Seasons of the Year Seasons in Russia
In a territorial scale Russia is the largest country in the world with a varied topography, climatic conditions, flora and fauna. On its territory there are diverse plains and mountain vegetation and lots of rivers and lakes.
A distinctive feature of the Russian nature is a variety of climatic conditions with a clear division of the season. With the onset of each season flora and fauna dramatically changes. The country is located in three eight time zones and in three climatic zones. Such location also affects the variety and diversity of nature.
Seasons
Contents:
Spring in Central Russia
Spring is the most wonderful season with transformations and changes in everything. This is a time of melting snow, flowing streams and blooming willow. International Women’s Day is celebrated in the first month of spring. Nature returns to life after long winter hibernation: woods put on gorgeous green outfits and fruit trees and shrubs are covered with pleasing to the eye blossoms and spread fragrance.
The middle of spring (between ending of April and beginning of May) is the time for major Christian celebration of Easter. May first is the date of national celebration of Labor Day. May 9 is the most sensitive and touching celebration of all. It is the day of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WW II). On this day there are meeting with veterans, performances on squares in their honor and other sings of attention are. By this time numerous city flowerbeds are covered with blooming tulips.
Climate of the Spring Months
| March Max average t°: 0 °C (32 °F) Min average t°: -8 °C (18 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Snowy days: 10 days Precipitation: 35 mm (1.4") |
| April Max average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Min average t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 37 mm (1.4") |
| May Max average t°: +19 °C (66 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 53 mm (2.1") |
(Moscow)
Spring Holidays
March 8: International Women’s Day
April 1st: April Fool’s Day
April 2nd: Day of Unity
April 12: Cosmonautics Day
April 26: Day in memory of the victims of radiation accidents and catastrophes
May 1st: Spring and Labour Day
May 9: Victory Day
Summer in Central Russia
Summer is the one of most pleasant seasons. This is the period of starting school holidays so many families are planning their vacations in nature, in the countryside, at sea or in the mountains. This time of year have pleasant warm weather. One can enjoy magnificent taste of variety of juicy berries through the whole summer. This is the time for ripening of vegetables and other agricultural greenery. Meanwhile wild animals keep growing their offspring which were born in the spring or beginning of summer.
By the end of the summer all leaves lose their bright colors and toke on dark green and brown tints. This is the time when grass turns yellow and ripened wheat, rye and barley crop are harvested. During the harvest forests are full of ripened mushrooms. Summer is the most suitable time for vacations by the sea. Comfortable temperature of water allows full enjoying all the marvels of this time of the year.
Climate of the Summer Months
| June Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 58 mm (2.3") |
| July Max average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (55 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 88 mm (3.5") |
| August Max average t°: +22°C (72 °F) Min average t°: +12 °C (54 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 70 mm (2.7") |
(Moscow)
Summer Holidays
June 1st: International Children's Day
June 6: Pushkin’s Day (Day of Russian language)
June 12: National Russia’s Day
June 22: Day of Memory and Grief (beginning of WW II)
July 8: Day of Family, Love and Fidelity
July 28: Day of the Baptism of Rus
August 22: State Flag Day of the Russian Federation
August 27: Day of Russian Cinema
Autumn in Central Russia
Autumn is beautiful season. This is the period when trees are covered with their golden outfits. Leaves change their colors to yellow, gold, red and fulvous. The incredible beauty of nature in this season fascinates with its varied and unusual colors. At that time, many birds, who arrived in the spring and raise their young, fly away to warmer climes to spend winter in comfortable conditions. By the end of autumn trees shed their leaves and prepare for the winter. Also people celebrate autumn harvest festival which means that all harvest is gathered and all preparations for the winter coming are finished.
First of September – the first day of autumn marks the beginning of school and is celebrated as the feast of knowledge. And the first Sunday of October is a Professional Teacher’s Day. Period between October and December is a time of many other professional holidays. At this time in the villages there are many weddings.
Climate of the Autumn Months
| September Max average t°: +16 °C (61 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 58 mm (2.3") |
| October Max average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 2 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 45 mm (1.8") |
| November Max average t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Min average t°: -3 °C (27 °F) Sundial in the day: 1 hour Snowy days: 10 days Precipitation: 47 mm (1.8") |
(Moscow)
Autumn Holidays
September 1: Day of Knowledge
September 3: Day of solidarity in the fight against terrorism
September 27: World Tourism Day
October 1st: Day of Older Persons
October 30: Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression
Last Sunday of November: Mother’s Day
Winter in Central Russia
Winter is a coldest season of the year. By this time all trees have lost their foliage and only conifers remain green. Snow cover is excellent protection against severe frosts. It envelops trees, fields and houses with charming white covering. Under a white blanket of snow everything looks majestic and graceful.
Thus time of year is known for having a biggest and joyful holiday, celebration of New Year. Its arrival is celebrated at midnight. In Russia one can celebrate New Year for eight times at once. This caused by location of the country in eight time zones. Therefore the celebration is kind of traveling from east to west of Russia during eight hours.
And January 7 is time for Christian Russians to celebrate Christmas, one of the most important religious holidays. This holiday have a national importance and is considered as a day off.
Climate of the Winter Months
| December Max average t°: -5 °C (23 °F) Min average t°: -10 °C (14 °F) Sundial in the day: 1 hour Snowy days: 15 days Precipitation: 54 mm (2.1") |
| January Max average t°: -9 °C (16 °F) Min average t°: -16 °C (3 °F) Sundial in the day: 1 hour Snowy days: 12 days Precipitation: 40 mm (1.6") |
| February Max average t°: -6 °C (21 °F) Min average t°: -14 °C (7 °F) Sundial in the day: 2 hours Snowy days: 10 days Precipitation: 38 mm (1.5") |
(Moscow)
Winter Holidays
December 9: Heroes of the Fatherland Day
December 12: Constitution Day of the Russian Federation
January 1-6,8: New Year holidays
January 7: Christmas
January 25: Tatyana's Day (a holiday for all students)
February 8: Day of Russian Science
February 23: Defender of the Fatherland Day
