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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Severnaya Zemlya, Russia? If you're planning to go to Severnaya Zemlya, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Severnaya Zemlya, Russia

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January for Severnaya Zemlya is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C) during the day. It snows regularly.

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 Severnaya 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 airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • 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. Avoid penalties with this

February

February in Severnaya Zemlya is beyond freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20+ below zero F (30+ below zero C). It snows about a third 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Severnaya 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

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

March

March here can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C) during the day. It snows 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.

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Severnaya Zemlya is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month. 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.

  • 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 Severnaya 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May in Severnaya Zemlya is beyond freezing and very 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 about half 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 Severnaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in Severnaya Zemlya is frigid and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows about half 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: 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 Severnaya Zemlya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • 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. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

July

July in Severnaya Zemlya is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 90% 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 airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

In August, Severnaya Zemlya can be extremely cold. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Severnaya Zemlya, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 90%. Additionally, it is windy.

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in this region can be extremely cold and somewhat 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: 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 Severnaya 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now 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 sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you go to Severnaya Zemlya in October, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Severnaya Zemlya. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the necessary kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Severnaya Zemlya can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month. 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 airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Severnaya 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you go to Severnaya Zemlya in December, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Severnaya 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 airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

What to do in Severnaya Zemlya, Russia

Severnaya Zemlya is a group of islands located in the extreme north of Russia, surrounded by the Arctic Ocean. Despite its remote location, Severnaya Zemlya is one of the most fascinating places on Earth and offers some of the most unique and awe-inspiring sights in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top tourist attractions in Severnaya Zemlya.

1. Cape Chelyuskin

Cape Chelyuskin is the northernmost point in Eurasia, located on the coast of the Taimyr Peninsula. It is one of the most remarkable landmarks in the region with the coast being the perfect spot to observe the polar bears that call this area home.

2. Krenkel Bay

Krenkel Bay is a beautiful inlet located on the eastern coast of Severnaya Zemlya. This site offers a rare opportunity to see polar bears, walruses, as well as Arctic foxes and other wildlife. Visitors can also see the stunning icebergs that float by while standing on the coast.

3. The Vavilov Ice Cap

This massive ice cap is one of the key attractions on Severnaya Zemlya. It is one of the largest glaciers in the Arctic and offers breathtaking views of the frozen landscape. The ice cap is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna on the planet.

4. The Bolshoi Lyakhovsky Island

The Bolshoi Lyakhovsky Island is the largest of the Lyakhovsky Islands and is home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the region. Visitors can see some unique plant species that are found only in the Arctic, and experience the island’s rich history. It was inhabited by humans and extinct birds 20,000 years ago and today, their footprints are perfectly preserved in the tundra soil.

5. Polar Expeditions

Severnaya Zemlya and Taimyr Peninsula are both immensely popular for polar expeditions. In the summer months of June to September, you can undertake a polar expedition via icebreaker from the nearby city of Krasnoyarsk. The journey will take you through the barren and starkly beautiful High Arctic, and towards the North Pole.

Overall, Severnaya Zemlya is one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth. It boasts some of the most unique wildlife and natural landscapes that must be seen in person for one to fully appreciate. So, do not delay - come and see it for yourself!

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Brufut, Gambia, Nantong, China, Northern Lowlands, Guatemala, Santo Domingo, Venezuela, North Central Province, Sri Lanka, Mid-North Coast, New South Wales, Australia, Fairfield, New Jersey, United States of America, Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States of America, Bosanska Krajina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bnei Brak, Israel, and Plumas County, California, United States of America.