal clothing, and a heavy coat to stay warm.
Don’t forget gloves, scarves, and a hat, since bare skin goes numb pretty fast out there.
Snow makes sidewalks and roads slippery, so you’ll want to walk carefully. Public transport keeps running, but snow can cut visibility, which makes driving and sightseeing trickier.
You’ll notice the city feels quieter, with fewer outdoor events than in summer. Still, ice skating, sledding, and checking out holiday markets are all popular and work well with the weather.
How December Compares to Other Months
December is colder and snowier than November. While November often mixes rain and snow, December usually brings steady snow and frozen ground.
January and February get even colder, with average lows below -12°C (10°F). Longer cold spells and fewer warm-ups happen after December.
Sunlight hits its lowest in December and only starts to come back after the solstice. January and February remain pretty dim, but by March, you’ll notice the days growing again.
If you want winter scenery without the absolute coldest days, December is a decent compromise. That’s probably why so many people visit for the holidays, even with the chill.
Average Temperature in Moscow Around Christmas
Moscow’s cold winter is in full swing at Christmas. You’ll get freezing conditions, plenty of snow, and temperatures that rarely climb above zero.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas, daytime highs usually stay between -5°C and -2°C (23°F to 28°F). Sometimes it gets a bit closer to freezing, but that’s not the norm.
At night, it’s colder—lows drop to -10°C to -7°C (14°F to 19°F). Wind chill can make it feel even harsher.
With snow on the ground and not much sunlight, the cold sets in fast when the sun goes down.
December days are short, only about 6–7 hours of daylight, so the cold sticks around most of the time.
If you’re outside, you need insulated clothing for both day and night.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Moscow’s December weather sometimes shifts quickly. Some days might be milder, close to -1°C (30°F), but sudden cold snaps can drop temperatures to -15°C (5°F).
Snow cover keeps things colder by bouncing sunlight away. When the wind blows from the west or north, it feels even colder than the numbers say.
You might see temperature swings of 5–10 degrees over a week. That’s pretty normal for Moscow’s climate, where Arctic air can swoop in suddenly.
Packing layers makes more sense than just one heavy coat.
Historical Temperature Records
Long-term data shows December averages stay well below freezing. Typical ranges are -10°C to -1°C (14°F to 30°F), with snow sticking around for most of the month.
There have been some brutally cold Decembers, with lows below -25°C (-13°F). Luckily, those extremes don’t happen every year.
Sometimes, a rare thaw will push temperatures above freezing, but it never lasts long.
So, while the weather can change, you can count on a frozen landscape and cold air for Christmas in Moscow.
Snowfall and Precipitation During Christmas
Late December in Moscow is all about cold and snow. You’ll see frequent snow cover, regular fresh snowfall, and almost no rain because of the freezing air.
Average Snowfall Amounts
Snowfall in December is steady and adds up. On average, you’ll get 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) of snow accumulation throughout the month, though it can vary each year.
Snow falls lightly or moderately every few days. Sometimes a heavy snowstorm will dump several centimeters in one go.
By mid-December, snow cover is usually continuous. Streets, parks, and rooftops stay white, and the snowpack builds thanks to daytime highs near -5°C (23°F) and nighttime lows below -10°C (14°F).
Chances of a White Christmas
You can pretty much count on a white Christmas in Moscow. Historical data shows snow covers the ground almost every year on December 25.
Most years, you’ll see both snow on the ground and at least a few fresh flakes falling around Christmas.
The cold keeps snow from melting, so even if it doesn’t snow on Christmas Day, the city stays snowy.
Snow depth on Christmas usually ranges from 10 to 30 cm (4–12 inches), depending on how much snow fell earlier in December.
Rain and Mixed Precipitation
Rain almost never happens in late December. With temperatures well below freezing, precipitation falls as snow.
Every so often, a warm front brings mixed precipitation, but that’s rare—maybe a couple times in a decade.
When it does happen, it’s usually freezing rain or sleet, which makes things icy. These events are more likely in early December than right at Christmas.
Humidity stays high, which helps keep snow showers coming. Rain messing up the snowy scene is hardly ever a problem, so you can expect a true wintery holiday.
Daylight, Sunshine, and Cloud Cover
December in Moscow means very little daylight, almost no sunshine, and lots of cloud cover. All of this shapes how you’ll plan your days during Christmas.
Daylight Hours and Shortest Days
Around Christmas, Moscow hits its shortest days of the year. You get only about 7 hours of daylight, with the sun rising late and setting in the middle of the afternoon.
The winter solstice falls in late December, so that’s when daylight is at its lowest. You’ll want to do outdoor stuff earlier, since it gets dark fast.
For comparison, June brings over 17 hours of daylight, but December cuts that to less than half. No wonder the days feel so short.
