Weather in Tomsk

About Tomsk

This Siberian university city endures with extraordinary carved wooden houses that seem to defy the harsh climate, their intricate facades telling stories of 19th-century prosperity. Tomsk's position on the Tom River made it wealthy during the tsarist era, and that architectural heritage survives in miniature palaces hidden in residential blocks. Walking these streets feels like navigating a time capsule.

Country

Russia

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

RUB

Language

Russian

Things to do in Tomsk

Photograph the elaborately carved wooden buildings throughout town Tour the Tomsk State University campus and museums Walk along the Tom River waterfront with city views Visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture with historic houses Attend performances at the Drama Theatre in the classical building Explore local bookshops and literary cafes celebrating regional authors

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

-13C

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

-10C

Cold, with occasional showers.

March

-2C

Cold, with occasional showers.

April

Cold, with occasional showers.

May

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

July

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

August

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

October

Cold, with some rainy days.

November

-6C

Cold, with some rainy days.

December

-11C

Cold, with some rainy days.

Tomsk is one of Siberia's oldest cities, founded in 1604, and is famous for its extraordinary wooden architecture, ornately carved merchant houses with lace-like window frames that have survived for over a century. As a major university city, it has a youthful, intellectual energy that contrasts with its frontier history, making it one of the more atmospheric stops on a Trans-Siberian route.

Best areas to stay in Tomsk

Historic Centre

Streets lined with elaborately carved wooden houses, many now museums or cafes.

Tomsk State University Area

A leafy district with botanical gardens and a youthful, studenty atmosphere.

Lagerny Garden

A riverside park along the Tom River, popular for walks and views.

Voskresenskaya Hill

The oldest part of the city, with the Tomsk fortress reconstruction and panoramic views.

Getting to Tomsk

✈

Flights

Fly to Tomsk Bogashevo Airport (TOF), usually connecting via Moscow from the UK.

⏱

From London

~9-11 hours total from London depending on connections

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Getting around

Trams and buses cover the compact city centre well; the wooden architecture districts are best explored on foot.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tomsk?

Summer (June to August) is most comfortable, with long daylight hours; winters are extremely cold but offer a classic Siberian atmosphere for those prepared for it.

How do I get to Tomsk?

Tomsk has its own airport with connections via Moscow, or it can be reached by train from the Trans-Siberian line via Taiga station.

What is Tomsk known for?

Its remarkably preserved wooden architecture, lively student population, and museums covering Siberian history and exile.

Is Tomsk affordable to visit?

Yes, prices for accommodation, food, and transport are noticeably lower than in Moscow or St Petersburg.

What language is spoken in Tomsk?

Russian is the only widely spoken language; English is limited outside university areas, so some basic phrases help.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The wooden houses in Tomsk are like nothing else I've seen, intricate carvings on almost every street. Felt very different from the grand but uniform architecture of Moscow.

Natalia S. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Stopped here for two nights on a Trans-Siberian trip and it was one of the highlights, lovely riverside walks and a great student-town energy in the evenings.

Ben L. · August 2023

★★★★☆

Loved the local history museums and the old fortress hill. Tomsk feels manageable and walkable compared to bigger Russian cities.

Irina P. · June 2024