Last updated: August 27, 2025
January in Moscow, Russian Federation, presents a frigid yet captivating winter landscape, with average temperatures hovering around -6°C (22°F) and dropping to a chilling minimum of -30°C (-22°F). Despite the cold, the city experiences a notable maximum of 5°C (41°F), providing brief respite from the harshness of winter. Precipitation levels reach 41 mm (1.6 in) over approximately 12 days, contributing to the city's iconic snowy scenery. Coupled with an astonishing humidity level of 97%, January's weather in Moscow is a true testament to the beauty and severity of a Russian winter, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the season's unique charm.
In January, Moscow experiences some of its coldest temperatures, with minimums plunging to a frigid -30°C (-22°F). The city typically sees an average of -6°C (22°F), providing a stark reminder of its harsh winter climate. Despite the icy grip, daily highs can reach up to 5°C (41°F), hinting at brief respites from the cold. As the month progresses into February, the temperatures show only slight warmth, with averages improving marginally to -5°C (23°F) while still holding onto maximums around 8°C (47°F). The trend continues into March, where milder days usher in a gradual thaw; here, the average creeps closer to zero, hitting -1°C (31°F), and maximum temperatures begin to flirt with spring-like warmth at 17°C (64°F). Overall, January sets the stage for a cold spell that gradually eases into the emerging warmth of spring, illustrating the transition from the icy depths of winter to the hopeful thaw of the months ahead.
In January, Moscow experiences 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days, marking the onset of the winter season. This month typically sees a moderate amount of rain and snow, setting the stage for the year ahead. As we transition into February, precipitation rises slightly to 46 mm (1.8 in) with just one day less of precipitation, indicating a tendency for lingering winter conditions. March brings a dip to 37 mm (1.5 in), hinting at the gradual shift toward spring. Notably, as warmer months approach, the precipitation levels increase again, peaking in July at 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, reminding residents of the upcoming summer storms. Overall, January forms part of a steady precipitation pattern, with moisture levels fluctuating but generally trending upward from February through July, before tapering back down.
In January, Moscow experiences a remarkably high humidity level of 97%, making it one of the dampest months of the year. This dense moisture in the air contributes to the chilly atmosphere and can be felt throughout the city. As winter fades into February, there’s a slight decrease to 95% humidity, but the air remains quite heavy. Moving into March, humidity continues to drop gradually to 92%, signaling the slow transition toward spring. April brings more relief, with levels dipping to 83%, and May further lightens the load at 75%. However, as summer approaches, humidity begins to climb again, hitting 76% in June and peaking at 79% in July. This pattern continues into August, when 78% humidity reflects the lingering warmth of summer. The shift back to cooler temperatures in September sees a rise to 86%, followed by 91% in October as autumn settles in. November and December maintain high humidity at 95% and 94%, respectively, reinforcing the city's winter characteristic. Overall, Moscow's humidity exhibits a cyclical trend, with peaks during deep winter and fluctuations throughout the shifting seasons.
In January, Moscow experiences a UV Index of 1, categorized as having low exposure. With a burn time of 45 minutes, it’s a month where sun protection is minimal, making it a comfortable time for outdoor activities without the worry of sunburn. As the cold season progresses into February, the UV Index slightly rises to 2, still low but indicative of gradually increasing daylight hours. This trend of rising UV levels continues into March and April, where the Index reaches moderate levels of 4 and 5, respectively, each offering a burn time of 30 minutes. With May heralding the arrival of true spring, the UV Index climbs to 6, marking the start of high exposure months. The UV Index remains elevated at 7 during the peak summer months of June and July, where the burn time shrinks to 25 minutes. As summer wanes into August, it decreases to 6, before tapering off again through September and October, where it returns to moderate levels. By the time winter rolls back around in November and December, the UV Index drops to its lowest points of 2 and 1, allowing for 45 minutes of burn time without significant risk. This fluctuation throughout the year emphasizes the importance of sun safety, even in the colder months. For more information, check out the detailed Moscow UV Index.
