Western Siberia, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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

Contents

When to go to Western Siberia, Russia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Western Siberia, Russia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Western Siberia, Russia by month

January

January in Western Siberia can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area 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.

  • 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 Western Siberia. 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 find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in this region can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It rains or 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 frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Siberia. 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 stuff.

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

March

Traveling to Western Siberia in March, you will notice that it can be bitter cold. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Siberia. 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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

Traveling to Western Siberia in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 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 Western Siberia. 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 airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May in Western Siberia is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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 Western Siberia. 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 huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

June

Traveling to Western Siberia in June, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. 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 Western Siberia. 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 airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

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. Make sure to find the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices 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 pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

July

July in Western Siberia is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 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 Western Siberia. 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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

August

If you visit Western Siberia during August, you are likely to see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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.

  • 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 Western Siberia. 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 repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • 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 good option is this one

September

September in Western Siberia is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly 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 Western Siberia. 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option 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. Ensure that you get the right type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October in Western Siberia is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Siberia. 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

November

If you are traveling to Western Siberia in November, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to rain or snow about two thirds of the time. 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Western Siberia. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, 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

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

December

December for Western Siberia is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It rains or 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, 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 Western Siberia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of 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 burn up. This one works in 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 prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

What to do in Western Siberia, Russia

Western Siberia might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to tourism in Russia, but this vast region offers plenty of attractions and activities. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural wonder, Western Siberia has something to offer. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in Western Siberia.

1. Novosibirsk

Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia and the cultural center of Western Siberia. The city is home to many museums, theaters, and galleries, including the famous Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre. Novosibirsk also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars and clubs. The city is also a transportation hub, making it a good jumping-off point for exploring other parts of the region.

2. Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains are a stunning range that stretches across Western Siberia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. In Western Siberia, the Altai Mountains are located in the Altai Republic, a federal subject of Russia. The area is home to snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and ancient petroglyphs. Visitors to the Altai Mountains can go hiking, rafting, or horseback riding. There are also opportunities to go fishing or to visit traditional Altai villages.

3. Tomsk

Tomsk is a historic city in Western Siberia, known for its wooden architecture and vibrant student population. The city was founded in the 17th century and served as a center of trade and intellectual activity in Siberia. Today, visitors to Tomsk can explore its numerous museums and galleries, or take a stroll along the picturesque Tom River. Tomsk is also famous for its cuisine, which includes traditional Siberian dishes such as pelmeni (dumplings) and stroganina (frozen slices of raw fish).

4. Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and one of the clearest. It's also one of the deepest, reaching a depth of over 1,600 meters (5,250 feet). The lake is located in southern Siberia, near the border with Mongolia. Visitors to Lake Baikal can go hiking in the surrounding mountains, go fishing or kayaking in the lake itself, or take a dip in its icy-cold waters. The lake is also home to numerous endemic species, including the Baikal seal.

5. Tobolsk

Tobolsk is a historic town in Western Siberia, located on the banks of the Irtysh River. The town was founded in the late 16th century and served as a center of trade and culture in Siberia. Today, Tobolsk is known for its well-preserved architecture, which includes numerous historic churches and wooden buildings. Visitors to Tobolsk can also explore its museums or take a tour of the nearby Siberian salt mines.

In conclusion, Western Siberia offers a range of attractions and experiences for visitors. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, there's something for everyone in this vast and diverse region. So why not plan a trip to Western Siberia and explore all that it has to offer?

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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