Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Columbia, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Columbia in January, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain regularly and snow (). Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

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 belongings.

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you vacation in Columbia during February, you might find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third 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 Columbia. 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 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

Traveling to Columbia in March, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Columbia is warm. 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

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Be careful to choose the right type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you vacation in Columbia during May, you are likely to find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

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 penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in Columbia is consistently 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Columbia can be blisteringly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (mid 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave 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. It's important that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs 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.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Columbia is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 70s F (low 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. 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 frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September here is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third 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 Columbia. 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 things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October here is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

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. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like 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

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you vacation in Columbia during November, you are likely to find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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. Take care to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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 surcharges with this

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Columbia in December, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow (). Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 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.

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: 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 careful to find the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America

Columbia is a vibrant and alluring city that sits in the heart of South Carolina. It is well known for its fascinating history, remarkable architecture, and outdoor destinations. The city provides a perfect mix of modern facilities and old-world charm, appealing to visitors of all ages. If you're planning a trip to Columbia, South Carolina, here are some of the top tourist attractions that you should add to your itinerary.

1. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Columbia. It is home to over 2000 animals from different parts of the world, and it has some of the most impressive gardens you'll ever see. You'll find many animals ranging from lions, tigers, orangutans, gorillas, and much more. You can also catch a glimpse of the endangered species such as the koalas and chimpanzees. The botanical garden has over 400,000 plants that will leave you stunned with their beauty.

2. South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is an excellent place to visit, especially for family outings. It is the largest museum in the state, and it showcases exhibits of the history, art, and culture of South Carolina. You'll find permanent interactive exhibits such as dinosaurs, a planetarium, artifacts from the Civil War, and much more.

3. The Columbia Museum of Art

The Columbia Museum of Art contains some of the most exquisite art pieces that you'll find in South Carolina. It is home to some of the most famous artists in the world, including Monet, Rembrandt, and Botticelli. The museum is vast, and you can easily spend a few hours admiring the artwork.

4. Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is one of the lesser-known gems of South Carolina. The park covers over 26,000 acres of land, and it is home to some of the most unique biodiversity in the country. You'll find hardwood forests, swamps, and lakes that create a perfect environment for a wide range of animals, including black bears, river otters, alligators, and much more. The park has trails of varying difficulty, which makes it ideal for hiking.

5. Historic Columbia

Historic Columbia is a must-visit destination for history buffs. It is a collection of historic sites that tell the story of Columbia's rich past. You'll see many historic houses that are well-preserved, museums, and landmarks that offer an immersive experience of the city's history.

6. EdVenture Children's Museum

EdVenture Children's Museum is an excellent destination for family outings in Columbia. The museum has hands-on exhibits that engage children and adults alike. You'll find exhibits such as robotics, anatomy, and much more.

7. Lake Murray

Lake Murray is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers many recreational activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and much more. The lake has a 50,000-acre surface area, which makes it ideal for water sports.

In conclusion, Columbia, South Carolina, offers unlimited potential for tourists looking to explore some of the most spectacular destinations in the country. From world-class museums to outdoor destinations, Columbia has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and start exploring this fantastic city today!

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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