Best Time for Trans-Siberian Railway Journey

Despite being a vast, 9000 km long route, the Trans-Siberian Railway largely goes through the same climatic zone. The continental climate throughout all the railroad means that there would be roughly the same climatic conditions both at the beginning and at the end of the journey.

However, take into consideration that the further east you go the bigger difference between winter and summer temperatures and the lower average annual temperature you are to expect. On the bright side, in Eastern regions, there’s much less precipitation and winters are mostly frosty and sunny.

Most travel experts agree that the best time to do the Trans-Siberian Railway journey is from May until September due to optimum climatic conditions. Embarking on this exciting trip in summer, tourists can enjoy appealing warm weather and soaking up some Vitamin D under the bright blue skies (don’t be afraid of Siberia, due to continental climate it can even be hot here this time of year - 86°F and warmer is not unheard of). Visitors can also take a river cruise on the Yenisey and Ob; feel the free spirit of the steppe expanses by taking an unforgettable horse ride through it in the company of Nomadic people; get the chance to see the Bactrian camels, which have become the true symbols of Mongolia; and witness the spectacular cultural events such as Naadam Festival held in Mongolia in July, during which the whole country traditionally erupts into celebration.

The only drawback of going on a Trans-Siberian trip in summer is probably the fact that this time of the year is the most popular among tourists to travel to Russia in general and Siberia in particular. It happens thanks to the lovely weather and holiday season, so be prepared to see large tourist crowds. But if you don’t mind a little bit of hustle and bustle, this shouldn’t cause you any inconvenience.

Some claim September to early October to be the Trans-Siberian Railway's best time of year. And it is not without reason. When else can tourists acquire a unique opportunity to observe the picturesque change of seasons, while crossing a third of the world in a comfortable train compartment?

Peaceful autumnal strolls in Siberian forests presenting thousands of opportunities to take gorgeous photos in nature, not so hot as in summer, but still pleasant weather, dreamy dewy mornings, and amber afternoons - these are just a few of the wonderful things an autumn Trans-Siberian trip can have in store for you.

If you’re hesitating as to whether it’s worth setting off on a winter journey along the Trans-Siberian, this information is for you. Despite cold temperatures, mostly snow-covered and not really catching sceneries, short days making sightseeing and walks in the nature less endearing, and overall sleepy atmosphere, we firmly believe that there is nothing like a fascinating experience of crossing the freezing, snow-blanketed Siberia, sitting in a warm and cozy train compartment.

First of all, because in winter Siberia simply looks like Siberia! You can finally get a chance to see this world-famous region appear before your eyes the way you’ve often heard or read about it - snowy, frosty, with peculiar tundra forests, and rich wildlife featuring such unique species as the Amur tiger, the brown bear, the musk deer, and many others. Fewer tourists during cold months and cheaper train tickets are considered to be a bonus of such a trip, too.

Among the advantages of taking a winter journey is that in February and March you’ll be able to see one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Russia - frozen Lake Baikal. You can go on the crystal transparent ice and marvel at the lake surface with picturesque patterns left on it by the icy wind, or even go ice skating on the lake, which has already become a natural ice rink attracting hundreds of tourists every year.

If you happen to ‘go trans-Siberian’ in winter, make sure to search for information on cultural festivals and celebrations held in the countries you’re going to visit during your journey, as the winter season is especially rich in these events. Take Maslenitsa, a traditional festival, celebrated all over Russia for about a week, during which people consume pancakes and engage in various kinds of festivities, as an example.

The Chinese New Year, considered to be the most important holiday in China, with bright red decorations, put up all over Chinese cities, and colorful fireworks exploding across the sky, is another cultural festival you simply cannot miss if you happen to cross China on your Trans-Siberian route during this time of the year.

Though the Trans-Siberian Railroad journey has a lot to offer during all seasons, spring is considered to be the least advisable time to take it, as spring, and especially early spring in Russia is unfortunately not so pleasant and bloomy as this season is usually described in poems.

Sleet, permanently grey skies and dank air can prevent you from enjoying even the most impressive surroundings.

The Trans-Siberian Railway trip is, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind experience. Choose the best time to embark on it according to your personal preferences, read our guide on how to choose a Trans-Siberian trip, and don’t hesitate to contact our professional destination specialists to help you plan one of the most exciting journeys in your life!