Karelia, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Karelia, Russia? If you're planning to go to Karelia, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Karelia
- Important essentials for Karelia
- Activities for Karelia
- Karelia in January: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in February: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in March: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in April: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in May: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in June: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in July: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in August: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in September: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in October: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in November: weather and what to pack
- Karelia in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Karelia, Russia
Based on the climate and weather in Karelia, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Karelia, Russia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Karelia, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
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 Karelia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Karelia, Russia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Karelia is biting cold and extremely snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Karelia, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 90%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Neck warmer/ski mask
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated gloves
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Karelia, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
February
February in Karelia is biting cold and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ 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 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head protector at night in this climate like this
-
Heated gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Karelia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
March
If you go to Karelia in March, you will notice that it is frigid and very snowy. Expect it to snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Pajamas
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Karelia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
April
April for Karelia can be brisk and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Karelia, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
May
Traveling to Karelia in May, you will notice that it can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Karelia, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
June
June is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
July
July in Karelia is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
August
If you vacation in Karelia during August, you will probably see that it is mild and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
September
In September, Karelia is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Karelia, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in Karelia can be very chilly, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Karelia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
November
November in Karelia can be extremely cold and very snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Karelia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
December
December here can be bitter cold and extremely snowy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains occasionally and snows nearly every day this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Karelia, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
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