Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Des Plaines, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Des Plaines
- Important essentials for Des Plaines
- Activities for Des Plaines
- Des Plaines in January: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in February: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in March: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in April: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in May: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in June: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in July: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in August: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in September: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in October: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in November: weather and what to pack
- Des Plaines in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Des Plaines, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Des Plaines, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Des Plaines. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be extremely cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Des Plaines, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
February
February in Des Plaines is freezing and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Des Plaines, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
March
March in Des Plaines can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Des Plaines, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
April
If you vacation in Des Plaines during April, you might notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
May
Traveling to Des Plaines in May, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
June
In June, Des Plaines is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C) and once in a while 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 Des Plaines, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
July
In July, Des Plaines is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Des Plaines, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
August
August for Des Plaines is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
September
September for Des Plaines is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
October
Traveling to Des Plaines in October, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in Des Plaines is brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Des Plaines, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
December
December in Des Plaines can be extremely cold and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Des Plaines, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
Activities for Des Plaines, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Des Plaines.
If you visit the Kinder House Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
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