What December feels like in Moscow
In Moscow, December brings early winter. Even the warmest hour of the day stays near freezing. Little changes after sunset — nights drop well below freezing, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Moscow in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rainfall per wet day is small, about 3.9 mm (0.2 in), so showers tend to pass quickly. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 4.9 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:53 am and sets around 3:57 pm local time, giving 7 h 4 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 1 h 18 min. The sun is out for roughly 14% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Moscow's temperature order, December sits as the 3rd coolest month. Afternoons run 4.2°C (7.6°F) cooler than in November, with 5 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. January averages a high of -5.4°C (22.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Moscow in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Moscow in December?
It feels freezing: typical highs are -2°C (28.4°F), with lows near -6.1°C (21°F).
Does it rain a lot in Moscow in December?
Only moderately: roughly 12 wet days and 47 mm, usually light showers.
What should I wear in Moscow in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Moscow?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#10 of 12 vs #12), rated Poor against Poor. January is cooler and has fewer rainy days.