Saint Petersburg Weather in November

November weather

November feels cold, damp and dim. The average high is 1°C and the low is -3°C, with rain on 15 days. Cloud covers much of the sky, and you'll get about an hour of sun a day. Pavements can be wet or icy, so long outdoor walks may lose their charm quickly.

The short daylight suits indoor stops such as the Hermitage, the Russian Museum or the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Keep canal walks around the Griboyedov Canal brief, and don't count on a comfortable day at Peterhof's gardens. If you hate crowds, this is a quieter time to see the main sights.

Events and pace

Russia's Unity Day falls on November 4. It can bring public events and changes to opening hours, so check the plans for any museum you're keen to visit. The city's big summer festival crowds are gone, and November is generally quieter and less costly than peak months from May to September. Some outdoor tours and seasonal services may run less often.

Make the most of the short days

Rain, high humidity and limited sunshine can make the city feel colder than the thermometer suggests. October is milder, while December is colder, so November sits in between. Use the brightest part of the day for a walk along Nevsky Prospekt, then head indoors to warm up with a bowl of borscht.

A practical stop: the famous pyshki (small, sugar-dusted doughnuts) at the shop on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street make a handy warm-up near Nevsky. Check its hours before you go.