Russia, the largest country in the world, is one of the top travel destinations owing to its spectacular historic cities and lovely countryside. Though the majority of the travelers prefer heading here during late spring, the country has quite a lot to offer during its winter month of February too! Have a look at why one should visit Russia in February, and you’d be lured to head to this snow-covered land in winter.
Weather In Russia In February
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Russia sees the winter season from December to February, which is quite cold here. January is the coldest month, and the temperature is slightly higher during February, but the country is still carpeted in snow. The average temperature in Russia in February is around -7 degrees Celsius, with an average high of -4 degrees Celsius and an average low of -10 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: Festivals In Russia
Why Visit Russia In February
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- Russia is quite cold during the winter season, but witnessing the country during this period is breathtaking. Covered in pristine snow, each sight looks magical. And January being the coldest month, February provides some respite to travellers who want to enjoy snowfall in Russia.
- Another reason February is a great time to visit is the low prices. As the weather is cold, Russia doesn’t see a lot of tourists during February, leading to low prices for all the tours and accommodations.
- Also, one can enjoy the various excursions without any disturbances. There is no hurry as no crowds, are making February a great month to travel to Russia.
Events And Festivals In Russia In February
Here are the events and festivals you can participate in if you are headed to Russia in February. Have a look.
1. Maslenitsa Festival (Pancake Week)
Maslenitsa (literally, “Butter Week,” “Cheese Week,” or “Pancake Week” in English) is believed to have its name in accordance with Russian Orthodox tradition. As Russians celebrate the coming of spring with a plethora of food, drinks, sledging, and snowball battles, it goes without saying that pancakes, butter, and several decadent toppings are a staple of every day of the festival.
Celebrated for over a week, each day of the festival involves pancakes and thus is also known as the ‘Pancake Week’. Russians, during this festival, celebrate the arrival of Spring, and there are lots of food, drinks, and snow sports involved, like snowball fights and sledging. Horseback riding is another crucial part of this festival, and if you are keen, you can try it in February in Russia.
Date: Mon, 24 Feb, 2025 – Sun, 2 Mar, 2025
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2. Valentine’s Day
Russia is known for its diamonds, and one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by gifting your beloved ‘Russian cut’ diamonds. Another romantic way to celebrate the day is by taking a romantic train ride here and enjoying the spectacular landscapes of this country.
The Russian people celebrate by watching romantic Russian movies, going on a walk in the park and beaches and sharing their thoughts with each other; they even give surprises to their loved ones by booking a table in a fancy restaurant and giving a sweet handwritten romantic letter. They make the day most memorable day of their life by doing every possible gesture for showing their love, care, and affection for their loved ones. Russians do love romance.
Date: 14th February, 2025
5 Best Things To Do In Russia In February In 2025
February, a winter month in Russia, sees cold temperatures and a lot of snow, offering many thrilling winter activities.
1. Trans-Siberian Rail Journey
This is an excellent network of railways in Russia that connects Moscow to the Russian Far East. One of the best things to do in Russia in February is to journey along this railroad. The trains are pretty comfortable and take one through spectacular winter landscapes. One can see most of Russia via rail and enjoy the beautiful countryside. Stop at Baikal Lake for some enjoyable winter activities.
Where: Moscow to Russian Far East
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2. Ice Trekking
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can try ice trekking on Baikal Lake. The best part is that this can be experienced only in February and March, and thus, visiting Russia in February works in one’s favour.
The lake is frozen in winter, making this activity possible in February. The lake is quite vast in the centre, and it is often difficult to see both shores simultaneously. Enjoy the views and the experience at the frozen lake during your trip to Russia in February 2023.
Location: Lake Baikal
3. Husky Sled Ride
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Another famous activity in February in Russia is husky dog sledging. There are farms in Moscow where one can enjoy this activity. One can also head to the countryside close to Moscow for a day trip to get acquainted with the husky dogs and enjoy a sledge ride.
In the countryside, one can opt for longer rides until 2.5 km and enjoy this activity with friends or family! The furbabies will take your real far. Dress warm while going for the Husky sledge ride.
Location: Husky Park, 5-Y Luchevoy Prosek, 16А, Moscow, Russia, 107014
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4. Ice Fishing
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Another winter activity to enjoy in Russia is ice fishing. As the rivers and sea freeze in Russia during the winter season, fishing enthusiasts find ice fishing very pleasurable.
This can be enjoyed from December onwards when it begins to get cold, and the water bodies freeze in Russia. One can drive on these frozen rivers and seas; adventurous folks are even seen pitching tents on this frozen land. Holes are cut manually in the ice through which one fishes during the icy winter months.
Where: Vladivostok, Russia
5. Skiing
Skiing and skateboarding are other activities one can enjoy in the snow. In the Caucasus Mountains of Russia, Krasnaya Polyana is a great place where people can enjoy these winter activities. There are a couple of ski resorts that Krasnaya Polyana is home to, and one can enjoy skiing and skateboarding here during February.
Where: Krasnaya Polyana, Russia
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5 Best Places To Visit In Russia In February
February is quite cold in Russia, but one can visit a couple of places during this month. Have a look!
1. The State Tretyakov Gallery
The perfect time to visit art galleries in Russia is during the winter months as one gets to remain indoors and thus safe from the cold winter winds. The State Tretyakov Gallery is an art gallery in Moscow that goes back to 1856. One can witness Russian fine art here and take all the time to appreciate it as there is no hurry or queues due to the fewer tourists in town.
Location: Lavrushinsky Ln, 10, Moskva, Russia, 119017
Entry Fee: $10 for adults, $6 for students
2. Garage Museum of Contemporary Art
Image Source: Garage Museum for Wikimedia Commons
Like art galleries, another one of the attractions in Russia is its museums, and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art is one such museum in Moscow. It is an interesting place that brings ideas, art, and people together. There are exhibitions, events, and research that take place here, and if one wants to enjoy contemporary art in Russia, then this is the place that provides insight from the 1950s to the present. Many museums in Moscow also have free entry on the third Sunday of each month!
Address: Lavrushinsky Ln, 10, Moscow, Russia, 119017
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
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3. Sanduny
One of the top places to visit in Russia in February is the banya or a Russian sauna. Banya is a steam bath that is an essential fragment of Russian culture. What better way to relax and rejuvenate during the winter than in a heated sauna?
One can choose from different styles of banyas ranging from traditional wooden huts to modern stone mansions. Sanduny is one such sauna where you can relax and rejuvenate. Do not forget to wear a hat once inside the bathhouse, as it would be comfortable for the head.
Address: Neglinnaya St, 14 стр. 3-7, Moscow, Russia, 107031
Timing: 8:00 am (Wednesday to Monday); 10:00 am to 12:00 am on Tuesdays
4. Nightclubs
Russia is known for its dazzling nightlife, and what would be better than a night fuelled by vodka during the icy cold month of February? Head to one of the clubs in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, or any other metro city in Russia and witness the temperatures rise with sundown at the clubs and pubs. Dress sharp, ladies, do not forget to put on your heels!
Location: Golden Girls in Moscow and Cabaret Lighthouse in Sochi are known to be some of the best nightclubs in Russia
Entry Fee: $50 onwards
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5. Theatres
Russia offers visitors new programs each winter season, and if one is visiting Russia in February, then they should include a theatre visit to their itinerary. Theatres with opera and ballet performances are highly recommended as they are world-famous, and one shouldn’t miss them when travelling to Russia.
Location: Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg
Russia in February is all about snowy landscapes and the wonderful winter activities one can enjoy here. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip to Russia and enjoy exploring the various art galleries, museums, nightclubs, and other places here!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Russia In February
How cold is Russia in February?
Russia experiences an average low of -10 degrees Celsius and an average high of -4 degrees Celsius during the month of February.
Which is the best time to visit Russia?
The high season in Russia is from May to October but if one wants to enjoy the snowy landscapes of Russia, then they can visit the country during the winter months of December till February.
What can I do in Russia in February?
Some of the activities that one can enjoy in Russia in February are ice trekking, ice fishing, skiing, and skateboarding. If one prefers to stay indoors then they can visit art museums or enjoy ballet and opera at the theatres in Russia.
Is Russia expensive to visit?
Rupees and Ruble today are almost the same value which has made it much more affordable to visit Russia. Russia tour packages for 7 days and 6 nights begin at INR 30,250.
How much does a meal cost in Russia?
A meal in Russia can cost anywhere between INR 700 to INR 1400.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
