Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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

Contents

When to go to Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America by month

January

January for Grand Rapids is frosty, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows about half of the time.

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 repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • 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 surcharges with this

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February here is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows about a third of the time.

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 airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Grand Rapids can be brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

Traveling to Grand Rapids in April, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May here is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in this region is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • 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 airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, 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 excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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 correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July for Grand Rapids is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you are traveling to Grand Rapids in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. 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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Grand Rapids is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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

    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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

In October, Grand Rapids can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Grand Rapids, with several of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers 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.

  • 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 support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November here is brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows sometimes.

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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts 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 go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

In December, Grand Rapids is very cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Grand Rapids, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

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 constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Grand Rapids. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

If you go to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a quaint and charming city that is home to a vibrant mix of urban attractions and scenic natural beauty. Located on the picturesque Grand River, this vibrant urban hub is packed with cultural offerings, historical sites, and outdoor recreation. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Grand Rapids, Michigan:

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the best place to experience the beauty of nature with a touch of art. Featuring hundreds of acres of gardens and a diverse collection of sculptures from around the world, this is a must-see attraction for visitors to Grand Rapids. From awe-inspiring indoor conservatories to breathtaking outdoor gardens and woodlands, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

2. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a tribute to the life and work of the 38th President of the United States. Visitors can explore the life and legacy of Gerald Ford through a series of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and photographs. The museum also features the restored Watergate-era Oval Office, where visitors can step inside for an authentic glimpse into the inner workings of the White House.

3. John Ball Zoo

Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, John Ball Zoo is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. The zoo houses over 2,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, chimps, and penguins. Visitors can also explore the zoo's botanical garden, the Bissell Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and a variety of interactive exhibits.

4. Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in natural history or the history of the city. The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, Michigan ecosystems, and native cultures. The museum's many hands-on exhibits include a walk-through recreation of Grand Rapids in the 1890s and a restored 1928 carousel.

5. Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is one of the city's premier cultural offerings, featuring a world-class collection of American and European paintings, sculptures, and art deco objects. The museum is also home to a number of rotating exhibits that showcase works by contemporary artists from around the world. In addition to the visual arts exhibits, the Grand Rapids Art Museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.

6. Millennium Park

One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Grand Rapids is through a visit to Millennium Park. This expansive park features over 1,500 acres of recreational opportunities, including sand dunes, hiking and biking trails, and several lakes and rivers for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and simply taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city that has it all, from world-class art museums and historic landmarks, to beautiful parks and natural attractions. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or cultural enrichment, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city.

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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