Sheets of ice adorn the streets and everything that encompasses around it. Icicles hanging from the roofs of the homes and the branches of trees in the gardens – St Petersburg transforms into a magical wonderland in the winter. Winter in Saint Petersburg should be on your bucket list, and we’ll tell you why. For the entire season, among the St Petersburg winter activities, the best is to visit the streets to experience the winter wonderland, where contests are being held all over the town, and you could try your luck, too. This place turns into a wonderland during winter, and the snow gives it a look straight out of a fairy tale.
Weather In St Petersburg In Winter In 2024
Since it is just 500 miles from the Arctic Circle, St Petersburg’s winters are usually dark and chilly. The winter season here lasts from late November to March. The rivers and canals freeze throughout this period and start melting only in Spring.
The winter temperatures in St Petersburg can reach as low as -8*C. That does not deter the people of this charming place from coming out of their warm, cosy homes and having the time of their lives, even in the extremely chilled weather! During Christmas especially, the whole city is illuminated with colourful lights, and while you take a walk on the several bridges of St Petersburg, you can admire the beauty of the reflection of the lights in the water.
Also Read: White Nights Of Saint Petersburg
Top 6 Things To Do In St Petersburg In Winter In 2024
Winter in St Petersburg is all this and much more, from ice skating to Ice Fishing to attending ballets. So, put on the warmest clothes and explore this fascinating city, especially if you plan to visit Russia in January. You could also gulp down a few shots of Vodka too!
1. Ice Skating: Icy Fun
What better activity to do in the snowy winter than to skate? St Petersburg has several skating rinks; one of the most famous is Kirov Park. If you plan to visit St Petersburg in winter, you should not miss ice skating.
All the skating rinks are known for excellent ice; it is said that the ice is so fine since they are polished every couple of hours. You might not know anything about skating, but learning is never too late. With so many helping hands (people of St Petersburg) there to teach you the basics, you might even become a pro at it by the end! Oh, also, some lovely music is playing at these rinks to get you into the ‘mood’. Even if you don’t get the hang of it…do not fret. You can always ride a snowmobile. Since it is the festive season, the rinks also conduct contests, parties, and workshops.
Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Visit the Winter Palace: Fairy Palace
Well, the name of the season is also in it, and it is not without a reason. The Winter Palace was where the royal family of Russia lived during the winter months. It looks stunning and magnificent, engulfed in swirls of snow. During the tsar or tsarina’s reign, it was home to the Tsar’s family and the venue for entertaining important guests.
The interior is as royal as it can get with numerous ballrooms, staterooms, and dressing rooms. The exterior of the palace to is eye-catching, where people imagine it to be like one of those palaces which are only part of fairy tales. This palace is among the can’t-miss places to visit in St Petersburg. The palace is always brimming with tourists and locals alike who want to get a peek into the life of the yesteryear royals. It is now home to the State Hermitage Museum.
Related Posts: Hotels In Russia
3. Ice Fishing On the Neva River: Icy-Cold Adventure
You do not reckon much with this name, and rightly so. Very few places can offer this sport, and the Neva River in St Petersburg is one of them. The rivers and the canals in the magical city freeze during the winter, and one of the sports the locals indulge in is ice fishing. Your excitement will know no bounds when you witness it in progress.
You could try fishing if you are wondering what to do in St Petersburg in winter. Ensure you have a local with you, as they will know every trick in the book to get the best catch. You should wear oodles of warm clothes in the biting cold during winter in Saint Petersburg.
4. Attend Street Parties: Festive Mode
Winter is the perfect time to visit St Petersburg. There are many things to do in St Petersburg in winter; street parties are happening all around the town, and you might just catch the ‘fever’ too. Food and Vodka will be doing the rounds everywhere, and you will not be able to get enough of it.
All things warm and fuzzy are what you will find on the streets, right from costume-clad locals to cafes inviting you to taste some fantastic tasting ginger cookies. Saint Petersburg in winter is as crazy and festive as it can get! In fact, in February, Maslenitsa, the Russian version of Pancake Day, is celebrated for an entire week. You could also see your favourite fairy tale characters walking down the streets, and there will be many photo ops when you spend your vacation during winter in Saint Petersburg.
Related Posts: Russia Nightlife
5. Winter Ballet: Eye-catching Performance
Russia is widely known for its classical Russian ballet, and during the St Petersburg winter festivals, there are many ballet events. Famous among them is the winter ballet season at St. Petersburg’s Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatre production at the Hermitage Theatre, which performs famous Tchaikovsky Ballets such as “Swan Lake” and “Romeo and Juliet.”
To make it even more endearing, the Congress Orchestra accompanies the ballet. One place you need to visit during the
e winter in St Petersburg is the Mariinsky Theatre, which showcases various ballets, the most well-known of which is the Nutcracker. Catching up with ballet is one of the most exciting things to do in Saint Petersburg.
6. Ice hockey: Enticing Activity
Make use of the resources available. Plenty of ice in this part of the world during the season. So, if you want to know when it snows in St Petersburg, then December and January are the times, and ice skating during this season is popular.
Ice skating is the more popular activity, but ice hockey is not far behind. The adrenaline rush that one gets out of watching their favourite team fighting it out on the rink is unparalleled, and nothing can be compared to it. Make the most of winter in Saint Petersburg by indulging in this activity. The best place to catch a game while you are in this ‘chilled’ out city, literally and as a metamorphic, is the Ice Palace, home to SKA St Petersburg, the local team. While the games are not on, you could also rent out skates and try your luck in the game, which keeps the locals hooked throughout the season. St Petersburg winter is not complete without this.
You May Also Like Read: Beaches In Russia
Winter in Saint Petersburg is a season that will take your breath away. Sledging at Victory Park, Skiing at Tsarskoye Selo or Snowboarding at Okhta Park – the snow-clad city of St Petersburg is beautiful. Winter in St Petersburg is mystical and, at the same time, charming. The people of St Petersburg do not let the weather get to them and make the most out of this season, too. This might be almost impossible for someone to imagine. So, pack up all your warm clothes and head on your trip to Russia and enjoy a jolly season!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter In Saint Petersburg
Does it snow in Saint Petersburg?
During December, Saint Petersburg receives snowfall that makes it look magical. The canals in the city freeze, giving it a fairy tale look. How cold is Saint Petersburg during winter?
The temperatures in Saint Petersburg drop to -10 ºC. Although it is cold, it is not as cold as the rest of Russia. How can I protect myself from the cold in Saint Petersburg?
You should wear warm and waterproof shoes as the place is all covered in snow. Also, you should wear warm woolen socks, paired with hats and gloves. What is the best time to visit Saint Petersburg?
The best time to visit Saint Petersburg is mid-June to September. Is St. Petersburg colder than Moscow?
No, St. Petersburg enjoys a warmer winter than Moscow. However, it is still very chilly and snowy.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
People Also Read:
Winters In Berlin Winters In Turkey Winters In Latvia
Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
