Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Russia

The cheapest and most expensive time to visit Russia is going to depend on several things, as is the largest country in the world, and that size comes with serious seasonal variety. From urban getaways in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, to beach vacations on the Black Sea, and ski resorts in the Caucasus, the best and worst times to visit Russia will depend a lot on what kind of trip you're planning.

Here's a breakdown of the cheapest and most expensive months to visit Russia, plus how the costs and crowds change across different seasons and destinations.

Cheapest Time to Visit Russia

The cheapest time to visit Russia is during the deep winter months, mainly January and February. This is the low season across most parts of the country, especially for city tourism. After the New Year holidays wrap up, domestic travel drops, and international tourists are fewer due to the extreme cold in much of Russia.

Cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan are much quieter, and you’ll find great hotel deals and discounted museum tickets. Just be ready for sub-zero temperatures and limited daylight hours. That said, it's a good time for those who want to experience Russia’s winter culture—think snow-covered city streets, hot mulled wine, and ice festivals.

Keep in mind that ski resorts in the Caucasus Mountains or Siberian regions may still be busy—and more expensive—during this time, especially around Russian school holidays.

Off Season Highlights

• Lowest airfare and hotel prices in most major cities
• Smaller crowds at landmarks like the Kremlin and Hermitage
• Good time for indoor attractions and winter festivals
• Cozy cafés and snowy street scenes in historic districts

Most Expensive Time to Visit Russia

The most expensive time to visit Russia depends on the type of vacation you’re planning:

• For city trips, late spring (May to June) and summer (July to early September) are peak season. This is when travelers head to places like Moscow and Saint Petersburg to enjoy warm weather, long daylight hours, and festivals like the White Nights.
• For beach resorts, such as Sochi or other spots along the Black Sea, the high season hits in July and August, when both locals and tourists crowd the coast.
• For skiing, prices peak in late December through early January and during school winter holidays, especially in popular spots like Krasnaya Polyana and Sheregesh.

These months are when airfare, hotels, and guided tours jump in price, and many accommodations get booked out well in advance. Russia is not immune to peak-season inflation.

Peak Season Highlights

• Best time for festivals like White Nights in Saint Petersburg
• Perfect weather for walking tours, river cruises, and palace visits
• Summer beach crowds and nightlife along the Black Sea
• Holiday rates and ski packages in mountain resort areas

Best Time to Visit Russia on a Budget

If you're looking to save without dealing with freezing temperatures, your best bet is the shoulder seasons—April to early May and mid-September through October. These months bring cooler, comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Flights and hotels are generally cheaper than summer, but most attractions are still open.

City trips are especially enjoyable during these months. You can visit landmarks like the Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, and Peterhof Palace without dealing with high-season crowds or pricing. Beach resorts start to close down after early September, but early fall is still decent for hiking and sightseeing in the south.

Shoulder Season Highlights

• Lower hotel rates and flight deals
• Cooler weather for city tours and outdoor walks
• Fewer lines at major museums and historic sites
• Great time for photography, foliage, and local markets

The cheapest and most expensive times to visit Russia really depend on where you’re going and what kind of experience you're after. From budget-friendly city breaks in winter to pricey beach resorts in summer and festive ski trips over the holidays, Russia offers something different every season. Plan around your travel style and you'll get more out of your trip—without overspending.