Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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 Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Fort Collins, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America by month

January

January in Fort Collins can be brisk. 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 snows 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 Fort Collins. 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 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
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Fort Collins is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly 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.

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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you vacation in Fort Collins during April, you will probably notice 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 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally and snow occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Fort Collins. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May here 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
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Collins. 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 recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you go to Fort Collins in June, 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
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

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.

  • 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 Fort Collins. 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 help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in Fort Collins is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s 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 Fort Collins. 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 bags these days, an AirTag can find 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel 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 large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Fort Collins is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you vacation in Fort Collins during October, you will probably notice that it is chilly and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November here is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Fort Collins. 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 things 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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 pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, 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
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America

Fort Collins, Colorado, located about 60 miles north of Denver, is a vibrant university town and a popular destination for tourists all year round. It's known for its beautiful natural surroundings, craft breweries, and lively cultural scene. In this article, we'll highlight some of the top tourist attractions in Fort Collins, Colorado.

1. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, located just west of Fort Collins, is a popular outdoor recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. This picturesque park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, biking, and fishing opportunities, and stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding Front Range mountains. It's a great place to spend a day exploring Colorado's natural beauty.

2. Old Town Fort Collins

Old Town Fort Collins is the heart of the city, and it's where you'll find some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops. The historic district boasts beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the late 1800s, and it's home to the Fort Collins Brewery District, which has over 20 craft breweries within a two-mile radius. Visitors can stroll along the streets of Old Town, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or attend one of the many festivals or events that happen here throughout the year.

3. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, and it's well worth a visit. The sprawling campus is home to over 33,000 students, and it boasts beautiful green spaces, historic buildings, and state-of-the-art facilities. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or sign up for a guided tour of the campus, and there are often concerts, shows, and sporting events that happen here.

4. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a fascinating museum that explores the history, culture, and science of Northern Colorado. Exhibits cover topics like geology, ecology, and human history, and there are often special events and programs for visitors of all ages. The museum's stunning architecture and interactive exhibits make it a must-visit attraction in Fort Collins.

5. The Gardens on Spring Creek

The Gardens on Spring Creek is a beautiful botanical garden that's located in the heart of Fort Collins. It features a variety of themed gardens, including a rock garden, children's garden, and a Chinese garden, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Visitors can also attend gardening classes, concerts, and other events at the gardens throughout the year.

Overall, Fort Collins, Colorado is a city that has something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to art lovers, foodies, and history buffs. Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, sampling local craft beer, or learning about the history and culture of Northern Colorado, Fort Collins is a destination that won't disappoint.

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: Wazirabad, Pakistan, Southeast New Mexico, New Mexico, United States of America, Toulouse, France, Samcheok, South Korea, Western Oulu region, Finland, Peterborough, South Australia, Australia, Yurimaguas, Peru, Liemers, Netherlands, Kaskikot, Nepal, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, and Red Centre, Northern Territory, Australia.