Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to 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
- Important essentials for Fort Collins
- Activities for Fort Collins
- Fort Collins in January: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in February: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in March: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in April: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in May: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in June: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in July: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in August: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in September: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in October: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins in November: weather and what to pack
- Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Fort Collins, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Fort Collins, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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).
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly option.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
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.
Airplane or car necessities
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most locations, but check with your hotel.
For families with young children
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.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Activities for Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Fort Collins.
If you go to Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Comfy walking shoes
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.
We also recommend these top tours in and around Fort Collins.
What to wear/what to pack for Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Fort Collins in January, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Scarf/neck warmer
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Extreme cold weather gloves
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
Pajamas
Lip balm
The best option: here
-
Heavy sweaters
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Fleece inner layer
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Fort Collins, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Fort Collins has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Fort Collins is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
Heavy socks
Such as:
Gloves
Warm pants or jeans
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Heavy jacket
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Fort Collins, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Fort Collins has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March here is brisk. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Warm pants or jeans
Gloves
Sweaters
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Heavy jacket
Heavy socks
Such as:
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Fort Collins, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Fort Collins has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Fort Collins is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in Fort Collins is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
June
June in Fort Collins is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
July
If you visit Fort Collins during July, you might find 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 high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
August
If you vacation in Fort Collins during August, you will probably find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
Bug repellent
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Fort Collins in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in Fort Collins can be chilly and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in this region is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Heavy socks
Such as:
Gloves
Heavy jacket
Sweaters
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Fort Collins, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Fort Collins has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
If you go to Fort Collins in December, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Extreme cold weather gloves
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Scarf/neck warmer
Lip balm
The best option: this
Thermal undergarments
We love:
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Fleece inner layer
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Fort Collins, 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.
-
Ski accessories
Fort Collins has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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