Because of the sheer size of Russia the climate varies wildly through the country. Nearly all of European Russia has an average yearly temperature of below freezing, as does the majority of Siberia. Most of Russia has only two seasons – summer and winter – with very little signifying anything inbetween. Areas near the Baltic Sea have been compared to the American Northwest, with a moderate maritime climate, whereas regions on the Far East of the country are influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, and as such are prone to monsoonal weather patterns. The most popular summer holiday destination in Russia is the resort areas on the Black Sea.

Average temperatures fluctuate dependant on where in the country they are, for example summer in Moscow averages at around 18C, whereas the winter averages at around -11C. Summer in Western Siberia averages at around 10C, whereas the winters average at around -28C.

Summers can last for a few months or just a few weeks depending on how the weather holds up, and whole towns have to be prepared for massive changes in winter, when roads are blocked, trains are diverted and crops cannot grow.

For current forecasts visit:
http://www.intellicast.com/IcastPage/LoadPage.aspx?loc=uuee&seg=LocalWeather&prodgrp=Forecast&product=Forecast&prodnav=none
For more in-depth climate information, visit:
http://www.koreanhistoryproject.org/Jta/Ru/RuWX1.htm