Franz Josef Land, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Franz Josef Land, Russia? If you're planning to go to Franz Josef Land, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Franz Josef Land, Russia

Based on the climate and weather in Franz Josef Land, Russia, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Franz Josef Land, Russia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Franz Josef Land, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Franz Josef Land, Russia by month

January

January in this region can be dangerously cold and very snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you go to Franz Josef Land in February, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and very snowy. Expect it to snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you are traveling to Franz Josef Land in March, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and very snowy. Expect it to snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Franz Josef Land is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May in Franz Josef Land is beyond freezing and extremely snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June for Franz Josef Land is frigid and very snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

July

If you go to Franz Josef Land in July, you will notice that it is very cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you are traveling to Franz Josef Land in August, you will notice that it can be extremely cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

September in Franz Josef Land is frosty and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October in Franz Josef Land is biting cold and extremely snowy. Temperatures average in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

November

November for Franz Josef Land can be bitter cold and very snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

December

December in Franz Josef Land is beyond freezing and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). It snows about two thirds of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Russia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Franz Josef Land. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

What to do in Franz Josef Land, Russia

Franz Josef Land is a remote archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, belonging to the Russian Federation. Many people may not have heard of it before, but the archipelago is full of breathtaking landscapes and amazing wildlife, making it a destination that should definitely be on your bucket list. Here are some top tourist attractions you must see when visiting Franz Josef Land, Russia.

1. Cape Fligely

Cape Fligely is the northernmost point of Eurasia and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Franz Josef Land. The cape was named after General Austro-Hungarian Julius von Payer's friend, German geographer August von Fligely. The location is amazingly beautiful with towering ice cliffs covered in snow, and the view of the Arctic Ocean is truly mesmerizing.

2. Tikhaya Bay

Tikhaya Bay is a large bay located in the Northeastern part of Franz Josef Land. It is an ideal location for those who love to explore the Arctic wilderness as it is surrounded by fascinating landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can witness the perfect combination of tundra, ice, and sea with diverse fauna, such as seals, walruses, and polar bears.

3. Rubini Rock

A visit to Rubini Rock is a must-do activity when visiting Franz Josef Land. The area surrounding the rock is home to various birds such as albatrosses, petrels, and cormorants. It is the perfect place to observe these birds' unique characteristics, and you can also witness stunning views of the Arctic Ocean from the rock itself.

4. Alexandra Land

Alexandra Land is another top attraction located in central Franz Josef Land. The land is named after Alexandra, the wife of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. It is known for its broad valleys, high cliffs, and luscious tundra vegetation — very different from the typical Arctic landscapes in Franz Josef Land. Visitors may must-visit the Grumant settlement, Kaap Wien, and the Polar Station if they get the chance.

5. Iceberg Straight

Iceberg straight is a fascinating location located in the Eastern part of Franz Josef Land. It is a strait that separates the Hayes Islands from the Wilczek Land. The exciting thing about this place is that visitors can observe various ice structures such as glaciers, icebergs, and many other formations that continually drift and change shape.

6. Northern Lights

The northern lights or aurora borealis can be seen in Franz Josef Land during winter. This natural phenomenon is one of the most magnificent sights to behold. Catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis should be at the top of your bucket list for the unforgettable experiences that come with it.

In conclusion, Franz Josef Land has a lot to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to accessible wildlife. The archipelago is full of amazing wonders you must see. With the list above, you won't miss out on anything when you visit Franz Josef Land in Russia.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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