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

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

Contents

When to go to Central Illinois, Illinois, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Central Illinois, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Central Illinois, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

January in Central Illinois is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always 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.

  • 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 Central Illinois. 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

February

February in Central Illinois is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Illinois. 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

If you are traveling to Central Illinois in March, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s 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 Central Illinois. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Central Illinois is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Illinois. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply 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 locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you visit Central Illinois during May, you might notice that it is warm. 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).

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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Illinois. 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 help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • 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

June

If you are traveling to Central Illinois in June, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money 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. Be sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

July

July for Central Illinois is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Central Illinois. 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 these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

August

Traveling to Central Illinois in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Illinois. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

September

September for Central Illinois is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Central Illinois. 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 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 belongings.

  • 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 prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is 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. Check that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

October

If you visit Central Illinois during October, you are likely to see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s 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 Central Illinois. 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 airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

If you are traveling to Central Illinois in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require 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.

December

If you go to Central Illinois in December, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly 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 Central Illinois. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • 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. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

What to do in Central Illinois, Illinois, United States of America

Central Illinois may be a lesser-known tourist destination in Illinois, but it has so much to offer visitors. From beautiful natural wonders to iconic landmarks, there are plenty of attractions that make it worth exploring. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to check out in Central Illinois.

1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. The museum showcases the life and legacy of one of America's greatest presidents through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

2. Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby is a beautiful example of Central Illinois natural beauty. The park is home to 18 canyons with waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and stunning views of the Illinois River. It is the perfect destination for hiking, fishing, boating or just picnicking.

3. Illinois Amish Country

Located in Arthur, Illinois Amish country is a unique destination that showcases the simple lifestyle and traditions of the Amish people through quaint shops, homemade goods, and horse-drawn buggies. Visitors can sample fresh homemade baked goods, quilts, and other handcrafted items while enjoying the peacefulness of rural Amish life.

4. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to one of the largest Native American settlements in North America. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about ancient Native American culture through guided tours and exhibits.

5. US Route 66 Scenic Byway

The historic Route 66 runs through Central Illinois and can me a great way to explore the region's small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and landmarks. Visitors can stop at iconic Route 66 stops like the Cozy Dog Drive-In or Railsplitter Covered Wagon and learn about America's car culture history.

6. Peoria Riverfront Museum

Peoria Riverfront Museum is a multi-disciplinary arts and science institution offering a variety of exhibitions and programming for all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, planetarium and art galleries showcasing both ancient and modern art.

7. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg is a recreated pioneer village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adult years. Visitors can experience what life was like in the 1800s in this living history museum, which includes costumed interpreters sharing stories, demonstrating pioneer skills and leading tours of the historic sites.

In conclusion, Central Illinois does not disappoint visitors seeking adventure, history, and culture with its many attractions. From the historic homes of Abraham Lincoln and the scenic beauty of parks like Starved Rock to the charming small towns along the historic Route 66, there is something for everyone to experience in Central Illinois.

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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