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In January, Moscow basks in a modest 44 hours of sunshine, setting a cool, serene tone for the New Year. As the months unfold, the city gradually awakens with brighter days; by February, sunshine rises to 130 hours, hinting at the gradual approach of spring. March sees a significant leap to 244 hours, as daylight lengthens and the city shakes off winter's chill. April and May continue this upward trajectory, with sunshine peaking at 393 hours in May, marking the height of the city's warmth and vibrancy. The summer months of June and July bring nearly uninterrupted sun, with 411 and 416 hours respectively, inviting outdoor celebrations and lively activities. However, as autumn sets in, the sunshine diminishes, dropping to 282 hours in September and further declining to a scant 50 hours by December. This gradual ebb and flow of sunlight beautifully mirrors the seasonal transitions of Moscow, creating a rhythm of brightness and shadow throughout the year.
In Moscow, January presents a challenging scenario for sun-seekers, with only a 5% chance of sunny weather. This dismal prospect stands in stark contrast to the increasing likelihood of sunshine in the following months, as February climbs to 20% and March to 40%. As spring approaches, the chances continue to rise significantly, peaking in the summer months with 62% in June and 60% in July. While winter's gloom may cast a long shadow in January, the gradual transition towards sunnier days is a welcome reminder that brighter times are just around the corner.
In Moscow, January marks the beginning of a gradual increase in daylight duration, with the city basking in approximately 7 hours of light. As winter progresses into February, the days grow longer, reaching around 9 hours, offering a hint of the warmth to come. By March, daylight extends to 11 hours, paving the way for the invigorating days of spring. The leap to 14 hours in April further emphasizes this shift, culminating in the peak of summer in June with an impressive 17 hours of daylight. However, as the seasons transition, the trend reverses; daylight begins to recede just as gradually, with July seeing 16 hours and August tapering to 14 hours. By the time autumn arrives in September, daylight diminishes to 12 hours, and the days grow shorter, returning to the familiar 7 hours by December. This annual cycle vividly illustrates Moscow's dramatic seasonal changes, from the sparse winter light to the vibrant long days of summer.
In Moscow, the January winds usher in a brisk start to the year, with an average speed of 3.4 m/s (8 mph), setting a tone for the typically cold winter days. As the months progress, wind speeds experience a gradual increase, peaking in November at 4.7 m/s (11 mph), likely coinciding with weather patterns that precede the harsh winter. The spring months see a moderate rise, particularly in March and April, while summer brings a noticeable drop in wind speeds, with July recording a gentle 2.4 m/s (5 mph). Conversely, as autumn settles in, wind speeds spike again in September, demonstrating a seasonal fluctuation that reflects Moscow's dynamic climate. Overall, Moscow's wind patterns mirror the city's transition between seasons, revealing a complex interplay between temperature and wind that characterizes the Russian capital.
Weather in Moscow varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Moscow, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February present a similar winter climate, though February tends to be slightly milder. January experiences colder temperatures with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -6°C (22°F), while February sees a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with January recording 41 mm (1.6 in) over 12 days and February having a bit more at 46 mm (1.8 in) across 11 days. Humidity remains high in both months, hovering around 97% in January and slightly lower at 95% in February. For more details, you can check Moscow weather in February.
January weather is characterized by bitterly cold temperatures, with average highs only reaching a chilly 5°C (41°F) and lows plummeting to -30°C (-22°F). The month experiences substantial humidity at 97% and sees 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days. In contrast, March offers a noticeable shift as temperatures begin to rise, featuring average highs of 17°C (64°F) and lows around -25°C (-12°F), making it feel significantly milder. Although March has slightly less precipitation at 37 mm (1.5 in) and fewer rainy days at 10, the humidity drops to 92%. For more details on March weather, visit Moscow weather in March.
January and April present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -6°C (22°F) and a maximum reaching only 5°C (41°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 97% and sees around 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days. In comparison, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) to an average of 6°C (43°F) and a peak of 24°C (76°F). Despite slightly higher precipitation at 52 mm (2.1 in) over 11 days, the humidity decreases to a more comfortable 83%. For more details on Moscow's springtime climate, you can check Moscow weather in April.
