Dress appropriately

Anyone who comes to Russia expecting it to be cold all year will be in for a rude awakening when they arrive. Russia has frigid winters, but its summers, especially in cities like St Petersburg, can be extremely hot and humid. Weather is difficult to anticipate, but having a general understanding of the weather can be extremely helpful when organizing activities. It's more vital to protect yourself from the rain than the cold when traveling in the winter.

Snow in big cities tends to melt quickly, turning into sloppy muck, so bring appropriate footwear and a change of socks if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Layers are recommended, as are thick coats for outdoor activities; but, don't go overboard with the furry caps, as your tourist status will be obvious.