Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Bismarck, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America by month

January

January for Bismarck can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bismarck. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February here is freezing. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money 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 A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you go to Bismarck in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage 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 Bismarck. 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
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you vacation in Bismarck during April, you might notice that it is cool. 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). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, 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 Bismarck. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Bismarck is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • 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 Bismarck. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Bismarck is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Bismarck, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bismarck. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of 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 burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you visit Bismarck during July, you may see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Bismarck in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: 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 Bismarck. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you visit Bismarck during September, you may notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • 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 Bismarck. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Bismarck in October, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Bismarck can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Bismarck is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Bismarck, North Dakota, United States of America

Bismarck, North Dakota, is a city full of history and culture, with plenty of things to do for tourists. Here are the top tourist attractions in Bismarck:

1. North Dakota State Capitol: The North Dakota State Capitol is an iconic building in Bismarck, and a must-see for tourists. It was completed in 1934 and includes stunning art deco architecture, impressive murals, and a beautiful Capitol Park.

2. North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum: The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of North Dakota. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, from native American cultures to the story of the state's early settlers.

3. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located just south of Bismarck and is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features hiking and biking trails, fishing and boating, and historical attractions like the reconstructed Fort Abraham Lincoln.

4. Dakota Zoo: The Dakota Zoo is a popular attraction for families with children. The zoo has over 600 animals from around the world, including tigers, bears, and primates.

5. Missouri River: The Missouri River runs through Bismarck, and visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, fishing, and kayaking on the river.

6. Keelboat Park: Keelboat Park is a historic site that marks the location where Lewis and Clark camped during their expedition. The park includes a replica of the keelboat that was used by the famous explorers.

7. The North Dakota Governor's Mansion: The North Dakota Governor's Mansion is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture and is open for tours during the summer months.

8. Raging Rivers Waterpark: Raging Rivers Waterpark is a fun destination for families with kids. The park has water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

9. Bismarck Art & Galleries Association: The Bismarck Art & Galleries Association is a great place to see local art from North Dakota. The association hosts regular exhibits and events, including art workshops and classes.

10. The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery: The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery is a peaceful and poignant place that honors the men and women who served their country. Visitors can pay their respects to fallen soldiers at this serene and well-maintained site.

Overall, Bismarck is a city with plenty of attractions that are sure to delight tourists of all interests. History buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and families are all sure to find something to love in Bismarck.

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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