Taste the Russian winter food
It really is in winter that you will fully enjoy Russian food: warm soups (борщ, солянка, щи...), Russian cakes (пироги), Siberian pelminis (пельмени), warm dishes (бефстроганов, котлеты...), traditional Russian salads for New Year celebrations...and many other tasty dishes to discover!
Face the Siberian winter and become a real "сибиряк"
We recommend to bring with you warm clothes as if you were going to ski:
- A warm, waterproof coat
- Waterproof gloves, hat and scarf
- A fleece jacket and pullovers
- Pairs of warm tights
- Waterproof winter shoes
Discover traditional Russian winter celebrations
New Year ("Новый год", on December 31st) is by far the favorite and most celebrated holiday in Russia. Be in Russia on this day guarantees unforgettable memories! Then people celebrate the Orthodox Christmas ("Рождество", on January 7th) and the old Orthodox New Year ("Старый Новый год" on January 14th). A little later comes the celebration of "Масленица" (in 2021 it will be celebrated from March 8th to March 14th).
What is the climate like in winter in Novosibirsk?
From November to December
The first snow usually starts falling around mid-November. Until the end of December, winter sets in with average temperatures around -10° C. It is a good time to enjoy walks in the city's parks and in the surrounding area.
From January to mid-February
Severe winter starts at the end of December/beginning of January and lasts through mid-February. The average temperature during this period is around -20°C, with possible lows of -30/-35°C (for no longer than a few days at a time). Winter days are usually very sunny and bright.
From mid-February to April
From mid-February until mid-March, winter warms up; the average temperature climbing up to -10° C. Then from mid-March, temperatures usually become positive again with snow remaining until the end of March/early April.
Siberian cold and winter activities
The Siberian cold is a dry cold: a sunny day at -20°C here is very pleasant if you are well covered. Many different activities are available during winter. It is the time to put on skates and enjoy the numerous skating-rinks in the city. You can also try cross-country skiing in the city's parks. You may prefer to visit the ice sculpture exhibition that takes place every year, or watch a hockey game at the central stadium close to our school.
7 things to do outside during the winter season in Novosibirsk
- See the annual exhibition of ice sculptures
- Visit the city zoo after it has been snowing
- Try cross-country skiing in the park Zaelzovskii
- Try ice Fishing on the river Ob
- Attend a hockey game and support the local team
- Skate at the central stadium ice rink
- Visit the open air market in the city center
