Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Council Bluffs, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Council Bluffs in January, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

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 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Council Bluffs. 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 stuff.

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. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows 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 Council Bluffs. 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 nowadays, 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Council Bluffs is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to high 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 Council Bluffs. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Council Bluffs is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things 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.

  • 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 Council Bluffs. 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. Ensure that you find the right type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • 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 surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May for Council Bluffs is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s 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

  • 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 Council Bluffs. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

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 always losing luggage 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck 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 excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • 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. Take care to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs 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 places.

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

In July, Council Bluffs is extremely hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and about half of the time 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 Council Bluffs, 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 airlines frequently losing luggage 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Council Bluffs. 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.

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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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. Make sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs 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 places.

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Council Bluffs in August, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s 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 Council Bluffs. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you visit Council Bluffs during September, you will probably see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 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 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 Council Bluffs. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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. It's important that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Council Bluffs is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

Traveling to Council Bluffs in November, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain or snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Council Bluffs. 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 frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite 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. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Council Bluffs is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero 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 locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Council Bluffs. 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 stuff.

  • 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 support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down 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 available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

If you see the Union Pacific Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America

Council Bluffs, Iowa is a fantastic destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Located just across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska, this charming city is home to many fascinating landmarks and attractions. From the magnificent Lewis and Clark Monument to the sprawling Lake Manawa State Park, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Council Bluffs.

Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook

The Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Council Bluffs. This towering monument stands atop a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, and was erected in honor of the famous explorers who passed through the area on their journey westward. In addition to the monument, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape from the Scenic Overlook.

RailsWest Railroad Museum

Located in the historic Gen. Grenville Dodge House, the RailsWest Railroad Museum is a fascinating tribute to Council Bluffs' rich railroad history. The museum features a large collection of railroad memorabilia and artifacts, as well as exhibits on the history of the Transcontinental Railroad and the role of the Union Pacific Railroad in developing the city.

Historic 100 Block

The Historic 100 Block is a charming collection of restored historic buildings in downtown Council Bluffs. Many of these buildings date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and have been beautifully restored to their original condition. Visitors can stroll the brick-lined streets, browse local shops and boutiques, and even stop for a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Kanesville Tabernacle

The Kanesville Tabernacle is a historic church that was once the center of Latter-day Saint activity in Council Bluffs. The church was built in 1847 and served as the headquarters for the Mormon pioneer settlement during the winter of 1846-1847. Today, the restored church hosts regular events and services, and visitors can tour the building to learn more about its fascinating history.

Lake Manawa State Park

Lake Manawa State Park is a sprawling recreation area located just west of Council Bluffs. The park features a large lake with plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground. With its diverse range of activities and gorgeous natural scenery, Lake Manawa State Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply exploring the local culture, Council Bluffs has something for everyone. With these top tourist attractions, you're sure to have a memorable visit to this charming city on the western edge of Iowa.

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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