Indian Summer 2025: why is it called that, when will it come in Moscow and by region

Indian summer is a short period of warm summer days that occur in September after the first cold snap. Indian summer usually comes in the first half of September, but it can linger until the end of the month. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What is Indian Summer and where did the name come from?

Indian Summer is a folk and climatic phenomenon: a short period of warm, dry and bright weather that occurs in early autumn after the first cold spells and rains. This is the time when summer seems to be returning, giving comfort amid the already advancing autumn moods.

Why is this time called Indian Summer? There are several versions. One is connected with folk traditions: after hard summer work in the fields, women were engaged in spinning, pickles and household chores.

The other one has cobwebs, which can often be seen in the air and on the grass at this time— thin threads similar to the hair of elderly women.

There is also a symbolic version: the time of September warmth and the "second breath" of nature is similar to the age period in humans, when, it would seem, the summer of life is over, but suddenly a soft, pleasant time comes again.

In folk calendars, the beginning of Indian summer was often associated with September 14 (Simeon Letovodets), and the end — some with September 21 (Autumn Day, or Aspos Day), and some with the Exaltation — around September 27.

Indian Summer forecast for 2025 in Moscow

According to the latest estimates of forecasters, Indian summer in Moscow in 2025 will come in the second half of September. During the day, the temperature will return to the values of +17...+22 degrees, the nights will be cooler — about +10...+15 degrees.

Indian Summer forecast for 2025 in St. Petersburg

After a rainy and unstable August, September pleases Petersburgers with a rare gift. Indian summer has already arrived: the weather will be warm and dry, up to 22 degrees, and many sunny days are expected. It will be cooler at night, up to +9...+13 degrees Celsius. But since the third decade of September, forecasters predict a cold snap, increased clouds and possible rains.

Indian Summer forecast ‑ 2025 in the regions

Indian summer will not occur in all regions of Russia at the same time: much depends on latitude, terrain, air masses and local weather conditions.

Central Russia and the Volga region

According to forecasters, Indian summer in these regions, as in Moscow, will begin approximately in mid-September. It will be up to +23 degrees during the day, night temperatures will fluctuate at up to +10 degrees, with short-term cooling and precipitation possible.

The South of Russia

In the south of Russia, in Sochi and in the Crimea, Indian summer has already come into its own. Due to the stable warm climate and favorable weather conditions, the heat will stay here longer than in other regions of the country. It will be hot in the daytime, up to +25 degrees in summer, and the nights will also be warm, above +15 degrees. However, the cool wind may increase, so do not forget about the hat.

Siberia and the Urals

Indian summer is also forecast in the Urals and Western Siberia in September, but with a possible shift to later dates compared to the European part of the country. The temperature background will be lower: daytime temperatures will remain moderate, without pronounced heat, and nighttime temperatures will be noticeably cool, up to frost. In these latitudes, Indian summer is usually shorter and less stable, as it is quickly replaced by cold air masses from the north.