Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Craters of the Moon National Monument, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Craters of the Moon National Monument
  2. Important essentials for Craters of the Moon National Monument
  3. Activities for Craters of the Moon National Monument
  4. Craters of the Moon National Monument in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Craters of the Moon National Monument in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Craters of the Moon National Monument in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Craters of the Moon National Monument in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Craters of the Moon National Monument in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Craters of the Moon National Monument in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Craters of the Moon National Monument in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Craters of the Moon National Monument in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Craters of the Moon National Monument in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Craters of the Moon National Monument in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Craters of the Moon National Monument in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Craters of the Moon National Monument in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Craters of the Moon National Monument, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America by month

January

January in Craters of the Moon National Monument is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Craters of the Moon National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in this region is frigid. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.

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 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

Traveling to Craters of the Moon National Monument in March, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Craters of the Moon National Monument is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 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.

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. Check that you get the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

May in Craters of the Moon National Monument is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

June

If you visit Craters of the Moon National Monument during June, you are likely to see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 penalties 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. Make sure to find the necessary type. The majority of 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 should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

July

If you visit Craters of the Moon National Monument during July, you will probably see 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 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

If you are traveling to Craters of the Moon National Monument in August, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • 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. Check that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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

September

September in Craters of the Moon National Monument is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Craters of the Moon National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you visit Craters of the Moon National Monument during October, you are likely to find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

If you go to Craters of the Moon National Monument in November, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers 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 countries.

  • 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

December

December in Craters of the Moon National Monument is beyond freezing. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 C) to 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Craters of the Moon National Monument. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

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. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

What to do in Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, United States of America

Craters of the Moon National Monument is a popular tourist attraction in Idaho, known for its unique and surreal landscape. Spanning over 750,000 acres, the monument is a vast expanse of black lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes. The monument is located in the Snake River Plain and has been designated as a National Monument since 1924. Here are the top tourist attractions in Craters of the Moon National Monument.

1. Lava Flow Trail: The Lava Flow Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park. The trail winds through a field of black lava, providing a unique hiking experience. Visitors can explore the ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and other volcanic features. The trail is marked by interpretive signs that describe the geologic history of the area.

2. Inferno Cone: The Inferno Cone is a cinder cone located near the entrance of the park. Visitors can hike to the top of the cone and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The cone is just over 6,000 feet in elevation and offers a stunning view of the moon-like landscape of the park.

3. Big Cinder Butte: The Big Cinder Butte is another cinder cone in the park, offering visitors a unique hiking experience. The trail to the butte is steep, but once at the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The butte is over 600 feet in elevation, making it one of the tallest features in the park.

4. Caves Trail: The Caves Trail is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors through a lava tube. The trail is about a mile long and descends into the tube, providing a memorable experience. Visitors can explore the unique geologic features of the lava tube, including the rough walls, cave ceilings, and interesting shapes.

5. Snowdrift Crater: Snowdrift Crater is a unique volcanic feature in the park. It is a large crater filled with snow, offering visitors a unique experience. The crater is located near the north entrance of the park and can be accessed by car.

In conclusion, Craters of the Moon National Monument is a unique and fascinating tourist attraction in Idaho. With its unusual landscape, the park offers visitors many opportunities for hiking, exploring, and learning about volcanic geology. Whether it's hiking through a lava tube or climbing a cinder cone, there is something for everyone at this stunning national monument.

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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