Clothes for each Season & each Month

We provide information on appropriate clothes for each season and clothes for each month (Monthly Recommended Clothes).

Clothes for each Season

What's the Weather Like in Moscow/Russia?

Well, Moscow weather is much like European weather. The winters are long and cold and the summers are short and warm. Surprisingly, the entire country of Russia is not always cold as many people might believe. In fact, the summers can be extremely hot even in Siberia! The weather differs enormously between the summer and winter seasons. For instance, during the winter months in Moscow the temperature can go as low as -13°F (-25°C). In summer the temperature can go as high as 86°F ( 30°C). The difference in temperatures is extreme. Other than that, the average climate in Moscow in summer is usually not too drastic, even though it can get very hot. The winters can be bitter and starts early December lasting till the end of February. However, it's possible to see snow in April as well.

How to Dress for the Seasons in Moscow

Summer
Denim pants and jackets are very popular in Moscow not only in summer but all year round. Casually styled denim outfits are quite popular. Summers can get pretty hot with a bit of humidity thrown in. Sleeveless tops, informal dresses/skirts, and casual dress for men is fine. The style is essentially easygoing unless you are going out for the evening when people dress a bit more formal.

Winter
A heavy coat is a must during the Russian winters preferably in neutral fashionable colors like navy blue, black, dark beige, gray, or any neutral dark shade like dark-brown. However, a down or quilted jacket is fine in a dashing color even though you might be labeled as a tourist, which is not a bad thing in and of itself. Boots designed of a strong waterproof material with a warm lining are best. Leather boots tend to get cold and are mostly for fashion rather than practicality. A hat, especially the Russian style ushanka-hat with ear flaps, and a good pair of gloves will help keep you warm.

Fall
Fall weather is episodic in Moscow. The end of October and November becomes even colder with the possibility of snow. Actually, you can start preparing your winter wardrobe in autumn as you will need a good portion of your fall clothing during the winter season anyway.

Spring
The spring season is from March until the end of May. The weather is nippy until April with melting snow. May and June is the time to wear a light or medium weight jacket; however, layering is the best way to go. Jean jackets are more than acceptable with a nice top and attractive scarf. Lightweight slacks and dress/skirts are also appropriate. Opaque stockings work as well. Keep an easy to fold umbrella with you in case of a surprise rainfall.

More Information

The Best Wardrobe Ideas for Moscow in a Nutshell

• Jeans work year-round.
• Muscovites dress in formal wear for special events like the opera or ballet. Be sure to have dressy clothing in your wardrobe if you attend these types of events.
• In general, real fur is accepted in Russia and you will see many people wearing it. However, if the thought of wearing real fur bothers you, fake fur is just as trendy.
• Thermal underwear is a good addition for the cold Russian winters. Don't forget about earmuffs, gloves, and a warm scarf. A pair of warm lined boots with a rubber sole are also a must for Russian winters.
• Keep a swimsuit handy if you plan to make occasional visits to the hot/cold pools, saunas, or steam rooms.

Moscow Dress Ideas for Women

Women can dress as dainty or as laid-back as they like in Moscow. Nice skirts and sundresses of any length are fine. Because it's a cosmopolitan city, women also dress to the nines with makeup, heels (flat shoes or wedges are also fine), and fabulous attire. If you're a fashionista, you will fit in just fine. Fitted clothing and moderately short skirts are also part of the fashion scene for women. Religious sites require women to wear a head covering. Exposed shoulders should be covered. For these occasions a pashmina (a shawl made from quality lightweight goat's wool) will come in handy. A stylish maxi-dress is also appropriate.

Moscow Dress Ideas for Men

A customized suit (or at least one that looks tailored) preferably a dark color, and quality footwear is suitable attire for business. Light jackets made from a variety of materials from leather to denim are fine. Cargo pants with a t-shirt are also acceptable.

TIPS

• Remember, Moscow is a chic, modern, industrialized city and many nightspots have a strict dress code. If you show-up in sneakers, jeans, and a t-shirt you will be denied entry unless you're going to hangout at a bar.
• Try not to be too flashy or dress too provocative. See through clothing, short-shorts, bright makeup, and showing too much cleavage are considered poor taste.
• The cobblestones in the city will damage high heels. Plus, it's very difficult to walk with grace while wearing stilettos on an uneven surface. For comfort, wear a pair of stylish wedgies or elegant flat shoes whether your attire is dressy or casual.

Don't worry about shopping while in Moscow. You will find high-end shopping as well as stores for casual wear. Regardless of your budget, if you find yourself in a wardrobe crunch you should have no problem finding what you need. Check-out the great sales, especially a couple of months before the sales end when prices are extremely low and top designer and quality gear is cheap. There are great shopping malls as well like Moscow's Afimall and Evropeiskii situated at the well-known Moscow Kievsky Railway Station.

The antediluvian and the contemporary framework of Moscow complement each other creating a compelling 21st century setting. Red Square, the 9-domes of St. Basil's Cathedral famous for its multicolored confection type structure, and the Kremlin are all nearby and makeup some of the key attractions of the vicinity.

Links to cities in Clothes Forecast