Chain O' Lakes, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Chain O' Lakes, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Chain O' Lakes, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Chain O' Lakes
- Important essentials for Chain O' Lakes
- Activities for Chain O' Lakes
- Chain O' Lakes in January: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in February: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in March: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in April: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in May: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in June: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in July: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in August: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in September: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in October: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes in November: weather and what to pack
- Chain O' Lakes 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 Chain O' Lakes, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Chain O' Lakes, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Chain O' Lakes, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chain O' Lakes, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
-
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).
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Chain O' Lakes. 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.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Chain O' Lakes, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Chain O' Lakes is very cold. Temperatures routinely are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) and occasionally jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Chain O' Lakes, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Chain O' Lakes, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
February
February in Chain O' Lakes is freezing. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Chain O' Lakes, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
March
In March, Chain O' Lakes can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Chain O' Lakes, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Chain O' Lakes, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
April
In April, Chain O' Lakes is chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Chain O' Lakes, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in Chain O' Lakes is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
June
June for Chain O' Lakes is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
July
July is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
August
August in Chain O' Lakes is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
September
September is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
October
October in Chain O' Lakes is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
November
If you visit Chain O' Lakes during November, you might notice that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Chain O' Lakes, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
December
December in Chain O' Lakes 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 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:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Chain O' Lakes, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great choice.
Activities for Chain O' Lakes, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Chain O' Lakes.
If you go to Chain O' Lakes State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Check out our guides for these other locations: Spalding, England, United Kingdom, Speyer, Germany, Healesville, Victoria, Australia, Sankt Goar, Germany, Cripple Creek, Colorado, United States of America, Pelham, Alabama, United States of America, Bhimavaram, India, Pergamino, Argentina, Safety Harbor, Florida, United States of America, Kanpur, India, and Villa la Angostura, Argentina.