Everything you need to know about polar climates

What is a polar climate?

Polar climates are places that experiencing 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 less strong meaning 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.

Plant life in polar climates:

Polar plants have had to adapt to the freezing conditions, which means they grow very differently from most other species. Many polar regions have very limited soil, and to compensate for this, the plants that tend to grow in these areas are usually very small, with shallow root systems that don't have to bury deep underground.

Lots of the species in these locations can continue to grow even when buried under thick layers of snow and will often have fuzzy stems and leaves, which helps protect them from damage. Another way these types of plants have adapted is by being able to grow extremely quickly. Because the summer season in polar climates is so short, plants must utilise the sunlight as fast as possible and sprout seeds and flowers in record time.

In places like Antarctica, there are many areas with no soil. On their own, plants can't grow without soil. 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 foreign planets.

Plants that are native to polar climates:

✔️ Antarctic hair grass

✔️ Antarctic pearlwort

✔️ Reindeer Moss

Animal life in polar climates:

Just like the plants of polar regions, animals, too, have to adapt to survive the harsh weather conditions. Their bodies are designed to insulate and keep them warm. Depending on the species, the 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 eat and store away as much food as possible during the warmer months and then make a den to hibernate in until the freezing conditions of winter ease. Some polar animals can survive for extensive periods without needing to eat, like the Antarctic krill, which can live up to 200 days without eating anything!

Another way that some polar creatures survive the cold winters is by not being there. Hundreds of species, from birds to whales to reindeer, will migrate to warmer locations right as the weather's about to shift, as the freezing conditions can make survival just too unrealistic.

Animals that are native to polar climates:

✔️ Polar bear

✔️ Artic fox

✔️ Snowy owl

Can I visit any locations that have a polar climate?

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.

If you're interested in visiting somewhere with a polar climate, then check out our blog on the coldest places in the world that you can visit. Learn about the coldest destinations on Earth and how you can go there.

Things to do in polar climates:

There are so many exciting opportunities in locations with 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.

Items of clothing include:

✔️ 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)

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, please have a look at the rest of our site!