Russia in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Russia

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak spring season with lilac blooms throughout Moscow and Stpetersburg - the iconic white nights begin in Stpetersburg from mid-May with nearly 19 hours of daylight
Perfect hiking weather in the Caucasus and Altai mountains with temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) and snow-free trails above 1,500m (4,921 ft)
Victory Day celebrations on May 9th create the most patriotic atmosphere of the year with massive parades, fireworks, and open military exhibitions normally closed to public
Shoulder season pricing for accommodations - rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peak while weather is ideal for sightseeing 12+ hours daily

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings from 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F) within same week - pack for both spring and early summer conditions
Victory Day weekend (May 8-10) creates massive crowds and hotel price spikes of 200-300% in Moscow and Stpetersburg with many attractions closed
Mud season in rural areas makes some remote attractions inaccessible - roads to Kamchatka geysers and Siberian nature reserves often impassable until late May

Best Activities in May

Trans-Siberian Railway Journey

May offers perfect conditions for the world's longest railway journey with comfortable temperatures, blooming steppe landscapes, and clear views of Lake Baikal without summer haze. Daylight extends to 16+ hours in Siberia, maximizing scenic viewing time. Spring migration creates wildlife viewing opportunities impossible in other seasons.

Booking Tip: Book compartments 2-3 months ahead for May departures. First-class compartments typically cost ₽25,000-45,000 ($275-495) Moscow to Vladivostok. Choose odd-numbered cars for better lake views approaching Baikal. See current rail tour options in booking section below.

St. Petersburg White Nights Experience

Late May marks the beginning of the legendary white nights phenomenon with sunset at 10:30pm and sunrise at 4:30am. Palace gardens are in full bloom, canal cruises operate until midnight, and the Mariinsky Theatre extends performance schedules. Street festivals and outdoor concerts happen nightly from May 25th onward.

Booking Tip: Book palace tours and ballet tickets 6-8 weeks ahead as May-June is peak cultural season. Hermitage evening tours typically cost ₽2,500-4,000 ($27-44). Night canal cruises operate from May 15th onwards. Check current cultural tour availability in booking widget below.

Kamchatka Peninsula Wildlife Tours

May is the only month to see both brown bear mothers with cubs emerging from dens and massive salmon runs beginning in coastal rivers. Weather stabilizes enough for helicopter access to remote valleys while avoiding summer tourist crowds. Snow melts reveal steaming volcanic landscapes perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed eco-operators only - permits required 90+ days ahead. Multi-day tours typically cost ₽85,000-150,000 ($935-1,650) including helicopter transfers. Weather delays common so build 2-3 buffer days. See current expedition options in booking section below.

Golden Ring Historic Towns Circuit

Spring weather makes the 1,000km (621 mile) circuit of medieval towns ideal for driving or cycling. Orthodox monasteries and kremlin walls are surrounded by blooming apple orchards and birch forests. Suzdal and Vladimir offer traditional craft festivals throughout May with fewer crowds than summer months.

Booking Tip: Rent cars in Moscow for ₽2,500-4,500 ($27-50) daily or join small group tours typically costing ₽8,000-15,000 ($88-165) for 2-3 days. Book monastery guesthouses directly for real feels. Current guided tour options available in booking widget below.

Caucasus Mountains Trekking

May offers perfect conditions for accessing Mount Elbrus base camps and trekking the Dombay region with stable weather and snow-free trails up to 2,500m (8,202 ft). Wildflower blooms create spectacular alpine meadows while avoiding July-August heat and crowds. Helicopter scenic flights operate daily.

Booking Tip: Book mountain lodges 4-6 weeks ahead through certified operators. Multi-day treks typically cost ₽12,000-25,000 ($132-275) including guides and meals. Acclimatization days essential above 3,000m (9,843 ft). Check current mountain tour availability in booking section below.

Solovetsky Islands Monastery Complex

May marks the reopening of ferry services to this UNESCO World Heritage site in the White Sea. The historic Gulag site and 15th-century monastery offer profound historical experiences without summer crowds. Arctic flowers bloom across the tundra landscape while weather remains mild enough for extensive walking.

Booking Tip: Ferry services resume mid-May weather permitting. Book monastery guesthouses directly as options are limited to 100 beds total. Two-day packages typically cost ₽8,500-12,000 ($93-132) including transport from Arkhangelsk. Current island tour options in booking widget below.

May Events & Festivals

May 9th (with celebrations May 8-10)

Victory Day Parade and Celebrations

Russia's most important national holiday featuring massive military parades on Red Square, fireworks displays, and the Immortal Regiment march where families honor WWII veterans. Museums open special exhibitions and many normally restricted military sites allow public access throughout the weekend.

Late May through July

St. Petersburg White Nights Festival

Cultural festival marking the beginning of white nights with outdoor concerts, extended museum hours, and special ballet performances. The Mariinsky Theatre presents exclusive programs while street musicians perform along Nevsky Prospekt until dawn. Festival officially begins May 25th.

Mid to Late May

Moscow Spring Festival

City-wide celebration featuring outdoor art installations in Gorky Park, food festivals showcasing regional Russian cuisine, and free concerts at VDNKh exhibition center. Local craft breweries and traditional Russian restaurants offer special menus celebrating spring ingredients.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy conditions and late snow patches above 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation

Layered clothing system from light sweaters to t-shirts - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) daily are common

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - spring showers occur 8 days monthly and last 1-2 hours typically

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 5 with extended daylight hours and snow reflection at altitude

Warm hat and gloves for early morning/evening - temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) especially in northern regions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in historic centers become slippery when wet

Power bank and universal adapter - long sightseeing days of 12+ hours drain devices quickly

Cash in rubles - many smaller towns and rural attractions don't accept international cards

Insect repellent for late May - mosquitoes emerge in forested areas and near water bodies

Compact umbrella - afternoon showers develop quickly and finding shelter can be challenging in rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Use the 'Troika' transport card in Moscow for 30% savings on metro and buses - locals load monthly passes in early May for best rates avoiding tourist daily pricing

Book Trans-Siberian tickets through RZD website directly rather than tourist agencies to save 40-60% - use Google Translate plugin and payment methods like Wise work despite sanctions

Victory Day weekend is when Russian families traditionally visit dachas - book countryside accommodations early as locals prioritize family gatherings over tourist bookings

May is mushroom foraging season - join locals in birch forests around Moscow and Stpetersburg for morel hunting, many guesthouses offer guided foraging experiences for ₽1,500-3,000 ($16-33)

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all attractions operate normally during Victory Day weekend - many museums and government buildings close May 8-10, plan alternative activities

Underpacking warm clothes because 'it's spring' - Russian spring weather is unpredictable and mornings can feel like winter especially in Siberia and northern regions

Booking only Moscow and Stpetersburg - May is perfect for exploring smaller cities and nature when larger cities become crowded with domestic tourists celebrating holidays