What January feels like in Moscow
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Moscow's year. Even the warmest hour of the day stays near freezing. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights drop well below freezing and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Moscow in January
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Rainfall per wet day is small, about 3.7 mm (0.1 in), so showers tend to pass quickly. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 4.9 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 8:50 am and sunset at about 4:26 pm (local time) — 7 h 36 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 32 min more daylight than mid-December. The sun is out for roughly 24% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Moscow. Afternoons run 3.4°C (6.1°F) cooler than in December, with 10 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. February averages a high of -4.4°C (24.1°F).
Who January 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 January
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Moscow in January?
Expect around -5.4°C (22.3°F) in the afternoon and -10.3°C (13.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Moscow in January?
Only moderately: roughly 10 wet days and 37 mm, usually light showers.
What should I wear in Moscow in January?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Moscow?
February, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Moscow's months, against #10 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.