Ulan Ude, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Ulan Ude, Russia? If you're planning to go to Ulan Ude, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ulan Ude, Russia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Ulan Ude, Russia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Ulan Ude, Russia by month

January

January can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits 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.

  • 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 anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Ulan Ude. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Ulan Ude 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.

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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • 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. It's important that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • 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

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to Ulan Ude in March, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 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 airlines always 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 Ulan Ude. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold 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 should be appropriate for most locations.

  • 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 neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Ulan Ude is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows about a third 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ulan Ude. 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 things 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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. Save money with this

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you go to Ulan Ude in May, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ulan Ude. 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 huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is 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 sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Ulan Ude during June, you might find that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it 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.

  • 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 Ulan Ude. 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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money 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 careful to choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours 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

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Ulan Ude is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) to high 70s F (mid 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 bit of 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ulan Ude. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the right type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

Traveling to Ulan Ude 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you 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 Ulan Ude. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert 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

  • 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

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Ulan Ude is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Ulan Ude, with several of the days of the month having rain.

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 Ulan Ude. 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 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option 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. Take care to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers 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 places.

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Ulan Ude in October, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow about a third of the time. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for 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. Save money with this

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you are traveling to Ulan Ude in November, 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 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 always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ulan Ude. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold 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 works in most locations.

  • 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

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Ulan Ude is biting cold and very snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ulan Ude. 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 recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you see the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikalia Culture, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Ulan Ude, Russia

Ulan-Ude, the capital city of the Russian Republic of Buryatia, is an absolute marvel of both natural beauty and cultural diversity. This city is located in the eastern part of Russia, nestled in the valleys of the Selenga River basin, and surrounded by the Siberian mountains - offering stunning vistas and abundant opportunities for adventure seekers. Ulan-Ude is the perfect spot for an offbeat Russian holiday, allowing travelers to discover the unique blend of indigenous culture, imperial architecture, and communist-era monuments.

Here’s a rundown of the top tourist attractions in Ulan-Ude:

1. The Lenin Head – The world’s largest Lenin head measuring 7.7 meters high is an icon in Ulan-Ude. The bronze statue, sculptured by Vyacheslav Klykov, has since become a tourist attraction, both for its sheer size and its complex history.

2. Ethnographic Museum of the Republic of Buryatia – Located in the historic center of Ulan-Ude, this museum preserves the cultural and historical heritage of the indigenous peoples of Siberia. Exhibits range from traditional Buryat folk attire and shamanic objects to a display of early 20th-century weapons and jewelry.

3. Buddhist Temples – Ulan-Ude has a flourishing Buddhist population and a plethora of temples to explore. The most notable of these are Ivolginsky Datsan, the main Buddhist temple of Buryatia, and the Datsan Rinpoche Bagsha, a stunning complex of more than 10 temples and a monastery, located on the outskirts of the city.

4. Wooden Old Believers Church – Located in the heart of Ulan-Ude’s historic center, the cathedral is an absolute wonder. The building is made entirely of wood and adorned with intricate carvings, graffiti, and frescoes. It is a must-visit the place for those who appreciate wooden architecture and antique Russian orthodoxy.

5. Mount Munku-Sardyk – A scenic spot located just outside the city, Munku-Sardyk is a popular spot for adventure-seekers. It is the highest peak in the Siberian mountain range and offers stunning views of Ulan-Ude and the surrounding villages. Hike here will put you in touch with nature and take your breath away.

6. Ulan-Ude’s Market – The open-air market in the city offers an excellent souvenir shopping experience for travelers. The brightly-colored cloth from surrounding Bedouin peoples, wooden Carved figurines, and stylish ethnic jewelry from local artisans are just a few of the things that one can get from the market.

All in all, the Russian city of Ulan-Ude offers a unique cultural and natural destination for travelers who don’t mind straying off the beaten path while discovering fascinating historical sights and stunning natural landmarks. Being a combination of different customs and traditions, Ulan-Ude is one of Russia’s best-kept secrets that is worth discovering.

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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