Moscow Weather in January
Thinking of visiting Moscow in January? Expect very low temperatures reaching -3°C (27°F) during the day, dropping to -10°C (14°F) at night, with some snowfall likely.
Rainfall in Moscow in January
You can expect snow on roughly 19 days based on historical data, averaging 46 mm (1.8 in) for the month. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.
Temperature in Moscow in January
Temperatures in Moscow in January top out at -3°C (27°F) and drop to -10°C (14°F) overnight. January is in the winter season. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. Nights are well below freezing at -10°C (14°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation. It's generally the coldest month of the year, making it essential to pack warm layers and winter accessories.
Sunshine in Moscow in January
The city usually sees around 32 hours of sunlight, indicating fewer sunny days.
Wind Speed in Moscow in January
Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in January. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Moscow. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Russia, check out our Moscow's climate page.
Moscow Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-10°C (14°F)
Max Temperature
-3°C (27°F)
Chance of Rain
64%
Precipitation
46 mm (1.8 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Humidity
85%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
32 hours
Percentage Sunshine
14%
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Moscow typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around -3°C (27°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -12°C (10°F) to -8°C (18°F).
Average temperatures in January
Historical weather for Moscow in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Moscow spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Moscow historical weather extremes in January
According to our 49 years of weather records for Moscow, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.
- The hottest January day on record in Moscow reached 8°C (46°F) (January 11, 2007).
Best Places in Russia in January
Find out more about the weather in Russia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Russia in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Moscow in January
Winter clothing is essential for visiting Moscow in January. If you have a heavy coat, waterproof boots with good traction, and plenty of warm layers it's smart to bring them. Pack cloths like thermal underwear, wool socks, and insulated gloves. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.What To Do in Moscow in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Russia, check out our Moscow's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Moscow climate overview or explore weather in Russia.
