Badlands, North Dakota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Badlands, North Dakota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Badlands, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Badlands
- Important essentials for Badlands
- Activities for Badlands
- Badlands in January: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in February: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in March: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in April: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in May: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in June: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in July: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in August: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in September: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in October: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in November: weather and what to pack
- Badlands in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Badlands, North Dakota, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Badlands, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Badlands, North Dakota, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Badlands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Badlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Badlands, North Dakota, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Badlands is unbearably cold. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head protector at night in this climate like this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Badlands (North Dakota), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
February
February in Badlands is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a cap at night in this weather like this
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Heated gloves
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Badlands (North Dakota), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
March
March in Badlands can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Badlands (North Dakota), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
April
April can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Badlands (North Dakota), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
May
In May, Badlands is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Badlands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
June
June in Badlands is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you visit Badlands during July, you may notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
August
August in Badlands is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you visit Badlands during September, you will probably find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
October
If you vacation in Badlands during October, you may notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Badlands (North Dakota), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great choice.
November
If you go to Badlands in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain or snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Badlands (North Dakota), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
December
If you are traveling to Badlands in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Badlands (North Dakota), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
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