Columbia, South Carolina, 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 Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Columbia, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Columbia
- Important essentials for Columbia
- Activities for Columbia
- Columbia in January: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in February: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in March: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in April: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in May: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in June: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in July: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in August: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in September: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in October: weather and what to pack
- Columbia in November: weather and what to pack
- Columbia 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 Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Columbia, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Columbia, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
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.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Airplane or car necessities
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
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
For families with young children
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Columbia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
Activities for Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Columbia.
If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Binoculars
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
If you visit South Carolina State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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.
Comfy walking shoes
What to wear/what to pack for Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Columbia can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
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
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
February
February in Columbia is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
Extra socks
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
March
March for Columbia is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
April
April in Columbia is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
May
May in Columbia is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
June
June in Columbia is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Bug repellent
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
July
If you go to Columbia in July, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Skirts
Lightweight 'harem' pants
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Personal cooling fan
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack additional, since these get wet or dirty.
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to cool you:
Light linen shorts
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created for cooling and can provide UV protection.
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Sunglasses
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
August
If you visit Columbia during August, you might find that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
September
September in Columbia is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Loose-fit shorts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you visit Columbia during October, 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 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
November
November in Columbia is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December in Columbia is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Van Horn, Texas, United States of America, Eastleigh, England, United Kingdom, Akan National Park, Japan, Fez, Morocco, Thanjavur, India, Eagle, Wisconsin, United States of America, San Miguel de Velasco, Bolivia, Ven, Sweden, Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, Pontresina, Switzerland, and Sutter County, California, United States of America.