Sunshine Duration
Moscow’s December weather is famous for its lack of sunshine. Most days, you’ll see only 0.5 to 1 hour of direct sun.
That’s about as gloomy as it gets all year.
It’s not just the short days—the clouds don’t help. Even when the sun comes out, it’s weak and hangs low in the sky.
If you’re hoping for bright, sunny photos, you might be disappointed. The city’s holiday lights and decorations end up providing most of the color.
A camera that works well in low light is a good idea if you want to capture the mood.
Cloudiness and Overcast Conditions
Clouds rule the sky in December. Most days are overcast, with cloud cover above 80% of the time.
This creates a gray backdrop that’s just part of Moscow’s winter.
The constant clouds dim the city even more, especially with snow on the ground reflecting what little light there is.
You’ll get long stretches of cloudy weather with barely any change. Sure, it’s not great for sunlight, but at least you can count on consistent conditions for skating or wandering holiday markets.
Wind, Humidity, and Other Weather Factors
December brings steady winds, high humidity, and a strong wind chill effect that makes the cold feel even sharper. These details really shape what it’s like outside during Christmas.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in December usually stay light to moderate, averaging around 7–9 km/h.
The air mostly comes from the west and northwest, which adds to the chill.
Every so often, a cold front will bring stronger gusts, sometimes pushing wind speeds above 15 km/h. Open areas feel the wind more, while narrow streets and courtyards offer a bit of shelter.
That’s pretty typical for Moscow’s city layout in winter.
Humidity Levels
Humidity sits high in December, usually around 85–87%. Even with freezing temperatures, the air feels damp.
That’s because cold air can’t hold much moisture, so the relative humidity goes up.
High humidity and snow cover combine to make the atmosphere feel heavy and moist. Fog and low clouds are common, cutting visibility to about 7 km on average.
Clothes dry slowly, and you’ll want to layer up with breathable, insulated fabrics to stay warm without getting too sweaty or damp.
Wind Chill and Perceived Cold
December days in Moscow usually sit around -4 °C, and nights dip to about -6 °C. But honestly, the wind and humidity make it feel a lot colder than what the thermometer says.
When the wind picks up, the wind chill effect can turn a -5 °C day into what feels like -10 °C. Even a little breeze seems to cut right through you, especially if you’re outside for a while.
It’s smart to dress in wind-resistant outer layers, plus hats, scarves, and gloves. I’d say watching wind chill values matters just as much as checking the forecast if you want to be ready for Moscow’s winter.
Practical Tips for Visiting Moscow at Christmas
Cold weather, frequent snow, and those short winter days definitely shape how you’ll need to prepare for December in Moscow. If you stay warm, move carefully on icy streets, and know where to find the best seasonal events, you’ll have a much better time.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Layers are your best friend. I’d start with thermal underwear, add a wool or fleece mid-layer, and then pull on a heavy insulated coat. When it’s below -9°C, a down jacket or parka with a hood really makes a difference.
Don’t forget about your feet. Waterproof boots with thick soles and solid traction help you handle icy sidewalks. Pair them up with wool socks to keep your feet dry and warm.
Accessories matter more than you’d think. Bring a hat that covers your ears, insulated gloves, and a long scarf you can wrap over your face when the wind gets wild. On those rare sunny days, sunglasses actually help with the glare off the snow.
A small backpack comes in handy for carrying extra layers, snacks, or maybe a thermos of hot tea if you’re out exploring markets or outdoor events.
Weather-Related Travel Advice
December brings plenty of snow—over half the month gets measurable snow. Streets and sidewalks get slippery fast, so give yourself a little extra time if you’re walking or using public transit.
Moscow’s metro system stays reliable and on schedule, even in a storm. It’s honestly the best way to avoid traffic headaches when roads get icy. If you’re thinking about using taxis, just know things slow down a lot when it’s snowing hard.
With only about seven hours of daylight, it makes sense to plan outdoor stuff for earlier in the day. Keep indoor options like museums or cozy cafes in mind for when it gets dark.
Carry some cash or a transit card for the metro, since lines can get long at busy stations during the holidays.
Seasonal Activities and Attractions
Christmas in Moscow brings together all sorts of cultural and outdoor experiences. You can check out Christmas markets at Red Square, Manezhnaya, or VDNH for handmade gifts and local food. These markets stay open late and glow with bright decorations.
Ice skating really stands out during the season. Locals and visitors flock to rinks like Red Square, Gorky Park, and Sokolniki Park. You’ll find rental skates and plenty of festive lights, which just add to the energy.
Indoor performances pop up everywhere too. The Bolshoi Theatre puts on classic ballets, and concert halls such as Zaryadye Park offer seasonal shows.
If you want something that feels a bit more local, try catching the Ded Moroz Parade or sampling Russian holiday dishes like pelmeni, pirog, and prjanik. Traditions like these give you a real taste of Moscow’s winter culture.