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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

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

Contents

When to go to Columbus, Indiana, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Columbus, Indiana, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Columbus, Indiana, United States of America by month

January

In January, Columbus is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Columbus, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports constantly losing bags 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Columbus can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s 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
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbus. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can find 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

If you go to Columbus in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

In April, Columbus can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Columbus, 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 always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Columbus. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • 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 pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May here is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find 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 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • 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 find the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

June

June here is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 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 Columbus. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. 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 large amounts 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

July

July for Columbus can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in Columbus can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers 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 areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to Columbus in September, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, 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 Columbus. 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

October

October for Columbus is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

If you visit Columbus during November, you may notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbus. 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in this region is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly.

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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • 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 pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

What to do in Columbus, Indiana, United States of America

Columbus, Indiana, is a charming and vibrant city located in the south-central region of Indiana. Known for its world-class architecture, beautiful landscapes, and strong art community, Columbus is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city's history, admiring the stunning architecture, or just looking for a place to relax and unwind, there's something for everyone in Columbus. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the city's top tourist attractions.

1. Columbus Architecture: The city is home to the most significant collection of modernist architecture in the world. The buildings were designed by renowned architects such as I.M Pei, Harry Weese, and Richard Meier. Tourists can explore the various landmarks, including The First Christian Church, the Miller House and Garden, and the North Christian Church.

2. Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum: This is another popular tourist attraction in Columbus, Indiana. The ice cream parlor has been in operation for over a century and offers a wide selection of delicious ice cream flavors. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of ice cream making and the history of the charming parlor.

3. Mill Race Park: Mill Race Park is a beautiful 85-acre park located in the heart of Columbus. The park features scenic bike paths, walking trails, fishing and picnic areas, and playground areas, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.

4. Kidscommons: This is a children's museum designed to inspire and educate children through interactive exhibits and activities. The museum offers a range of experiences, including live performances, exhibits, and workshops that encourage children's creativity, imagination, and curiosity.

5. Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum: This aircraft museum located in Columbus is dedicated to chronicling the history of military aviation. Visitors can explore a range of exhibits and collections, including displays of aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia related to the military aviation.

6. The Columbus Museum of Art and Design: The museum of art and design promotes creativity and innovation through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. Visitors can explore a collection of contemporary art and design, including works from international artists, designers, and architects.

7. Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum: This museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history of Bartholomew County through exhibits and displays. The museum has a collection of artifacts, including vintage clothing, photographs, documents, and furniture.

In conclusion, Columbus, Indiana, is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and a range of tourist attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's architecture, its natural beauty, or just looking for a place to relax, there's something for everyone in Columbus.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Taguatinga, Distrito Federal, Brazil, Moyo, Indonesia, Lençóis Maranhenses, Maranhão, Brazil, Bungmati, Nepal, Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom, Srivilliputhur, India, Tuchan, France, São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Songimvelo Game Reserve, South Africa, Labuhan Lombok, Indonesia, and Bang Rak, Thailand.