Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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

Contents

When to go to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

January here is frigid. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows a bit less than half 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 Bloomington-Normal. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Bloomington-Normal can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

In March, Bloomington-Normal is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Bloomington-Normal, with several of the days of the month having rain.

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bloomington-Normal. 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 recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Ensure that you get the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April is crisp. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: 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 Bloomington-Normal. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you visit Bloomington-Normal during May, you may see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 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:

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June for Bloomington-Normal is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like 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 penalties with this

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you are traveling to Bloomington-Normal in July, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bloomington-Normal. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you go to Bloomington-Normal in August, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option 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 prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you go to Bloomington-Normal in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you vacation in Bloomington-Normal during October, you may find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you visit Bloomington-Normal during November, you are likely to notice that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bloomington-Normal. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require 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.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in Bloomington-Normal can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bloomington-Normal. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Miller Park Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, United States of America

Bloomington-Normal is a vibrant destination in the state of Illinois, USA. Visitors are drawn to this dynamic twin-city region, which is an eclectic blend of bustling downtowns, rolling countryside, sports, arts, and culture. The city is home to various unique and exciting tourist attractions that offer an array of experiences to its visitors. Here are some must-visit spots when in Bloomington-Normal.

1. McLean County Museum of History - The museum displays numerous artifacts, images, and documents that educate visitors about the history of Illinois and McLean County. There are various interactive exhibits that focus on agriculture, industry, transportation, and everyday life.

2. Children’s Discovery Museum - This museum helps children to learn through interactive exhibits and educational programs. There are various areas for exploring, including a construction site complete with trucks, cranes and kid-sized building, an art studio, a market, and a vet clinic.

3. Miller Park Zoo - Miller Park Zoo is one of Bloomington-Normal's top tourist attractions. The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including red pandas, river otters, zebras, monkeys, and more. Additionally, the zoo features a beautiful botanical garden and a children's petting zoo.

4. The Castle Theatre - The Castle Theatre is a historic theatre that has been renovated to showcase live music, stand-up comedy, theatre productions, and movies.

5. Normal CornBelters Stadium - Sports lovers can catch a game at the CornBelters Stadium. The stadium is home to the Normal CornBelters, a professional baseball team that plays in the Frontier League.

6. Upper Limits Climbing Gym - Upper Limits Climbing Gym is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers. The gym has more than 70 climbing routes, ensuring endless hours of engagement for climbers of all skill levels.

7. Constitution Trail - The Constitution Trail is a beautiful recreation trail that passes through various parks and natural areas in Bloomington-Normal. The trail spans for over 45 miles, which makes it ideal for a relaxing bike ride, hike, or jog.

8. Bloomington Farmers Market - Locals and tourists alike enjoy a visit to the Bloomington Farmers Market. The market is a hub of activity where you'll find fresh produce, handmade goods, baked goods, and live music. It operates every Saturday from April to October.

9. David Davis Mansion - The David Davis Mansion is a historic estate that was constructed in 1870. Today, the mansion operates as a museum, where visitors can explore the exquisite interior, including the marble fireplaces, chandeliers, and several antique pieces of furniture.

In conclusion, Bloomington-Normal is an exciting destination that has something to offer for everyone. The attractions in the city provide a glimpse into its rich history, culture, sports, and nature. Plan your next trip to the twin-city region and explore all the Bloomington-Normal tourist attractions that makes it such an unforgettable destination.

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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