Durham, North Carolina, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Durham, North Carolina, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Durham, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Durham, North Carolina, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Durham, North Carolina, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Durham, North Carolina, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Durham, North Carolina, United States of America by month

January

Traveling to Durham in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s 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 frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Durham. 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. Be careful to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice 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 Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Durham 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Durham. 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. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available 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 countries.

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you vacation in Durham during March, you may find that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits 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 Durham. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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

  • 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 available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Durham is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 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 airports always 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 Durham. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent 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 Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you go to Durham in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Durham. 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 frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right type. Most adapters currently sold 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 works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in Durham is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s 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
  • 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 frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you go to Durham in July, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s 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 Durham. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you visit Durham during August, you might notice that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Durham. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you are traveling to Durham in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Durham. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online 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 works in most countries.

  • Travel 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you vacation in Durham during October, you will probably notice that it is mild. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Durham. 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 recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. Many adapters currently 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 be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

Traveling to Durham in November, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s 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 Durham. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold 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 be appropriate for most areas.

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you visit Durham during December, you are likely to see that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports 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 Durham. 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

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. The majority 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 destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Sarah P. Duke Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Durham, North Carolina, United States of America

Durham, North Carolina, is a city known for its diverse cultures and mesmerizing natural sceneries. From historical landmarks to cultural centers and stunning natural wonders, Durham has something for every traveler. If you're planning a trip to Durham, here are a few top tourist attractions that you shouldn't miss out on.

1. Duke University

Duke University is one of the most famous landmarks in Durham. The university is known for its stunning gothic architecture, beautiful gardens, and vast campus. Visitors can take a guided tour of the university and explore the different buildings and exhibits, including the Nasher Museum of Art.

2. Historic Durham Athletic Park

If you're a sports fan, you can't miss out on the Historic Durham Athletic Park. The park is a historical landmark and has been the backdrop for many major league baseball games. Visitors can enjoy a game or take a walk around the park to soak up the history and culture of the area.

3. Museum of Life and Science

The Museum of Life and Science is perfect for families with children. The museum has interactive exhibits, a butterfly house, and an outdoor dinosaur display. Visitors can explore the different sections of the museum and learn about science, nature, and technology.

4. Eno River State Park

Eno River State Park is a natural oasis in the heart of Durham. The park is spread across 4,200 acres and contains several hiking trails, fishing areas, and picnic spots. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty and stunning waterfalls.

5. Historic Downtown Durham

Historic Downtown Durham is a trendy area filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. The area showcases Durham's cultural heritage and is known for its live music scene. Visitors can take a stroll through the streets and explore the different boutiques and art galleries.

6. Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is a modern sports complex that hosts minor league baseball games. The stadium is a popular tourist destination and is known for its unique features, such as the iconic bright blue snorting bull.

7. Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a botanical garden located on the campus of Duke University. The garden features several themed areas, including an Asiatic garden, a rose garden, and a water lily pond. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

In all, Durham, North Carolina, is a tourist destination that offers a blend of american history, culture, nature, and technology. With its diverse tourist attractions, visitors are sure to find an activity to suit their interests.

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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