Weather in December in Russia
Planning a getaway to Russia this December and curious about the weather you should prepare for? Discover all the vital details you need on this page, solving your puzzle:
What is the weather like in Russia in December?
Russia offers a broad spectrum of weather patterns. In December, one might encounter temperatures that range from very cold to cold, and precipitation levels ranging from low to heavy. It's the height of winter.
Temperatures
Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is very cold in Ust-Maya at -34°C to cold in Sochi at 11°C. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 6°C in Sochi and -41°C in Ust-Maya. In many regions in Russia, December is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.For specific regional insights in Russia, refer to the map provided below.
Precipitation
In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Chita with an average of 6.7 mm to heavy snowfall in Vardane with 163 mm.Average sunshine
Most areas see fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 12 hours of sunshine in Saint Petersburg. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer dimmer, overcast conditions over bright sunny days.For a more detailed look at Russia's conditions throughout the year, check out our Russia climate page.
Where to go in Russia in December
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
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Select a Month of Interest
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 Russia's climate page.
Popular destinations
What is the weather like in December for the 5 most popular destinations in Russia?
Saint Petersburg
In December Saint Petersburg generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -5°C and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Moscow
In December Moscow generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -7°C and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Adler
In December Adler generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Yekaterinburg
In December Yekaterinburg generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -7°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around -15°C and low monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Sochi
In December Sochi generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C, minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.
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Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at other destinations in Russia.
Is December the best time to visit Russia?
In our opinion, December may not be the ideal time to visit Russia due to the typically poor weather in Saint Petersburg.
On average, the best time to visit Russia is in June, July and August with generally perfect weather in Saint Petersburg. The weather in January, February, March, April, October, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.
Interested in more climate information?
We have much more information about the climate in Russia.
Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Russia? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Russia.
Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.