January and May showcase stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), with an average of -6°C (22°F) and a maximum reaching just 5°C (41°F), accompanied by high humidity levels of 97%. Precipitation is relatively low at 41 mm (1.6 in) over 12 days, contributing to the cold, wintry atmosphere. In contrast, May experiences a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures hovering around -2°C (29°F) and reaching an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at a maximum of 30°C (87°F). Although precipitation increases to 72 mm (2.8 in) over the same number of days, humidity drops to a more comfortable 75%. For a more detailed look at May weather in Moscow, you can visit Moscow weather in May.
January and June in Moscow present stark contrasts in weather. January is characterized by frigid temperatures, with monthly averages hovering around -6°C (22°F), and extreme lows reaching as low as -30°C (-22°F). The high humidity of 97% contributes to the chill, even as precipitation occurs over 12 days, totaling 41 mm (1.6 in). In stark contrast, June warms up significantly, with average temperatures reaching 17°C (64°F) and highs peaking at 33°C (92°F). Although June experiences more precipitation at 73 mm (2.9 in) over 11 days, the humidity is notably lower at 76%. For more details, you can check Moscow weather in June.
January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -30°C (-22°F), averaging around -6°C (22°F) and peaking at 5°C (41°F), with a high humidity level of 97% contributing to a chilly atmosphere. The month experiences about 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum reaching 33°C (91°F). This summer month sees increased precipitation at 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, coupled with a more moderate humidity of 79%. For more details on summer conditions, you can check Moscow weather in July.
In January, Moscow experiences frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -6°C (22°F), while the maximum reaches a chilly 5°C (41°F). The month sees high humidity at 97%, accompanying 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation spread over 12 days. In contrast, August brings a significant warmth, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a pleasant average of 18°C (64°F), peaking at 31°C (88°F). While precipitation increases slightly to 60 mm (2.4 in) over about 11 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 78%. For more detailed information, you can visit Moscow weather in August.
January and September present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plummet, with minimums reaching -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -6°C (22°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. The high humidity of 97% coupled with 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 12 days adds to the chill. In contrast, September experiences a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures at 0°C (32°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F). The maximum temperature can soar up to 30°C (85°F), and while precipitation slightly increases to 54 mm (2.1 in) over 9 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 86%. For more details on the weather in September, visit Moscow weather in September.
In January, Moscow experiences frigid temperatures, with lows plunging to -30°C (-22°F) and an average temperature of -6°C (22°F), contrasting starkly with October's milder climate, where the minimum is just -4°C (25°F) and average temperatures rise to 7°C (45°F). While January is characterized by a significant chill and high humidity of 97%, October enjoys a more comfortable humidity level of 91% despite slightly higher precipitation at 50 mm (2.0 in) over the same number of days—12 in total. The transition from January's snow-covered landscape to October's crisp fall atmosphere reflects the dramatic shifts in weather that define Moscow's seasons. For more details on October weather in Moscow, visit Moscow weather in October.
January in Moscow is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) and an average of -6°C (22°F), making it considerably colder than November, which sees milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of -14°C (7°F) to an average of 1°C (34°F). While both months experience similar levels of precipitation—41 mm in January compared to 40 mm in November—the biting cold leads to January having a higher humidity level at 97% versus November's 95%. In terms of precipitation days, January has 12 days of rainfall or snowfall, slightly more than November's 10 days. For more detailed insights on conditions during November, you can check Moscow weather in November.
In January, the weather tends to be colder than in December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -30°C (-22°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F), while December sees milder temperatures with a minimum of -23°C (-10°F) and a maximum of 7°C (46°F). January also experiences higher humidity at 97%, compared to December’s 94%. Additionally, precipitation is lower in January, with 41 mm (1.6 in) over 12 days, whereas December has 58 mm (2.3 in) spread over 14 days, indicating a wetter month. For more details, you can visit Moscow weather in December.
January in Moscow presents a stark contrast to the milder months of the year, enveloping the city in a cold embrace that defines the winter season. With average temperatures dipping to around -6°C, the frigid air can plunge as low as -30°C, creating a chilling atmosphere that is often accompanied by 97% humidity. While precipitation in the form of snow is frequent, with about 12 days of measurable fall, the total accumulation remains manageable compared to the heavier downpours of summer. As one of the coldest months, January invites both challenges and unique beauty, making it a fascinating time to explore the frost-kissed landscapes of the city. For more insights into the distinct climate characteristics throughout the year, feel free to visit Moscow Climate.