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

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

Contents

When to go to Cottonwood, Arizona, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Cottonwood, Arizona, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Cottonwood, Arizona, United States of America by month

January

January in Cottonwood is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

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 Cottonwood. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Check that you find the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you are traveling to Cottonwood in February, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Cottonwood is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you visit Cottonwood during April, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you vacation in Cottonwood during May, you are likely to see that it is extremely warm and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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 repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good 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

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you vacation in Cottonwood during June, you may see that it is scorchingly hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

In July, Cottonwood is unbearably hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) and regularly jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Cottonwood, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 40%.

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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

In August, Cottonwood is scorchingly hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Cottonwood, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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 nowadays, 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you visit Cottonwood during September, you will probably find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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

  • 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you visit Cottonwood during October, you will probably find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

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 airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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. Check that you pick the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you go to Cottonwood in November, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

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 on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cottonwood. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • 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 go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December is cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows about a third 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 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 Cottonwood. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available 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 sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • 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. Save money with this

If you go to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Cottonwood, Arizona, United States of America

Cottonwood, a small town in Arizona, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Located in the heart of the Verde Valley, it boasts of several top-notch attractions that are a must-see. Situated less than an hour from Sedona, Jerome, and Prescott, the town offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Here is a rundown of some of the top tourist attractions in Cottonwood, Arizona.

1. Tuzigoot National Monument: This ancient pueblo was inhabited by the Sinagua people between the 11th and 14th centuries. The five-story structure overlooks the Verde River and has 110 rooms. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and learn more about the history and culture of the Sinagua people.

2. Dead Horse Ranch State Park: The 423-acre park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can fish at any of the three lagoons, hike along the various trails, or horseback ride. The park also has camping sites for those who want to spend the night.

3. Alcantara Vineyards: This family-owned winery is situated on the banks of the Verde River and produces some of the best wines in Arizona. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, participate in wine tasting, or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

4. Verde Canyon Railroad: This historic train ride takes passengers through the Verde Canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The four-hour journey allows visitors to experience Arizona's beauty in a unique way.

5. Blazin' M Ranch: This Western-themed attraction offers visitors a glimpse into Arizona's cowboy culture. The evening begins with a chuckwagon dinner followed by live entertainment that includes cowboy songs and gunfight reenactments.

6. Old Town Cottonwood: This charming district is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can wander around and soak up the small-town atmosphere.

7. Jerome: This ghost town is just a short drive from Cottonwood and is a must-see for history enthusiasts. Once a thriving copper mining town, Jerome is now a popular destination for its quaint streets, art galleries, and panoramic views of the Verde Valley.

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or a taste of Arizona's history and culture, Cottonwood has something for everyone. With its stunning landscape, charming streets, and hospitable residents, it's no wonder why visitors keep coming back to this hidden gem in Arizona.

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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