"Санкт-Петербург - окно в Европу | Saint Petersburg - The window to Europe"
About:
St. Petersburg, Russia, was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. It served as the capital of Russia from 1712-1918. The city underwent several name changes, known as Petrograd (1914-1924) and Leningrad (1924-1991) before reverting to St. Petersburg in 1991. It was the scene of the 1917 Russian Revolution and a 900-day siege during WWII. Today, it's Russia's second-largest city and an important cultural, historical, and economic center, renowned for its architectural landmarks and cultural institutions.
When to visit:
The best time to visit St. Petersburg, Russia, on a holiday is during the summer months of June to August when the city experiences its White Nights phenomenon. This period offers extended daylight hours, allowing you to explore the city's iconic landmarks and cultural attractions well into the night. The vibrant atmosphere during this time includes numerous festivals, outdoor events, and a bustling street life. However, it is important to note that summer is also the peak tourist season in St. Petersburg, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.
When to avoid:
The worst time to travel to St. Petersburg, Russia on a holiday is during the winter months of December to February. The city experiences extremely cold temperatures, with snow and ice making travel difficult and uncomfortable for visitors. Sightseeing and outdoor activities are limited due to the harsh weather conditions, and many attractions may have reduced hours or be closed altogether. Travelers should consider visiting St. Petersburg during the summer months for a more enjoyable and pleasant experience.
"Winter Season (Nov-Mar)"
St. Petersburg, Russia, experiences its coldest weather from December to February. Temperatures typically hover around -6°C, occasionally dropping below -10°C. Snowfall is heavy, often resulting in beautiful snow-covered landscapes. The city experiences "polar nights" from late November to mid-January, during which the sun barely rises above the horizon, leading to only 6-7 hours of daylight. Cloud cover is high, making the days seem even darker. An average day for a visitor involves dressing warmly, enjoying indoor activities like museums and operas, or embracing the cold with winter sports like ice skating.
"White Nights (June-August)"
In St. Petersburg, Russia, the warmest part of the year is from late June to early August. During this period, the average high temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while the average low ranges from 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).
Rainfall is quite frequent, with July being the wettest month, averaging around 80mm of precipitation. Despite the rain, these months also see the most sunlight, with up to 19 hours of daylight per day during the White Nights phenomenon in late June.
Humidity levels are generally moderate, averaging around 70%, but can feel higher due to frequent rain. Cloudiness varies, with some days being clear and others overcast.
A typical day for a visitor during this period would start off cool in the morning, gradually warming up by afternoon. There's a good chance of experiencing a rain shower, so carrying an umbrella is advisable. Despite the rain, the long daylight hours provide plenty of time to explore the city. The humidity might be a bit uncomfortable for some, but the beauty of the city during summer, especially during the White Nights, more than makes up for it.
Language:
In St. Petersburg, the most widely spoken language is Russian, as it is the official language of Russia. However, due to its status as a global city, other languages such as English are also commonly spoken, particularly in the tourism and business sectors. Additionally, there are communities of people who speak Ukrainian, Tatar, and Belarusian.