Moscow is located 600 km southeast of St. Petersburg and 1,500 km due east of Copenhagen on the flat central European plains. It is located at 5545' N latitude north , the same latitude as Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, so that it has similar temperature extremes: long hot summers, long cold winters and short springs & falls.

Weather Systems. Thus its climate is continental, moderated by westerly winds across Europe from the Atlantic. Precipitation is moderate (29 in), much of it falling as snow starting in mid-October. Complete snow cover comes in November and often lasts until early April.

Winters are long and dark with just 6 to 7 hours of daylight on December 21. The average January low/high temperatures are 3/16F (-16/-9C) but northerly arctic winds can bring really bitter cold, crisp clear days. By the end of April, temperatures are well into the 40's and 50's during the day.

Summer temperatures range from a cool, wet 45 F to an occasional hot, humid 90 F. July is the warmest month with average highs about 73F (23C). It can also be in the high 80's for weeks on end. July is also the wettest with frequent sudden heavy downpours.

Prepare for the weather. A collapsible umbrella that opens automatically is essential. A good raincoat (with liner) will be used from April to October. Evenings can get chilly even in summer, so a sweater and/or wind breaker is useful. Something warmer is needed from November to February. A good top coat, fur coat, or ski parka with scarf, gloves, a ski or fur hat and warm zip-up boots (in dark brown or black) will be necessary. Note that the interiors of most buildings are usually well heated. Dress in "layers".

Moscow is located 512 ft (156m) above sea level; N latitude; 3734' E longitude

Moscow		Average Temperature		Rain
		Fahr Low/High	Celsius Low/High	Days Rain	mm
January Coldest month		3/15	-16/-9	18	39
February Dreary		8/22	-14/-6	15	38
March Snow melts		18/32	-8/0	15	36
April Ice breaks up		34/50	1/10	13	37
May Apple blossoms		46/66	8/19	13	53
June "Pukh" falls		51/70	11/21	12	58
July Warmest month		55/73	13/23	15	88
August Leaves turn		53/72	12/22	14	71
September First frost		45/61	7/16	13	58
October First snow		37/48	3/9	15	45
November Snow cover		26/35	-3/2	15	47
December Festive		15/24	-10/-5	23	54