The climate of Moscow
Moscow,
Idaho, USA falls under the Köppen climate classification of 'Csb'. This classification is representative of a Mediterranean climate with a warm summer. The climate maintains a balance between hot, dry summers and cold, moist winters, that comes with its geographical location in the Pacific Northwest region.
Throughout the year, Moscow's weather exhibits considerable changes in different parameters like temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours, and snowfall. Temperature fluctuates from a low of 24.1°F (-4.4°C) in
December to a high of 83.7°F (28.7°C) in
August. However, comfortable temperatures from 54.5°F (12.5°C) to 83.7°F (28.7°C) can be enjoyed from
April to
September.
The volume of rainfall ranges from a miniscule 0.47" (12mm) in
July and August to a peak of 2.68" (68mm) in December. Snowfall, a noteworthy characteristic of the climate, is observed from high in December and
January, 12.56" (319mm) and 11.57" (294mm) respectively, tapering off to virtually zero from
May to September. Sunshine hours also exhibit a clear trend; less sunshine during the winter months, increasing substantially from
March and peaking in
June, July and August, then a decrease towards winter again.
Moscow's climate presents a remarkable study of changes, especially with regard to the diverse weather conditions throughout the year. The month of August stands out as a singular case with the highest temperature and the lowest rainfall, implying a hot and dry summer spell.
The best time to visit Moscow
Given the variability in weather parameters, the best time to visit
Moscow would be from late spring to early autumn, that is from
April to
September. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures ranging from 54.5°F (12.5°C) in April to the peak of 83.7°F (28.7°C) in
August. Additionally, it affords the highest amount of sunshine, with hours of daylight spanning from 13.6 in April to a high of 15.8 in
June, making these months ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Moscow
As for the least favourable time to visit, it would be in the heart of winter, specifically
December and
January. These months experience the lowest temperatures, sinking to 24.1°F (-4.4°C) in December and barely rising to 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in January. Coupled with the highest snowfall of the year, weather conditions can be quite severe, making outdoor activities an arduous task. These months also see the shortest daylight durations and decreased visibility due to fog that might restrict exploration or travel.
Spring weather in Moscow
Spring in
Moscow, from
March to
May, witnesses a steady progression in temperature. The average highs go from 46.8°F (8.2°C) in March to a pleasant 63.9°F (17.7°C) by May. While the city receives rainfall ranging from 2.28" (58mm) in March to 2.28" (58mm) in May, it also enjoys increasing sunshine hours from 6.3 in March to 10.1 in May. The moderate weather conditions present the perfect opportunity to revel in the beauty of blossoming trees and an array of colourful flowers.
Summer weather in Moscow
The summer months, from
June to
August, display the warmest temperatures of the year. With the mercury reaching up to 70°F (21.1°C) in June and gradually climbing to 83.7°F (28.7°C) in August, these months offer the ideal conditions for hiking, cycling or simply soaking in the sun at a local park. Despite being the driest period with only 0.47" (12mm) of rainfall in both
July and August, the humidity hovers at an average of 47%, keeping the environment comfortable.
Autumn weather in Moscow
Autumn starts showing its presence from
September, when the temperatures start to fall from 73.4°F (23°C) to 57.7°F (14.3°C) in
October and settling at a cool 43.7°F (6.5°C) in
November. Although it sees a rise in rainfall from 0.63" (16mm) in September to 1.89" (48mm) in November, it carries the charm of changing colours of the leaves, making
Moscow a picturesque place in autumn.
Winter weather in Moscow
Winter in
Moscow, from
December to
February, is characterised by low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and minimal daylight. The temperatures drop to an average low of 25.5°F (-3.6°C) in December, 27.9°F (-2.3°C) in
January and 31.8°F (-0.1°C) in February. Moscow sees significant snowfall of over 11" (279mm) in December and January - a fact that transforms the city into a winter wonderland despite the reduced daylight hours and lower visibility.
Weather in January
Winter is at its peak in
Moscow,
Idaho during
January, with the weather predominantly leaning towards cold temperatures and high humidity. Nostalgic scenes of snowfall become a common sight, painting the city in beautiful white hues, justifying the societal image of a quintessential winter landscape.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February introduces a nuanced transition in
Moscow's weather scene, with a subtle uptick in temperatures. The city retains its winter aura but with a mellowed intensity, marked by a gradual decrease in snowfall and a slight increase in daylight hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The arrival of
March signals a significant transformation in
Moscow’s weather, ushering in the initial signs of spring. The snowfall sees a downward trend and a marked increase in temperatures becomes evident, making the weather conditions more amenable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Moscow,
Idaho, fosters a lively atmosphere with the full bloom of spring. Signs of winter fade and yield to a warmer palette, with a noticeable rise in temperatures and a marked decline in humidity. The longer daylight hours invigorate the cityscape, and the gentle breeze compliments the pleasant weather conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May accentuates the spring weather in
Moscow, with further elevation in temperatures. This month exhibits a beautiful blend of mild temperatures, frequent rainfall, and extended daylight hours, forming an enticing canvas for outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings forth the summer season in
Moscow,
Idaho, characterized by a significant surge in temperatures. The city basks in the extended daylight hours, rejuvenating the cityscape with a sunny glow. The humidity level drops considerably, while the rainfall becomes less frequent.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July manifests the height of summer in
Moscow, showcasing the highest temperatures, ranging from 54.7°F (12.6°C) to 82.6°F (28.1°C), of the year and a valley-low relative humidity level of 47%. Ambitiously bright sunshine competes with extended daylight hours, bringing a radiating glow to the city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August retains the summer essence in
Moscow’s weather with the continuation of high temperatures. The city reverberates with lively energy as the daylight hours, though gradually shortening, allow sufficient time for outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Moscow,
Idaho, marks the onset of the fall season, introducing refreshing changes in temperature patterns. The city witnesses a tapering down of the radiant summer aura, transitioning into a calm and cooling ambiance.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October deepens the influence of the fall season in
Moscow. The drop in temperature becomes more pronounced, bringing about a crispness in the air. The city beautifies under the autumn hues and the dwindling daylight hours induce a nostalgic appeal.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Moscow,
Idaho welcomes back the winter chill, nostalgic of
January, with temperatures falling to between 31.8°F (-0.1°C) and 43.7°F (6.5°C). The city prepares for the incoming winter season as daylight hours reduce dramatically and the force of the wind brings a sense of the frosty weather ahead.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December showers
Moscow in a wintry ambiance, celebrating the holiday spirit with cooler temperatures and a flurry of snow. The city is cloaked in a winter veil, with extended hours of darkness painting a twilight scene. The wind contributes to the chill and occasional snowfall graces the city skylines.
Weather in December »