Russia has never been more accessible.
Despite frosty international relations and a lengthy visa process, regular budget flights connect Moscow to cities across Europe – including an EasyJet service to London Gatwick. So when is the best time to go?
Though there’s never a bad time to visit the world’s largest country, seeing Russia in winter is an unforgettable experience. Of course, a Russian winter isn’t exactly a walk in the (snowy) park, so here are a few pros and cons to visiting during the colder months.
It is cold
Winter in Russia really is as cold as you think. Whilst European Russia doesn’t reach the icy temperatures of Siberia or the Far North, it can and regularly does get as cold as -30.
The coldest temperature I experienced while I was living in Yaroslavl was -29. Industrial walk-in freezers are kept at -25.
CON: it was not warm.
PRO: past -15, it’s all the same.
Winter means business as usual
Coming from a country where a few flurries of snow can bring entire cities to a standstill, it still amazes me how efficient Russians are about snow: people regularly sweep the snow off roofs to prevent collapse; it’s piled up in parks and fountains until it can be removed from the city and dumped on the outskirts by skips; and people regularly hack through the ice that form on pavements to prevent too much build up.
PRO: reliable transport links year-round.
Rivers freeze
Despite being the longest river in Europe, even the Volga freezes over during the winter months, which really is a sight to see. You can also walk along St. Petersburg’s famous canals and out on the Neva river during the winter months.
PRO: walking on water.
Falling ice
Towards the end of winter, falling blocks of ice can be a real problem, particularly in St. Petersburg where streets are narrow and up to six people a year are killed by falling ice.
CON: almost constant fear of death
Government-regulated heating
This really is a mixed blessing. Whilst it ensures that your flat is kept toasty all through winter, unseasonal temperatures can mean you end up freezing or roasting, with no power to turn the heating down or off. It also makes wearing layers a necessity, as even though it might be -30 outside, your flat will be still be toasty and warm.
PRO: warm, cosy flat
CON: putting on all your layers to leave any building takes forever
It is beautiful
While Russian winter might be as cold as you imagined, it’s also every bit as beautiful. On a clear sunny day, the white snow dazzles and it really is amazing. For me, it’s exactly how I imagined Russia to look.
PRO: fairy-tale Russia
So whilst the cold temperature might freeze your face, the beautiful onion domes against the pure white snow will melt your heart.
Just remember not to spend too much time wondering around in the cold and take regular breaks for hot chocolate or a shot of vodka to warm you up!