Wrangel Island, Russia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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

Contents

When to go to Wrangel Island, Russia

Based on the climate and weather in Wrangel Island, Russia, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Wrangel Island, Russia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Wrangel Island, Russia by month

January

If you are traveling to Wrangel Island in January, you will notice that it is biting cold. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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.

  • 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 on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Wrangel Island is biting cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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. Ensure that you find the right kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect 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 countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March here can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust 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

April

April is unbearably cold. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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 locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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 belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice 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. Check that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just 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.

  • 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

May

If you are traveling to Wrangel Island in May, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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.

  • 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 these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers 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 places.

June

If you are traveling to Wrangel Island in June, you will notice that it is frigid. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

July

If you are traveling to Wrangel Island in July, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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 help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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

  • 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 available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

August

August in Wrangel Island is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). 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

    Russia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • 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

  • 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. It's important that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

September

Traveling to Wrangel Island in September, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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 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 Wrangel Island. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October for Wrangel Island can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangel Island. 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 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

November

Traveling to Wrangel Island in November, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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 Wrangel Island. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

December

December can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Russia has some specific safety 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 Wrangel Island. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Wrangel Island, Russia

Wrangel Island, located in the far northeast of Russia, is a destination like no other. This secluded Arctic wilderness is home to some of the rarest and most fascinating wildlife on the planet, not to mention stunning glaciers, rocky coastlines, and vast tundra landscapes. Whether you're an adventurous traveler or an armchair explorer, there are countless reasons to visit Wrangel Island. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to add to your itinerary:

1. Polar Bears

Wrangel Island is known as the "polar bear maternity ward" for good reason – it's the largest denning area for female polar bears in the world. From May to July, visitors can witness these magnificent animals emerging from their dens with their cubs, teaching them how to hunt and survive in the harsh Arctic environment. Polar bear safaris are available for those who want to get up close and personal with these awe-inspiring creatures.

2. Snowy Owls

Another iconic Arctic creature that can be seen on Wrangel Island is the snowy owl. These majestic birds of prey are known for their piercing yellow eyes and snowy white plumage, and they are a common sight on the island's tundra. Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the owls in flight or perched on a rocky outcrop.

3. The Northern Lights

For those who want to witness one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on earth, a visit to Wrangel Island during the winter months is a must. The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, can be seen dancing across the sky on clear nights, casting an ethereal glow over the frosty landscape.

4. The Woolly Mammoth

Believe it or not, Wrangel Island is one of the few remaining places on earth where woolly mammoths once roamed. Though the last of these massive mammals died out around 4,000 years ago, their remains can still be found on the island, preserved in the permafrost. Visitors can explore mammoth graveyards and learn about the island's fascinating prehistoric past.

5. Kayaking and Hiking

Of course, there's more to Wrangel Island than just wildlife and history. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the island's rugged coastline and hiking through its unique tundra landscapes. Kayak tours offer the chance to paddle through icy waters and get a close-up look at the island's glaciers and rock formations.

Wrangel Island may be remote and challenging to reach, but for those who make the journey, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you're interested in wildlife, natural beauty, or history, there's something for everyone on this Arctic wonderland. Plan your trip today and prepare to be amazed.

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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