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Wondering what to wear in Moscow in winter? Follow these tips on clothing, shoes, and accessories to learn how to survive a cold Russian winter!
What to Wear in Moscow in Winter
Written By: Julia K
Going to Moscow for the holidays? You’re in luck!
Why? Because there are no lines to the major tourist spots, there are fewer people in general, and you get the best prices. You can also get bragging rights that you have visited Moscow, Russia during its famous winter.
WEATHER
Winter in Russia lasts about five months. It gets snowy and cold going into negative Celsius at the end of October beginning November. Spring begins in mid-March and lasts till mid-May. Summers are hot and sometimes humid.
Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating your winter travel capsule wardrobe, which should fit in your suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
The first thing to know as you plan what to wear in Moscow in winter is how to pack for the weather.
Read these guides to get started, then read the specific details below for outfit ideas for various activities in Moscow:
- How to Pack for Cold Weather
- How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
- Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Strategies
- The Secret to Packing Light in Winter
Local women look their best anywhere and everywhere they go. Do pack nicer items and bring your makeup, too. The following suggestions are based on a two week itinerary and contain three to four looks for the following activities:
- museums, walking around,
- going to a theater or ballet,
- going out to a restaurant and club, or
- getting invited to a random dinner at someone’s apartment, because it can happen!
Traveling to other parts of the country? Read this guide on what to wear in Russia!
Tight | Boots | Down Coat | Thermal Top | Shawls
Walking around the downtown area
Going to Moscow is a very unique experience. Walking around Red Square, New and Old Arbat, and visiting the ice skating rink in VDNH or Gorky Park will require warm attire.
Bring a long, warm winter coat that goes to your knees and has an attached hood. Choose a down jacket like these for optimal warmth. Russian women love fur coats–not just as a fashion statement but due to their functionality in the cold.
Add warm winter accessories such as a big, warm blanket scarf that you can also use as a hood. Don’t forget a warm hat, thermal underwear, and mittens (not gloves).
Find out why thermal underwear for women is absolutely essential for cold weather travel!
As you plan what to wear in Moscow in winter be prepared for icy conditions; bring comfortable shoes with a thick sole that are appropriate for the snow and slush. Here are a few warm waterproof leather boots suggested by our readers. Don’t forget to wear them with warm wool socks!
General tip: wearing layers will give you more freedom in the outside-inside situation. It gets very warm in the subway underground and inside some buildings, compared to the cold outdoors.
It’s important to note that during winter, the temperature varies from -2°C/28°F to -28°C/-18°F, which is exceptionally cold! The average is around -15°C / 5°F.
Kate Spade Knot Earrings | Kate Spade Square Studs
The one easy way to tell a tourist from a local is if they’re wearing heels and makeup. Generally speaking, Moscow ladies take fashion, makeup, hair, and style very seriously. Bring your best attire and a splash of bling for a bit of glam.
A simple set of stud earrings can easily elevate an outfit from drab to chic. From outdoor adventures to city breaks, wear a set like this for any trip!
Jeans | Boots | Poncho | Sweater | Crossbody
Going to a museum
When planning what to wear In Moscow in winter (or anytime), keep in mind that sloppy attire is frowned upon. While looking your best when traveling is always a given, you might be refused service or be simply ignored in certain places. People may treat you differently depending on how you dress.
To a museum, wear dark denim, boots or booties, a crossbody purse, jacket, and a shirt. Don’t forget to do your makeup and hair.
Many places may require you to check your coat so you should still have the appropriate layers to wear inside without feeling uncomfortably warm or cold. Checking your coat also allows you to stay warm when you’re outdoors but move freely indoors.
Learn how to layer clothes!
Places to visit are Diamond Fund, Red Square, the Gum department store (pronounced like goom), and Armoury Chamber, Tsentral’ny Dom Khudozhnika, Pushkin Museum and Tretyakov Gallery.
Black Dress | Drop Earrings | Dress Pump
To a theater or ballet
Winter is the time to visit the world famous Bolshoi Theater. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, then The Nutcracker is the one to see! I would advise getting there one hour early, order some champagne and sandwiches, and check out the crowd. There are plenty of other theaters that are not as famous but equally as good.
Floor length gowns aren’t necessary or practical, so bring a cocktail dress, shoes, evening clutch, jewelry, and do your makeup and hair. Tip: gorgeous jewelry can dress up a versatile LBD.
Do not wear denim to an opera or ballet!
