Smolensk Oblast, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Smolensk Oblast, Russia? If you're planning to go to Smolensk Oblast, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Smolensk Oblast, Russia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Smolensk Oblast, Russia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Smolensk Oblast, Russia by month

January

January 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 a bit less than half of the time and 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 Smolensk Oblast. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is 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 penalties with this

February

February in Smolensk Oblast can be dangerously cold and very snowy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and 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 Smolensk Oblast. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

March in Smolensk Oblast is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Smolensk Oblast can be very chilly 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 sometimes.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Smolensk Oblast. 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 neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now 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 areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May in Smolensk Oblast is relatively cool and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain 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 nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Smolensk Oblast. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most 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 is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June in this region is balmy and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 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 little 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in 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 support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

July

If you are traveling to Smolensk Oblast in July, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s 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 Smolensk Oblast. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

If you are traveling to Smolensk Oblast in August, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

September

Traveling to Smolensk Oblast in September, you will notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Smolensk Oblast. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive 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

October

October in Smolensk Oblast is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows once in a while.

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 Smolensk Oblast. 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 locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

November

November here is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Smolensk Oblast. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

December

Traveling to Smolensk Oblast in December, you will notice that it is biting cold, extremely snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 20s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, 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 Smolensk Oblast. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

What to do in Smolensk Oblast, Russia

Smolensk Oblast is one of the most popular regions in Russia, attracting tourists from all over the world with its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and historical landmarks. Here are the top tourist attractions in the Smolensk Oblast:

1. Smolensk Fortress

The Smolensk Fortress is an impressive fortification system that dates back to the 16th century. This fortress was founded by the Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan the Terrible and served as a stronghold for the Russian army during the Polish invasion. Today, the fortress is a popular tourist attraction and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Pridorozhny Litovsky Dvorets

Pridorozhny Litovsky Dvorets is a historical palace located in the town of Vyazma in the Smolensk Oblast. This palace is one of the architectural jewels of Russia, with its unique Gothic-style facade and intricate interior design. Visitors can explore the palace and its beautiful gardens, and learn about the history of the region.

3. Gagarin Museum

The Gagarin Museum in Smolensk is dedicated to the first human to go to space, Yuri Gagarin. This museum showcases the life and achievements of the famous astronaut, including his flight into space and his impact on the global space exploration movement. Visitors can see a replica of the Vostok-1 spaceship and various artifacts related to Gagarin's life.

4. The Monastery of St. Euthymius

The Monastery of St. Euthymius is a stunning complex of churches and buildings that date back to the 14th century. This monastery is known for its unique architecture and exquisite frescoes, which depict scenes from the history of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Visitors can explore the monastery's various buildings and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the grounds.

5. Smolensk Hermitage Museum

The Smolensk Hermitage Museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork and cultural artifacts from the Smolensk Oblast. This museum features exhibits on traditional Russian crafts, folk art, and paintings by local artists. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region through the museum's interactive exhibits and tours.

6. The Katyn Memorial

The Katyn Memorial is a solemn tribute to the victims of the Katyn Massacre, in which thousands of Polish prisoners of war were executed by the Soviet secret police in 1940. The memorial features a sculpture of a weeping willow tree, symbolic of the loss and sorrow felt by those affected by the massacre. Visitors can pay their respects and honor the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.

In conclusion, the Smolensk Oblast is a beautiful region of Russia, filled with historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural treasures. These six tourist attractions are must-see destinations for anyone visiting the Smolensk Oblast, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this fascinating region.

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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