Sochi experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters that seldom see the temperature drop below freezing. Average summer temperatures range between 77ºF and 83ºF (25ºC and 28ºC) while average winter temperatures hover around the 43ºF (6ºC) mark. The Krasnaya Polyana mountains experience perfect snow conditions and are largely protected from the wind - a unique condition that cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. The ski season is from October through May.

There are trains and buses running frequently throughout the city of Sochi. Taxis are also easily available but can be quite expensive; it is best to negotiate a price with the taxi driver before setting out. With the 2014 Winter Olympics in sight, the city of Sochi is making major changes to its transport infrastructure.

Russian is the official language. Some people speak English, French or German.

The official currency is the Rouble (RUB), which is divided into 100 kopeks. Most major credit cards, like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in the larger hotels and at places that deal with foreign tourists. Currency can be changed at banks, currency exchange booths and hotels. Travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to cash, but if necessary it is advised to take them in US Dollars or Euro. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is hard to get rubles outside Russia and travellers are advised to take good condition US dollars or Euro notes to change once there. It is illegal to pay for goods or services in hard currency, though it is often accepted.