How Cold Does Russia Get in Winter?

Russia's vast expanse spans multiple climate zones, so winter temperatures vary dramatically:

• Moscow & St. Petersburg: -8°C to -10°C (18–14°F)
• Sochi (Black Sea coast): 6–8°C (43–46°F)
• Yekaterinburg (Urals): -14°C to -16°C (7–3°F)
• Irkutsk (Siberia): -18°C to -20°C (0 to -4°F)
• Yakutsk (coldest major city): -40°C to -45°C (-40 to -49°F)

Northern tundra areas can plunge to -60°C (-76°F), while subtropical Black Sea coasts rarely freeze. These are averages; extreme cold snaps can push temperatures even lower.