Moscow Weather in December

December weather

Moscow feels properly wintry in December. Days reach about -5°C, and nights fall to around -10°C. The air is damp, the sky is often grey, and daylight lasts less than seven hours. Rain or wet snow can make pavements slushy, so outdoor sightseeing can feel tiring.

Red Square and the Kremlin are still worth seeing, especially when holiday lights are up, but don't expect long, comfortable walks. The Tretyakov Gallery and the Metro's ornate central stations make good indoor stops. Save a long stroll along the Moskva River for a clearer, milder day.

Lights and holiday plans

Moscow builds up to New Year with decorated streets, seasonal stalls and an outdoor skating rink by GUM on Red Square. The rink is a memorable way to spend an evening, though it can feel crowded near the holiday period. Orthodox Christmas falls in January, so December's main celebrations focus on New Year.

If you hate crowds, visit Red Square on a weekday before the New Year rush.

Crowds and practical tips

December is quieter than the popular summer months, but the run-up to New Year brings more visitors and fuller hotels. Prices can climb around the holiday, while early December is generally calmer. For a city break, the short days and poor comfort score make a museum-and-Metro plan more appealing than packing in outdoor sights.

At GUM, warm up with tea and a pirozhki, a filled pastry, before heading back onto Red Square. If the paving is slick, use the Metro between central sights rather than walking the whole way. Its stations are sights in their own right, and the escalators save you from a cold, tiring trek.