Catskills, New York, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Catskills, New York, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Catskills, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Catskills, New York, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Catskills, New York, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Catskills, New York, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Catskills, New York, United States of America by month

January

January in Catskills is frosty and snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

In February, Catskills is very cold and snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). During your visit, you can expect extremely heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Catskills, with several of the days of the month having rain.

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.

  • 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 Catskills. 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 recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Catskills is cold and snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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 huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you vacation in Catskills during April, you might notice that it can be chilly and snowy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 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 snow ().

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 Catskills. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • 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. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Catskills is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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 frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you go to Catskills in July, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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 airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Catskills is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits 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 airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Catskills is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, 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.

  • 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 Catskills. 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. Take care to pick the necessary type. Many adapters available are simply 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 places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

In October, Catskills can be chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). During your visit, you can expect a dusting of snow. This is also a rainy time for Catskills, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November is cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows (several inches of snow).

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 Catskills. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

In December, Catskills is frosty and snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Catskills, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Catskills. 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 recently, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to North-South Lake, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Catskills, New York, United States of America

The Catskill Mountains of New York are a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From sprawling state parks to quaint towns, there is plenty to see and do in the Catskills. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the region:

1. Kaaterskill Falls: Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New York, cascading down over two stages for a total of 260 feet. Located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, the hike to the falls is just as breathtaking as the falls themselves. It's a perfect spot for a day hike, picnic, or a photo op.

2. North-South Lake: North-South Lake is the biggest and most popular state park in the Catskills. It boasts numerous hiking trails, camping sites, and swimming areas. The views from the top of North Mountain are particularly stunning. The park is also home to numerous wildlife species such as coyotes, black bears, and bald eagles.

3. Woodstock: The town of Woodstock is famous for its music festival in 1969 but has since become a creative hub for art and culture. Explore the unique shops, galleries, and restaurants on Tinker Street or visit the Woodstock Playhouse for live performances.

4. Hunter Mountain: Hunter Mountain is a winter playground for skiers and snowboarders with over 50 trails and six terrain parks. During the summer months, the mountain transforms into an adventure park featuring ziplining, treetop courses, and scenic chairlift rides.

5. Opus 40: Opus 40 is a unique outdoor sculpture park created by Harvey Fite. It features a sprawling network of stone walls, ramps, and sculptures over six acres. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine garden and marvel at the artist's ingenuity.

6. Thomas Cole National Historic Site: Thomas Cole is considered the founder of the Hudson River School of art, and his home in Catskill has been converted into a museum dedicated to his work. The site features galleries, gardens, and walking tours that offer a glimpse into the life and art of this seminal American artist.

7. Catskill Animal Sanctuary: The Catskill Animal Sanctuary is an educational farm that rescues and rehabilitates animals from factory farms and other abusive situations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and interact with the animals such as cows, pigs, turkeys, and even llamas.

The Catskills are a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it's no surprise that they have been a popular destination for generations of tourists. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, the region has something for everyone.

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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