The best time to visit Russia
The best time to visit Russia for warm, sunny weather is May to August, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 66/100 with daytime highs around 21°C / 70°F. September is a quieter shoulder-season alternative with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 1 month a year, warmest in August at 22°C.
Russia by month, averaged across 64 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | -11° / 12°F | 37 mm | 3° | Poor |
| February | 0 | -9° / 16°F | 31 mm | 3° | Poor |
| March | 2 | -1° / 30°F | 40 mm | 4° | Poor |
| April | 14 | 7° / 45°F | 43 mm | 7° | Poor |
| May | 52 | 16° / 61°F | 62 mm | 11° | Good |
| June | 69 | 21° / 70°F | 74 mm | 16° | Very good |
| July | 73 | 24° / 75°F | 77 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| August | 71 | 23° / 73°F | 72 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| September | 50 | 16° / 61°F | 60 mm | 19° | Good |
| October | 14 | 7° / 45°F | 58 mm | 14° | Poor |
| November | 3 | -2° / 28°F | 48 mm | 9° | Poor |
| December | 0 | -9° / 16°F | 42 mm | 5° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: May to August — Russia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 66/100, ~21°C / 70°F days). Shoulder season: September — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~24°C / 75°F. Wettest: July (77 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Blagoveschensk (2,736 h/yr), Chita (2,733 h/yr), Khabarovsk (2,595 h/yr). See every Russia destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.