A severe heatwave has caused a massive influx of people from Moscow and the surrounding Moscow Region to local beaches and water bodies. Water temperatures have risen significantly, reaching over 25 degrees Celsius (77°F), resulting in packed shores and overwhelming both free and paid recreational areas. Even paid zones were completely full by Saturday morning, July 12th.
Prices for entry and amenities at paid locations are reportedly reaching several thousand rubles.
Staff from Business FM inquired about current prices at several recreational spots:
Soho Country Club: Internal parking costs 2,000 rubles, external 1,000 rubles. Sun loungers with towels are available after passing face control and paying a daily rental fee per person. A restaurant and summer kitchen are available.
Rechnoy Beach-Restaurant (Moscow): City parking costs 300 rubles per hour. Sun loungers cannot be booked in advance; placement is first-come, first-served, costing from 2,000 rubles. Only beds can be reserved in advance, starting from 5,000 rubles per person. Bringing personal food, drinks, or towels is not permitted.
Listeners shared their experiences at public water bodies in the Moscow Region:
Svetlana from Reutov: Described the Fabrichny pond as an old, beautiful spot with cafes, shops, a fountain, and catamaran rentals. Sun loungers are free. Although swimming is prohibited, everyone swims. The area is extremely crowded, making it hard to even get near the water.
Maxim from Moscow: Visited his usual spot at Pirogovsky reservoir but found a barrier charging 500 rubles per person, which he called “self-seizure.” He moved to another location where people were camping since Thursday or Friday. The road was poor (locals trying to block access), parking impossible. He and companions used SUP boards to get away from the crowds for a few hours. Upon return, it was even more crowded, making it difficult to reach their car. They packed up and left.
Sergey (Dacha resident): Spoke about the upper reaches of the Pakhra river near the Kaluga highway (about 40 km from Moscow). It`s a narrow river (5-6 meters) with clean water, one deep spot serving several large dacha communities. Normally crowded, it`s now packed (“people sitting on each other`s heads”). There are no specific amenities, and it`s barely a beach (though listed as one on Yandex Maps). Transit tourists have increased the crowding further.
Anastasia from Moscow: Was in Alabino (Moscow Region) for a “Hero Race.” Described unbearable heat but the option to cool off in a large local pond with recreation areas, small food courts, and SUP rentals. It was very crowded with people and children. She noted it`s a military town/base.
Moscow Region rivers, quarries, and reservoirs last saw such high temperatures (up to 28 degrees Celsius / 82°F) in 2010, hotter than the Black Sea in July that year. This year`s current weather forecast suggests temperatures could reach or exceed that 15-year-old record. While rain and thunderstorms are expected starting Monday, the heat is forecast to continue until at least Wednesday.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth