HOW EACH SEASON IS FOR A TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY TRIP
TRANS-SIBERIAN IN WINTER
It is very cold everywhere along the route although the cold will not feel that bad in Beijing, particularly if you have come from Russia or Mongolia. For some this is the best time to travel Trans Siberian railway as, to put it simply, Siberia looks like Siberia! The silent snow shrouded forests, frozen rivers and people wrapped up in furs all add enormously to the atmosphere. There are also far fewer tourists taking the Trans-Siberian in winter which some might consider a bonus. There is nothing like being on a warm snug train as you cross freezing, snow blanketed Siberia.
TRANS-SIBERIAN IN SPRING
Probably the least advisable time to be in Russia is when the snow melts in early spring although late spring can be lovely. We are not convinced Mongolia actually has a spring as it seems to lurch from winter to something approaching summer overnight depending on when the wind changes from a northerly Siberian blast to a warmer southerly breeze. Spring in northern China can be temperamental but as it normally coincides with Easter and is a popular time to be there. Generally, spring is not the best time to take Trans Siberian railway.
TRANS-SIBERIAN IN SUMMER
Having a continental climate Russia can be surprisingly hot in summer and July and August are certainly the most popular months to take a Trans-Siberian tour. Despite occasional heat waves it is generally good weather throughout Russia.
Mongolia is usually fine during its short summer with warm days and pleasantly cool nights. China is hot and humid and gets wetter the further south you go but this does not seem to put people off visiting at this time and August is a peak season for locals traveling on their holidays in China. The Summer is also the most popular time to take the Trans-Siberian.
TRANS-SIBERIAN IN AUTUMN
Early autumn in Russia can be he best time of year to travel the Trans Siberian railway, especially if you catch the autumn colours as you cross Siberia and early autumn is a popular time for Trans-Siberian tours for this reason. With luck the weather can be cool but still very pleasant. Autumn is brief in Mongolia and hard to predict although it is usual for it to be colder in Mongolia than in Russia despite Mongolia being further south.
Autumn in China is the best time to travel across the entire country although do what you can to avoid the first week of October which is a national holiday and exceptionally busy for local tourism.
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Planning Route Options
Map of the Trans-Siberian railway showing the major stops and popular places to visit as well as the Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian routes.
Planning Where To Stop
The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's selection of the best places to visit in Russia, Mongolia and China for your trip of a lifetime.
Planning When To Go
The best months of the year to take a Trans-Siberian rail tour - and when not to! Do you prefer the idea of a summer trip, a winter trip or fall colours of autumn?
Planning The Trains
A guide to the main trains used in our The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's tours, differences between first and second train classes and life on board.
Planning Experiences
The staff of The Trans-Siberian Travel Company came up with this list of the best experiences on offer though Russia, Mongolia and China.
Planning Accommodation
From modern to soviet hotels, Mongolian Gers, Siberian Home Stays to traditional style Chinese courtyards, the right hotel selection can make your trip!
Planning Money To Take
What currency to take on a Trans-Siberian tour - Russian Roubles? Mongolian Tugrik? Chinese Yuan RMB? US Dollars? Euros? Find the answers here.
Planning Visa Requirements
Most nationalities will need a visa for their Trans-Siberian trip - find out more information about Russian, Mongolian and Chinese visas here.
Planning Vaccinations
Vaccination and inoculations needed or recommended for a Trans-Siberian trip visiting Russia, Mongolia and China. Updated for Covid-19.
Planning FAQs
Our guide to the most frequently asked questions when planning your rail tour and holiday along the Trans-Siberian routes.
Planning Top Tips
Top Tips for a Trans-Siberian railway adventure based on experiences both good and bad from the trips we have done with specific lists for Mongolia and China.
Planning Reading List
The Trans-Siberian Travel Company's suggestions for a good read as you travel along the greatest railway in the world including reading lists for China, Russia and Mongolia.
