Russia in Winter isn’t the most hospitable place to visit, but as the old adage says
There is no such thing as bad weather, just improper clothing!”
So what should you pack to be prepared for the Winter weather in Russia? Read on to see my recommendations on what to pack for Winter in Russia!
What to pack for Winter in Russia
1. A good coat
The Russians typically wear a lot of fur. This is because it naturally traps the heat in to keep the wearer warm. However not everyone is comfortable wearing fur or can afford it. So to keep warm in minus 20 Celsius a long coat with goose down or other warm lining is vital. I wore a coat from Uniqlo that my mum bought me as a Christmas present before I went to Russia!
Me in the Red Square in Moscow, with iconic St Basil’s behind me. My Uniqlo coat is knee length with cuffed sleeves, zips and poppers (to keep the wind out of the opening) and a (fake) fur edged hood.
A little fake fur ups the fashion at any point 🙂 In addition Russian’s are generally stylish, so keep up with them with belted coats to avoid the ‘I got drowned in a sleeping bag look’.
2. A warm hat
Even with the hood on my coat, I needed a beanie underneath. I took several different hats but generally wore just one, my favourite woolen grey leopard print – stylish and warm!
The toasty warm leopard print hat in front of St Catherine’s Palace outside of St Petersburg – this also helped keep my hood in place so it didn’t fall forward (this meant I could actually see around me lol!) It was minus 20 when I was taking this photo.
For New Year’s Eve in Moscow I cracked open my thinner hat – but it had sparkles and matched my dress 🙂
When it wasn’t so cold (i.e. above freezing) then this hat was fine to use around Moscow.
3. Good Winter boots
Good boots are a must when walking in snowy or icy streets. If you just have trainers then you won’t have adequate grip – cue sliding all over the place and falling arse over tit!! In addition a waterproof boot when walking in snow is vital. As soon as the snow melts, when you are inside or on transport for example, your non-waterproofed boots will get wet. And with wet boots comes wet feet, which leads to very cold feet – not a pleasant feeling.
Check my snow boots out… These boots have their own story, I bought them in New York during a snow storm when my leather boots got wet and cold. Luckily we found a store doing a roaring trade in proper snow boots. These ones are Ugg brand, lined with fake fur, lace up, waterproof and with a deep grip on the sole – I use them when I go skiing too!
4. Thermal underwear
The key point to think is layers! When you are moving from sub zero temperatures outside to the heated indoors, you will want to be able to take layers off to remain comfortable. A layer of thermal underwear – leggings or long johns and a long sleeved top – under your clothes really keeps you warm.
Can you see my snazzy Sweaty Betty thermal leggings (the ones with the spots!). We were practicing our dance routine for New Year’s Eve so I had to take some layers off! (The hotel was very warm inside!!)
5. Touch screen gloves
An absolute god-send when you are anywhere cold! I use these for skiing and using my phone around London during the Winter. For somewhere that regularly gets below freezing, gloves with the ability to work touch screens are a necessity. To work a phone or camera you need a thinner glove with the special fingers. You can always layer up with proper ski gloves on top, but you need something thinner for the dexterity.
The wind chill meant it felt like minus 30.. taking gloves off to take this photo outside the Hermitage in St Petersburg was not a wise option!
Tamara - @ Girlswanderlust says
Great tips! Especially the winter boots are a must when going to a destination like Russia. I’ve been to Tallinn (Estonia) in November when it was already snowing and freezing cold. I did brought some sneakers, but they weren’t useful at all since I didn’t feel my toes in no time. Luckily I also brought some winter boots and they were great! Especially for walking through the snow. A good coat is indeed also a must. Some coats can be thick, but helping for the cold at all haha!
Katie Hughes says
The boots are the best Tamara! I hate having cold, wet feet.
Cori says
There’s nothing worse than having cold feet! I still have to work on finding good winter boots, as my Tims are not all they’re supposed to be. Totally useless!
My winter coat may not be the most stylish, but it’s like being wrapped in a duvet all the time, so it’s basically the best thing ever.
Katie Hughes says
I do love a duvet coat Cori ?
Nisha Jha says
Loved your tips. Just a week back I returned from Finland and I appreciate your tips now even more. I had everything that you have mentioned here except the touch screen gloves Believe me, it was a pain to remove my gloves and click pictures in that freezing temperature.
Katie Hughes says
It hurts so bad Nisha!!! I even had hand warmers in St Petersburg as the gloves weren’t enough in the wind.
Paige Wunder says
These are great tips. I always heard that phrase that it’s just improper clothing and I honestly thought they were full of crap. But after I went to Iceland a couple weeks ago, I totally get it and agree! The winter boots and the coat are key! I loved my fleece-lined leggings as well. Great tips for winter travel in the north in general! Cheers!
Katie Hughes says
Ooh fleecy leggings sound super snug Paige!
Sandy N Vyjay says
Great tips, actually they are wonderful! I used to watch movies shot in Russia and I always used to wonder how they kept themselves warm in such harsh climates. My nose tends to freeze even in India’s winter which is mild as compared to that of Russia. Wonderful article
Katie Hughes says
Thanks Sandy – the key is all in the layers and special fabrics and not spending much time outside!!
Cali says
Aren’t you brave for going to Russia in the winter! I love your coat. These tips my also apply to me for my winter’s in Boston. I am a big baby when it comes to the cold! Haha.
Katie Hughes says
Well the UK doesn’t really get cold and snowy – I’m sure Boston is worse Cali!!
Himesh says
Hi there!
We are travelling from Dubai to Russia next week..can we find some nice pair of shoes there in Moscow itself?
Katie says
Hi Himesh – thanks for your comment. I didn’t shop specifically for shoes when I was there but a friend got a warm coat in a department store in Moscow, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find suitable shoes or boots there!