Columbia County, 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 Columbia County, New York, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Columbia County, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Columbia County, New York, United States of America

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Columbia County can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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. Take care to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

Traveling to Columbia County in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain regularly. 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 airports frequently losing luggage recently, 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Columbia County is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • 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 airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters 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 be sufficient for most places.

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April for Columbia County is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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 things.

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • 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 correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Columbia County during May, you are likely to notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits 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
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Columbia County is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 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 high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Columbia County, 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently 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 sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Columbia County in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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 constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can 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 find the right kind. A lot of adapters available 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 should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Columbia County during August, you are likely to notice that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you are traveling to Columbia County in September, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Columbia County can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s 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
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • 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 pick the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • 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 visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you are traveling to Columbia County in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s 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 airports frequently losing luggage 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia County. 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. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December for Columbia County can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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 Columbia County. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust 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

If you visit the Shaker Museum and Library, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Columbia County, New York, United States of America

Nestled in the southeast corner of New York state, Columbia County is a serene and tranquil getaway that offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a mix of nature, history, and culture, Columbia County has become a top tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Columbia County that you should consider visiting.

1. Olana State Historic Site

Olana State Historic Site is a magnificent 250-acre estate that was once home to Frederic Edwin Church, a prominent Hudson River School painter. The site includes a Persian-style mansion, vast landscapes, and stunning views of the Hudson River Valley. The estate is well-known for its exemplary architectural design, adorned with intricate patterns and mosaics from Church's travels.

2. Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is a crucial point of historical significance in Columbia County's maritime heritage. The lighthouse is situated in the center of the Hudson River and has been guiding ships and boats through the treacherous waters of the river since 1874. It is open to visitors throughout the year and offers a glimpse into the life of a lighthouse keeper.

3. Clermont State Historic Site

Located in Germantown, the Clermont State Historic Site is a 500-acre estate that was once home to the influential Livingston family. The estate features 18th-century architecture, beautiful gardens, and amazing views of the Hudson River. Visitors can explore the mansion's interiors, and enjoy a guided tour of the estate's grounds, among other beautiful amenities.

4. Hudson Valley Rail Trail

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is a beautiful trail that stretches over 3.6 miles from the Hudson River to Dutchess County. The trail winds through wooded areas, past wetlands, and over bridges that provide beautiful views of the surrounding forests and hillsides. It is a great place to explore, unwind, and spend time with friends and families.

5. Art Omi International Arts Center

Art Omi International Arts Center is an arts organization located in Ghent, Columbia County. It features stunning outdoor sculpture gardens, indoor galleries, and performance spaces. The center hosts both international and national artists in residence, and exhibitions, that engage and inspire visitors.

6. Taconic State Park

The Taconic State Park is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Columbia County. The park offers hiking, cycling, and fishing with scenic views to the landscape. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, camping, and swimming in the park's facilities and amenities that add to the recreational experience of the visitors.

In conclusion, Columbia County is a treasure trove of attractions and hospitality, an ideal destination for vacationers that desires to escape the urban busy life. The county is rich in history, rich in culture, rich in countryside beauty, and rich in entertainment, all perfect for visitors to holiday and enjoy a relaxing time. So, pack your bags and head out to Columbia County to experience a tranquil and serene vacation getaway.

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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