Autumn in St Petersburg Russia
what to expect, packing suggestions,
and things to do!

Autumn in St Petersburg Russia - part of September, October, November - is by nature short, atmospheric, and very beautiful.

Fall is the most colorful and outstanding season of Saint Petersburg, and for many Russians, the city is associated with it. As the fall foliage begins, the trees change their colors, the leaves turn from green to gold, and the parks burst with color.

Autumn in St Petersburg, Russia

Autumn in St Petersburg (also called by the famous Russian poet A. Pushkin the golden autumn) brings cold and rain along with crisp bronze sunlight. But it also offers the most colorful month with red, orange, and yellow leaves flying into the air and covering the ground.

Cooler night temperatures in October and November should be a reminder that winter is coming, but bright sunshine during the day makes denial easy, especially in September. However, from November onwards, the city begins to freeze and become dark and cold and the sparkle of the first frost can be noticed.

During this time, the school has already started and there is plenty to do with few tourists around. September, October, and November can be a great time to explore our city despite the fact you can never predict the weather.☺

For instance, if it is not too cold and there is no ice on the Neva River you can still admire the bridges opening at night. You can spend an evening in a hot Russian banya, or you can enjoy classical concerts, film festivals, art exhibitions, opera, and ballet.

Of course, you can also visit interesting museums, churches, and cathedrals, as well as taking a stroll on the famous Nevsky Prospekt and eat out at one of the many Russian restaurants to taste delicious Russian food. After all, this is also the time when the new cultural season is in full swing. However, if you come to visit us around this time, make sure you also plan a visit to one of St. Petersburg's imperial suburbs, or your trip to St Petersburg won't be complete.

ABOUT AUTUMN IN ST PETERSBURG

Wondering what to expect in autumn in St Petersburg? To find out keep reading below and/or click on the links to fast track to that section.

WHY VISIT ST PETERSBURG IN AUTUMN

"Nor spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face" - wrote John Donne, the English poet.

That's true! The beauty and grace of the fall in St. Petersburg Russia is unique. With its autumnal colors and sense of newness and calmness in the air, autumn in St Petersburg is a magical time for many Russians, and for you too if you'll come!☺

Autumn in St Petersburg, Russia

After the vibrant summer, the imperial city goes back to normal and starts to get ready for the long winter ahead. However, if you think that fall may seem the least interesting of the four Russian seasons, you are wrong.

Even if the summer festivals, fireworks and White Nights are over, and it is a bit cold and rainy (and since we are talking about Russia - sometimes snowy too), the city of St Petersburg remains a wonderful destination to visit with plenty of things to do and see, although there's less excitement around.

Russia's Northern Capital does not sleep during fall, but rather there are a lot of concerts and classical shows to entertain visitors. Also, visitors are still in time to enjoy a boat trip across the graceful rivers and canals and see the famous night drawbridges in operation. And of course, all cafe and restaurants are open and ready to open their door to new guests, including several bars and clubs where anyone can meet beautiful Russian woman.

And, since many tourists have already left, all the city's tourist attractions during this season are less crowded and the average hotel prices and flights to St Petersburg are less expensive than in summer. You can even find a tour guide available at the last minute, although it is always good practice to book one in advance.

temperature ranges

Usually, from September to October the weather in St Petersburg is still warm and dry, with average temperatures over +11 °C/52°F. Also, at the end of September and the beginning of October, the city occasionally experiences a meteorological phenomenon, called Indian summer (in Russian Bab’e leto – “peasant woman’s summer”).

Basically, it is the equivalent of an Indian summer that brings a week or so of warmth and sunshine. But later the weather quickly becomes dull, damp and chilly, with the first ground frosts. Of course, fall can also bring rain and sometimes even snow by the end of November.

That said, if you come between September and October, the temperatures are mild and you can do all the activities that many visitors do during the summertime. But if you arrive in November, the first chill and snow might prevent you from doing many of the usual activities.

WHAT TO DO & SEE

For many Russians, Autumn is the most favorite time for private parties, cultural events, receptions, and Russian banya. For you it can be the right time to explore the city in a relaxed way, pay less for your Russian vacation, and enjoy the vibrant colours of the failing autumn.

People Attending a Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Autumn in St Petersburg is the perfect time to walk around the city or go for a stroll in one of the many parks in St Petersburg, such as the beautiful Summer Garden, especially if you want to have a taste of our golden autumn with its vibrant colors.

Alternatively, you can plan a trip to the outskirts of the city to visit the famous imperial suburban residences such as Peterhof, Tsarkoye Selo, Pavlovsk, Gatchina and Oranienbaum. Or maybe, discover Yelagin Palace, set on its own wooded Yelagin Island.

If you come before November, you can also take a riverboat tour and cruise out  day and night across the city's rivers and canals and admire the bridges opening at night, an impressive show.

However, if winter has arrived early in November, don't worry! In this case, you can spend your evening in a hot Russian banya, try a Hotel SPA, or spend a few hours at Peterland, the most famous city's aquapark. There you can try twelve different types of Russian sauna and relax in the swimming pool while enjoying a view of the Gulf of Finland out of the window.

Of course, you can also join a tour group or take a private guided tour to explore all of the city's top attractions. And, if the weather turns chilly, you can visit one of the many concert halls and museums in the city. For instance, you can watch the Russian ballet performances of the Mariinsky and Mikhailovskiy theatres or see the worldwide famous Hermitage Museum.

WHAT TO PACK

If you are travelling to St. Petersburg in autumn, you should bring clothes you can layer - sweaters, a jacket, and perhaps a lightweight raincoat or an umbrella. Also, as the season progresses, the fresh north-western wind blows, and the temperature drops, so plan for this by packing a warm jacket or coat and a scarf. Warmer footwear will make your strolls along the Neva River and through the picturesque suburban parks enjoyable.

Generally, think comfortable boots for walking, plus jeans and a fleece jacket for during the day. In the evenings, if you want to dress up, then women should take tights or pantyhose to wear under their skirts, and men will probably require a suit jacket. You should also pack gloves and a hat if you come in November.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

If you don't want to feel like you are following the crowd, autumn in St Petersburg can be a good time to enjoy the city's world famous attractions, see the famous Russian ballet, or try a romantic Russian cruise on the Neva River in peace.

• Keep in mind that you can never predict the Russian weather, so bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes with you as it can get wet at anytime.

• Remember, the first month of fall can be still warm with sunny days, especially if you are lucky to come during the Indian summer. So, if you come around this time, make sure you pack a few short sleeve shirts. And, if you plan to attend a Russian Opera and Ballet make sure you dress well.
  

• If autumn in St Petersburg is the season you've chosen to experience, then we recommend planning your trip between the end of September and the beginning of October.

• If you love shopping, and you wish to buy a Russian souvenir, then we recommend paying a visit to the old Gostiny Dvor Shopping Center or visit some of these city malls to buy cloths and other stuff. There, you will find a lot of souvenir shops, including a lovely fur shop, and much more.

Hello! We are Davide & Anastasia the founders of st-petersburg-essentialguide.com.☺

We would like to let you know that apart from writing unique content for our travel website we can also help with the arrangement of your Airport Transfer, Private City Tour, and Russian Visa Support, or anything else you may need during your stay or the planning of your trip to St Petersburg Russia. Just get in touch with us today for more info!

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