Moscow’s winter temperatures are cold but vary significantly between the daytime and nighttime, as well as across the winter months. Based on long-term climate data and recent forecasts, here is a breakdown of what you can expect.
Long-Term Climate Averages
The official climate normals (based on 1961–1990 data) give a reliable baseline for Moscow’s winter temperatures. January is historically the coldest month.
- December: The average temperature is around -6.1°C. Daytime highs typically reach about -3.5°C, while nighttime lows drop to roughly -8.6°C.
- January: This is the coldest month, with an average of -9.3°C. Daytime temperatures hover around -6.3°C, and nights average a frigid -12.3°C.
- February: The average is -7.7°C. Daytime highs are near -4.2°C, with nighttime lows around -11.1°C.
Recent Observations and Forecasts
More recent data shows that actual winter temperatures can fluctuate around these averages. For context, a particularly cold snap in late January 2026 saw nighttime temperatures in Moscow drop to -18.5°C (with -28.7°C recorded in some suburbs). Conversely, long-range forecasts for the upcoming winter (2026–2027) suggest it may be milder than the historical norm, with January 2027 predicted to have daytime temperatures around -18°C during its coldest spells.
Practical Takeaway
If you are visiting Moscow in winter, you should prepare for temperatures that are frequently below freezing, with January being the most challenging month. Daytime highs are generally in the -3°C to -6°C range, but nighttime and early morning temperatures can easily plunge into the -10°C to -15°C range, and occasionally lower. Layering is essential to stay comfortable.
