Everything you need to know about travelling to polar climates

What is a polar climate?

Polar climates are places that experience cool summers and freezing winters. Areas with polar climates are at high latitudes, so they're far from the equator. Because of this, the sunlight's not as strong, and so there's far less heat.

What are the characteristics of a polar climate?

✔️Very cold weather conditions

✔️Limited direct sunlight

✔️Little rainfall

✔️Ice and glaciers

What places experience polar climates?

The north and south poles both have polar climates. Antarctica (in the South Pole) is the only continent predominantly comprised of polar weather conditions. However, certain countries (mainly in Europe) have polar regions, including areas in Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Greenland, Norway, the USA and Canada. It's not very surprising, therefore, that many of these countries are featured in the coldest places on Earth.

Can I visit any locations that have polar climates?

Yes, there are many places with polar climates that you can visit. Lots of them are actually very accessible, even with their snowy conditions! For example, Alaska in America can be accessed through its own airport, Fairbanks International (FAI).

Other locations, like Antarctica, can be more challenging as the continent doesn't have a commercial airport. However, you can still visit by ensuring you have the correct permit, arriving at a nearby country's airport, like one in Chile, and then getting a boat over.

Destinations with polar climates that you can visit:

✔️ Antarctica

✔️ Oymyakon

✔️ Ittoqqortoormiit

✔️ Yukon

✔️ Alaska

If you're interested in discovering how to get to these locations, just how cold they really get, and some other extremely chilly polar destinations, then check out our blog on the coldest places in the world that you can visit.

Things to do in polar climates:

There are so many exciting opportunities within polar regions, some that are entirely unique to the rest of the world. Activities include:

✔️ Skiing

✔️ Animal watching

✔️ Adventure holidays

✔️ Conservation schemes

✔️ Scientific research

✔️ Experiencing the northern lights

✔️ Mountain climbing

✔️ Boat tours

✔️ Polar plunge

What to wear in polar climates?

Because the weather in polar locations is so cold, wearing the correct clothing isn't just about creature comforts. It's about necessity. By ensuring you're dressed appropriately, not only will you be able to enjoy your time away more, but you'll be able to fend off the health risks that can arise in cold conditions like frostbite or hypothermia.

✔️ Multiple layers

✔️ Thermal clothing (underwear, socks, jumpers)

✔️ Hat

✔️ Scarf

✔️ Gloves

✔️ Layers of loose clothing with one thick, heavy item (your coat)

✔️ Wool and silk over cotton

✔️ Waterproof and windproof coat

✔️ Rubber boots

✔️ Sunglasses (your eyes can be exposed to ultraviolet rays that reflect from the snow and can actually cause snow blindness)

✔️ Sunblock (the reflection of light from the snow and water can burn you, even in frosty conditions)

Wildlife in Polar Climates:

Arctic plants and animals have had to adapt to the freezing conditions. The plants that grow in these areas are usually very small, with shallow root systems that don't need to bury deep underground. To protect themselves from the copious amounts of snow, plants in polar regions will have fuzzy stems and leaves, which limits damage. They will also grow exceptionally quickly. Because the summer season's so short, these plants must utilise the sunlight as fast as possible and sprout seeds and flowers in record time.

Meanwhile, the animals have bodies designed to insulate and keep them warm. Depending on the species, creatures of polar climates tend to have lots of fat, blubber, or fur — all to trap heat. The winter months are hard for animals in polar climates. Many of them will make dens to hibernate until the temperature increases, while others will migrate to warmer locations and return once the freezing winter has ended.

Wildlife native to polar climates:  

✔️ Antarctic hair grass

✔️ Antarctic pearlwort

✔️ Reindeer Moss

✔️ Polar bear

✔️ Artic fox

✔️ Snowy owl

🖋️Fun Fact: In places like Antarctica, many areas have no soil. On their own, plants can't grow without it. However, Scientists are discovering ways to sow and maintain plant life without needing it! In 2018, German researchers harvested the first-ever vegetables in Antarctica. With their help, these plants were able to grow without any soil or sunlight. The aim of this study was to help discover ways to aid astronauts in planting vegetation and, thus, food on different planets. Because polar climates are so unique, their extreme environments provide a helpful location on Earth for scientists to study planets beyond our own!🖋️

How has climate change impacted the polar climate?

The polar climate is changing rapidly. As climate change warms the atmosphere, icebergs are melting, damaging ecosystems and making animals like the polar bear and walrus critically endangered.

How can I help the polar climate?

✔️ Recycle

✔️ Help the animals of Antarctica by giving a little money and 'adopting one'

✔️ Flying with environmentally friendly airlines

✔️ Join charity groups

✔️ Being environmentally conscious when visiting a polar region

End note

The polar climate is the coldest of the five main climates. Because of its freezing conditions, plants and animals have adapted to survive. However, that doesn't mean people can't live or at least visit these places.

Alternative Airlines can get you flights to a country with a polar climate. If you're curious about what Alternative Airlines has to offer, from our 600+ airlines to our Buy Now Pay Later lenders, then check out our other pages!