Novaya Zemlya, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Novaya Zemlya, Russia? If you're planning to go to Novaya Zemlya, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Novaya Zemlya, Russia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Novaya Zemlya, Russia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Novaya Zemlya, Russia by month

January

January in Novaya Zemlya is beyond freezing and very snowy. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports 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 Novaya Zemlya. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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. It's important that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

If you are traveling to Novaya Zemlya in February, you will notice that it is beyond freezing and very snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 pick the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March in Novaya Zemlya is beyond freezing 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 70% 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

April

If you are traveling to Novaya Zemlya in April, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and very snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

May

May in this region is freezing and very snowy. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. 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 pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

If you vacation in Novaya Zemlya during June, you might notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow 5-10 days this month.

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 Novaya Zemlya. 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 recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Novaya Zemlya can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about 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:

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate 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 large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

Traveling to Novaya Zemlya in August, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. 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 always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

September

If you are traveling to Novaya Zemlya in September, you will notice that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October for Novaya Zemlya is frosty and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly 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 Novaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Novaya Zemlya is beyond freezing and very snowy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Novaya Zemlya. 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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

December

Traveling to Novaya Zemlya in December, you will notice that it is biting cold and very snowy. Expect it to snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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 Novaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs 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 areas.

What to do in Novaya Zemlya, Russia

Novaya Zemlya, located in the far north of Russia, is a remote archipelago that is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. Despite its harsh weather, this breathtaking island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Below are the top tourist attractions in Novaya Zemlya that you should not miss:

1. Cape Zhelaniya

Located at the northernmost tip of the island, Cape Zhelaniya is one of the most prominent landmarks on Novaya Zemlya. The area is highly appreciated for its stunning views of the impenetrable Arctic Ocean and the rugged coastline that is home to a number of flora and fauna species.

2. Belushya Guba

Belushya Guba, located on the southwestern part of Novaya Zemlya, is a picturesque bay that is a popular spot for tourists. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills and cliffs that make it ideal for hiking, wildlife sighting tours, and boat cruises.

3. Cape Fligely

Cape Fligely is another popular attraction in Novaya Zemlya. The cape is the northernmost point in Europe, covering an area of about 10 square km. The rugged coastline and the towering ice cliffs are breathtaking to behold and offer an awe-inspiring contrast.

4. The Arctic Tundra

The Arctic tundra is a vast and barren area that stretches over much of Novaya Zemlya. The tundra is home to numerous species of flora and fauna that live in the harsh environment, including reindeer, polar bears, and Arctic foxes. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the tundra's vast landscapes and wildlife.

5. The Soviet Nuclear Test Sites

Novaya Zemlya was a site for multiple nuclear tests by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Visitors can now visit the sites where the bombs were detonated and view the aftermath of the tests. While this may seem like a fascinating trip, it is advised that visitors take precautions and follow the necessary safety protocols before visiting the site.

In conclusion, Novaya Zemlya is a unique and stunning tourist destination. The island offers a range of outdoor activities, wildlife sightings, as well as historically significant sites that will leave any visitor in awe. With its picturesque landscapes, Novaya Zemlya is bound to leave a lasting impression on travelers, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.

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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