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

Contents

When to go to DeKalb, Illinois, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for DeKalb, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for DeKalb, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

January in DeKalb can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows about a third of the time.

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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, 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 DeKalb. 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in DeKalb is frigid. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s 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

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow 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 excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to DeKalb in March, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain occasionally and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, 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 DeKalb. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • 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 find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold 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 should work in most areas.

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April here is cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers 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 countries.

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, DeKalb is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for DeKalb, with a few of the days of the month having rain.

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 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 DeKalb. 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 things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to DeKalb in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain occasionally. 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in DeKalb is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 recently, 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option 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. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you vacation in DeKalb during September, you will probably find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October here is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply 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 sufficient for most places.

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in DeKalb is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 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 DeKalb. 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 constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: 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 pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right type. Many adapters currently 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 works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in DeKalb is frigid. 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). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows regularly.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in DeKalb. 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 pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours 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

If you visit the Blackwell History-Education Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in DeKalb, Illinois, United States of America

DeKalb, Illinois is a charming city located in the northern part of the state. The city is known for its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and welcoming community. There are plenty of interesting things to do and see in DeKalb, making it a top tourist attraction in the United States of America.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you can explore while in DeKalb, Illinois.

1. Northern Illinois University

One of the most prominent landmarks in DeKalb is Northern Illinois University. The campus is considered one of the top public universities in the country and offers a variety of programs for students. Visitors can take a stroll through the campus to admire its stunning architecture and beautiful landscaping. The university also hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and lectures.

2. Ellwood House Museum

Ellwood House Museum is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the region's past. The museum is a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion built in the 1800s by barbed wire magnate Isaac Ellwood. Visitors can explore the different rooms in the mansion to get a sense of what life was like during that period. The museum also features a carriage house, gardens, and a gift shop.

3. Red Oak Nature Center

Red Oak Nature Center is a 40-acre nature preserve located just outside DeKalb. The center offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. You can take a hike through the woods, go fishing in the pond, or observe the local wildlife. The center also offers educational programs and events throughout the year.

4. Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve

If you're a nature lover, you'll want to check out Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve. The preserve covers over 600 acres of land and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a river for fishing and kayaking. The preserve is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it's home to over 200 species of birds.

5. Egyptian Theatre

The Egyptian Theatre is a beautifully restored movie palace located in downtown DeKalb. The theatre was built in 1929 and is known for its stunning Egyptian Revival architecture. Today, the theatre hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, musicals, and film screenings.

6. The Art Box

The Art Box is a unique art gallery and gift shop located in downtown DeKalb. The gallery features work from local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Visitors can also browse through the gift shop to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and handmade items.

In conclusion, DeKalb, Illinois is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. So, next time you plan your trip to the United States of America, do not forget to add DeKalb to your list of must-visit destinations.

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: Glengarriff, Ireland, Basco, Philippines, Arco, Italy, Cappadocia, Turkey, Togian Islands, Indonesia, Picton, New South Wales, Australia, Real de Catorce, San Luis Potos, Mexico, Nayarit, Nayarit, Mexico, Mevagissey, England, United Kingdom, Yuanyang, China, and Wisbech, England, United Kingdom.