Moscow sky generally looks something like the picture above. Some variation on white or grey (or just plain black) for a long, long time. I’ve survived experienced 3 winters in Moscow and to be honest the coldness and darkness don’t really bother me. Sure, I get bored being stuck inside because I’m too cold to go for a walk, but the winter’s nothing horror-inducing.
Now I’ve heard many many many expats weep bitter tears over these Moscow winters. Yes, I understand that it’s cold and dark far too often, but hellooooo, it’s MOSCOW. You mean to say it’s cold and depressing during a Soviet winter?!
Who knew?
Let me cite the almighty Wikipedia which, at bare minimum (aka my usual standard of research), you should check before jetting off to a foreign land: in this lovely month of January, the average amount of sunlight we get here is 37 hours. (It doesn’t even bear thinking about December — only 14. ALL MONTH.)
All I’m saying is, if you pop over to Russia in winter (why?), bring a warm coat, your SAD lamp, and a speedy return-ticket. But, don’t be too sad. Within those 37 hours of sunlight, you might get a few gorgeous views worth the other, countless hours of depression:
Also, just because, a gratuitous post of THE BEAST:
I lived in Moscow for a little over 2 years, experienced 2 winters there and thought it was beautiful!! Yes it was cold and most days I didnt want to go outside but it was a white fairy-tale experience and I loved it!!
The dark just adds more mystery to the city. And it makes the summer nights when you finally get to them SO glorious!