Columbus, Minnesota, 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, Minnesota, 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, Minnesota, United States of America

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

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

January

January for Columbus can be dangerously cold. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports always losing bags 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 little peace of mind, 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
  • Travel neck support 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics 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

February

February in Columbus is frigid. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

April

April in Columbus can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third 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.

  • 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 airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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

May

May for Columbus is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you are traveling to Columbus in June, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s 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.

  • 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 always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

July

July for Columbus is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 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
  • 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

In August, Columbus is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in 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 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice 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. Ensure that you find the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Columbus is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 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
  • 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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 pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

October

If you visit Columbus during October, you might see that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s 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 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 airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Columbus can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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. Take care to find the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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

December

If you are traveling to Columbus in December, you will notice that it is biting cold. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 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.

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available 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 works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

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

Columbus, Minnesota may be a small town, but it definitely does not lack in tourist attractions. From adventure-filled activities to peaceful scenic spots, Columbus has something for everyone.

1. Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management Area: If you're a nature lover, Carlos Avery is a must-visit. The area boasts over 24,000 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands, home to a variety of wildlife including deer, coyotes, turkeys, and more. Visitors can hike, bike, or bird-watch on the trails, go fishing or hunting, or even participate in a guided wildlife tour.

2. Running Aces Casino & Racetrack: For those feeling lucky, Running Aces is the perfect spot. The casino offers a variety of games, including blackjack, poker, and slots. Additionally, visitors can enjoy live harness racing during the summer months.

3. Grand Slam Family Fun Center: This entertainment center has something for everyone in the family. From batting cages and mini-golf to an arcade and laser tag, Grand Slam is a great place to spend a fun-filled day.

4. Anoka County Parks & Recreation: Columbus is home to several parks and recreation areas operated by Anoka County. Some favorites include Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Bunker Hills Regional Park, and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Each park offers unique outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, and more.

5. Rum River Central Regional Park: This park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the river. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, fish or kayak on the river, or hike the trails. During the winter months, the park also offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

6. Minnesota Zen Meditation Center: For those seeking peace and quiet, the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center is a great spot. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions, classes, and retreats in the tranquil environment.

In conclusion, Columbus, Minnesota may be small, but it certainly has a lot to offer visitors. From outdoor adventures to indoor entertainment, there is something for everyone in this charming town.

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: Streaky Bay, South Australia, Australia, Nuorgam, Finland, Southeastern Quebec, Quebec, Canada, Port de Pollenca, Spain, Wycliffe Well, Northern Territory, Australia, Canaima National Park, Venezuela, Puerto Cayo, Ecuador, Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park, Thailand, Medina, Saudi Arabia, Tiznit, Morocco, and Tehama County, California, United States of America.