Jeans | Boots | Dress | Crossbody Bag
If you are a guest in someone’s house
Russians do like to invite people into their homes. Dress modestly but with great attention to detail as a well dressed appearance is always appreciated. You can wear dark denim jeans, a sweater, jewelry, a nice bag, and boots.
Please remember to always take off your shoes when in someone’s house. It is considered rude to walk in street shoes at home. So pack your party socks or tights!
Top | Pants | Earrings | Dress Pump
Dining out
Moscow is a hub of amazing places to eat. One thing’s for sure–you’ll never be hungry. It caters to all budgets and styles. If you’re eating on a budget, then your daytime attire will suit you perfectly.
If you plan to dine at nice restaurants or visit clubs, wear a cocktail dress, black tights, heels, and a clutch. Alternatively, wear leather pants with a flattering long sleeve blouse and jewelry.
General tip: If you plan on dining out, do make a reservation on Fridays and weekends. Otherwise there are plenty of places to choose from. Local favorites include Chaihana, Valenok, Ludi Kak Ludi and any cafe in Kitai Gorod.
Moscow is a non-stop hub of an always-moving machine. You should definitely go and enjoy yourself even during winter! A post on what to wear in Moscow during summer is coming up soon. Stay tuned!
What are your tips on what to wear in Moscow in winter? Share in the comments!
Please note: Most of Europe’s budget airlines have this carryon bag allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s baggage rules in advance.
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For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:
- Athens
- Amsterdam
- Budapest
- Copenhagen
- Cologne
- Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Estonia
- Italy
- London
- Lithuania
- Paris
- Rome
- Spain
- Zurich
Suggested travel resources:
- Lonely Planet Europe on a shoestring
- Lonely Planet Russia (Country Guide)
- Travel Shoes for Europe
- The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
Please read our Ultimate Packing List for Europe featuring stylish outfits and travel tips for 9 countries.
I hope you liked this post on what to wear in Moscow in winter. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Julia K is a travel blogger who believes in utilizing every item in her luggage 101%. When at home, she likes to explore what’s new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and her blog.
Hello! I am Gong yo travel yo Moscow soon but I dont wear pants too much just once in a week , so could you tell me what dresses can I wear or skirts and how can I be warm and if boots or booties can combined with dresses. Another question is How can I walk with highheels in winter if there is snow?
Hi Avril, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at this article for ideas for how you can layer and accessorize your dresses strategically to keep you warm: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/versatile-dresses-one-dress-many-ways/ You might also find this article interesting about how to style your outfits with ankle boots: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-wear-ankle-boots/ If you have any more questions about packing for Moscow, I would recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post them there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It is a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and suggestions to share. Hope this helps answer your question. Have an amazing time! ?
Traveling to Moscow end of March and first of April. Do women wear fur coats at this time of year? If yes, does the colorof the fur matter. Would it be lighter coats–snow leopard, silver saga fox or is a dark coat of fake cur acceptable? Or would a puffer coat be advisable with a beanie with fox fur pompom? Or would a wool full length cap be appropriate? Thanks
Hi Leslie, fur coats are a common fashion style, because they keep you toasty and warm, and look fantastic. It would depend on the temperatures, I would recommend that you check the weather forecast closer to your departure dates to ensue you have packed the most appropriate clothing for the weather. Our readers are the best at answering questions like yours, so to get you as much feedback as possible, I have gone ahead and scheduled your question to appear on TFG’s facebook page. Please keep you eyes out for our readers replies from Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope this helps. Have an incredible trip!! 🙂
Hi Leslie, here is the response from facebook for your question: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/2250868851603437 Hope this helps!
Hi!
I’m a girl who has only lived in warm weather. I have never experienced winter like in moscow. I have dumb questions about shoes and attire. If going to the ballet with heels, do you bring your boots to walk outside and inside?
Also, can you wear winter snow boots inside a university for a long time? I bought the sorels Joan of arctic and winter carnivals. Will they be too hot for inside? Do I need to bring extra pair of shoes?
Thank you
Ninotchka
Hi Ninotchka, thank you for your question. Let me look into this for you! 🙂
Would love to see a packing list for a river cruise to Russia in the spring!!
Will keep it in mind for a future post!
Thanks so much for this article! It is so hard to find advice for winter/snowy travel. It is still about layering! Leggings under my skinny jeans. I wear my winter boots (Sorel with fur trim) on the plane, and my marmot long “down defender” water resistant coat Squishes down in the packing cubes.
Thanks for sharing Alanna! Glad you found this article helpful!