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

Contents

When to go to Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Fort Smith in January, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Smith. 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 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 pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Fort Smith is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 50% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Smith. 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 things these days, an AirTag can find 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Fort Smith is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Smith. 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 support 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 type. A lot of adapters currently sold 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 should work in 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 huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Fort Smith is warm and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.

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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Smith. 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 help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Fort Smith is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) to 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:

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, 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

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Fort Smith in June, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Smith. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Fort Smith in July, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you vacation in Fort Smith during August, you may see that it can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

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 airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • 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 Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Fort Smith is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 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 Fort Smith. 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 frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Fort Smith in October, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s 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 Fort Smith. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices 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 Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Fort Smith is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.

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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Fort Smith. 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow 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. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Fort Smith can be brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 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 Fort Smith. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you see the Trolley Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States of America

Fort Smith, Arkansas may not be the first place you think of when you think of tourist destinations, but this city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Fort Smith.

1. Fort Smith National Historic Site: This site commemorates the history of Fort Smith, which was established in 1817 as a military post. The site features historic buildings, exhibits, and costumed interpreters who bring the history of the fort to life.

2. Belle Grove Historic District: This district is a collection of historic homes and buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Walking tours are available, and the district is especially beautiful during the holiday season when the homes are decorated for Christmas.

3. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center: This nature center is a great place to explore the outdoors and learn about the local flora and fauna. The center features hiking trails, live animal exhibits, and educational programs.

4. Riverfront Park: Located along the Arkansas River, this park is a popular spot for outdoor activities like picnicking, fishing, and kayaking. The park also hosts events like concerts and festivals throughout the year.

5. Fort Smith Trolley Museum: This museum features a collection of historic trolleys and streetcars from around the country. Visitors can take a ride on a restored trolley and learn about the history of public transportation.

6. Clayton House Museum: This historic home was built in 1882 and is now a museum showcasing the lifestyle of a wealthy Victorian family. Visitors can tour the house and admire the original furniture and decor.

7. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: This museum features a rotating collection of art from around the world, as well as a permanent collection of art by local artists. The museum also hosts events like art classes and workshops.

8. Fort Smith Farmer's Market: Open every Saturday from April to October, this market is a great place to find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local food products. The market also hosts live music and other events throughout the season.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Fort Smith has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, nature, art, or just having a good time, Fort Smith is definitely worth a visit.

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: London, Ohio, United States of America, Buhl, Idaho, United States of America, Ballyconnell, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Bitterfontein, South Africa, Escuintla, Guatemala, Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States of America, Lyttelton, New Zealand, Estância, Sergipe, Brazil, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, San Antonio, Belize, and Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America.