Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Highlands, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Highlands
- Important essentials for Highlands
- Activities for Highlands
- Highlands in January: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in February: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in March: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in April: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in May: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in June: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in July: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in August: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in September: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in October: weather and what to pack
- Highlands in November: weather and what to pack
- Highlands 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 Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Highlands, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Highlands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Highlands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Highlands (North Carolina), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
February
In February, Highlands can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and about half of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect several inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Highlands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Highlands (North Carolina), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
March
In March, Highlands can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). During your visit, you can expect a few inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Highlands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Highlands (North Carolina), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
April
April in Highlands is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
May
In May, Highlands is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Highlands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
June
In June, Highlands is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Highlands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
July in Highlands is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
August in Highlands is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
September
If you go to Highlands in September, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
October
October can be chilly. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
November
November in Highlands is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Highlands (North Carolina), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
December
In December, Highlands can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and regularly jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect a couple of inches of snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Highlands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Highlands (North Carolina), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
Activities for Highlands, North Carolina, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Highlands.
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