Novosibirsk Weather in December

December: deep winter

December feels severe in Novosibirsk, with highs around -13°C and lows near -20°C. Damp air, frequent cloud and little daylight can make the cold feel even more wearing. Snow and ice suit a short walk around Lenin Square, but long outdoor sightseeing and riverfront strolls are hard to enjoy. Save the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre or the local museums for warmer breaks indoors.

If you hate crowds, visit before the New Year holiday rush.

New Year in the city

New Year is the main December celebration, with decorated streets and seasonal events around the city centre. Lenin Square is a natural place to see the main festive displays, though exact programmes change each year. Orthodox Christmas falls in January, so don't expect December to be centred on that holiday. The cold also makes a warm bowl of Siberian pelmeni, dumplings often filled with meat, especially welcome after time outside.

Crowds and getting around

December is generally quieter than the warmer months, when June and August are popular for visiting. Expect more local families and visitors around New Year, and prices can rise during the holiday period compared with quieter winter weeks. For a practical cold-weather route, use the Novosibirsk Metro between Novosibirsk-Glavny station and Ploshchad Lenina. It cuts down the time spent walking outdoors and leaves you close to central sights. The metro is a better bet than trying to cover the city on foot in the short daylight.