Surviving Siberian and Mongolian Winters as a Traveller
How to dress and plan for extreme cold: layering systems, protecting hands, feet and face, recognising frostbite and hypothermia, keeping electronics working, and planning around short days.
Short answer
Extreme cold demands a layering system (wicking base, insulating mid-layers, windproof shell), insulated mittens, warm boots a size larger than usual, and face protection. Learn the signs of frostbite (numbness, white or grey skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion), keep batteries warm, and plan around short daylight and reduced transport.
Key points
- Mittens are warmer than gloves.
- Boots should leave room for thick socks.
- Wind matters as much as temperature — check wind chill.
- Batteries die fast in the cold; keep them inside your clothing.
Winter temperatures in parts of Siberia and Mongolia regularly fall below −30°C, and in Yakutia below −40°C. With the right preparation, travel is possible — and spectacular.
Layering is non-negotiable
| Layer | Purpose | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Moves moisture away from skin | Merino wool or synthetic — never cotton |
| Mid (1–2 layers) | Traps heat | Fleece, wool, down |
| Outer | Blocks wind and snow | Windproof parka with hood |
Adjust layers to avoid sweating — wet clothing loses insulation quickly.
Extremities
- Hands: insulated mittens over thin liner gloves (so you can briefly use your phone).
- Feet: insulated winter boots with room for thick wool socks; tight boots restrict circulation.
- Face: balaclava or scarf, plus goggles or glasses in strong wind.
- Head: a warm hat covering the ears.
Know the warning signs
| Condition | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Frostnip / frostbite | Numbness; white, grey or waxy skin | Go indoors; rewarm gently; don't rub; seek help for anything serious |
| Hypothermia | Intense shivering, clumsiness, confusion, drowsiness | Get to warmth, remove wet clothes, warm drinks if conscious; seek medical help |
Check the risk with the wind chill calculator.
Electronics
Batteries fail in deep cold. Keep phones and spare batteries inside your clothing. Let cameras warm slowly in a bag when you go indoors to avoid condensation.
Short days and transport
Daylight can be very short in the far north in midwinter. Plan outdoor activities around daylight, allow buffer days for weather delays, and confirm that seasonal transport — roads over ice, ferries, flights — is operating.
The bottom line
Extreme cold is manageable with proper layers, protected extremities, knowledge of warning signs and flexible plans. Mongolia's clear winter skies and frozen landscapes are worth it — read Mongolia beyond Ulaanbaatar.
Questions readers ask
How can I spot frostbite?
Early signs are numbness, tingling and skin that turns white, grey or waxy, often on the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes. Get to warmth and rewarm gently. Seek medical help for anything beyond mild frostnip.
Do phones work in extreme cold?
Batteries drain quickly and may shut down. Keep phones in an inside pocket and carry a power bank kept warm too.
