Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Illinois Driftless Area, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Illinois Driftless Area
- Important essentials for Illinois Driftless Area
- Illinois Driftless Area in January: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in February: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in March: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in April: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in May: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in June: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in July: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in August: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in September: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in October: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in November: weather and what to pack
- Illinois Driftless Area in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Illinois Driftless Area, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Illinois Driftless Area, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most places, but you should check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Illinois Driftless Area. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Forreston visitors will do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Illinois Driftless Area, Illinois, United States of America by month
January
January for Illinois Driftless Area is frosty and snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Scarf our favorite
- Fleeces
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Thermal undergarments. We like:
- Pajamas
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Heavy sweaters:
- Gloves
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Illinois Driftless Area, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
- Illinois Driftless Area has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in this region is very cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Scarf our favorite
- Pajamas
- Thermal undergarments. We chose:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Heavy sweaters:
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Gloves
- Fleeces
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Illinois Driftless Area, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is important here. This one is a great choice.
- Illinois Driftless Area has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Illinois Driftless Area is cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.
It also snows occasionally. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Sweaters
- Warm pants or jeans
- Gloves or mittens
- Insulated water bottle
- Heavy jacket
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Illinois Driftless Area, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is vital here. This one is a great choice.
- Illinois Driftless Area has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you vacation in Illinois Driftless Area during April, you will probably see that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).
Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- Standard footwear
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We suggest: this one
May
May in Illinois Driftless Area is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the low 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:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Light footwear
- Sandals
- Bug repellent
- Shorts or short pants
- Sunscreen lotion
- Skirts
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We like: this one
June
June in Illinois Driftless Area is extremely warm 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:
- Sandals
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Bug repellent
- Shorts or short pants
- Light footwear
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings don't get wet. We like: this one
July
July in Illinois Driftless Area is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sunglasses
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Insulated water bottle
- Waterproof sandals
- Short sleeve shirts
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Bug repellent
- Shorts
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We recommend: this one
August
If you vacation in Illinois Driftless Area during August, you might find that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Bug repellent
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Short sleeve shirts
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Waterproof sandals
- Skirts
- Insulated water bottle
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things don't get wet. We like: this one
September
If you visit Illinois Driftless Area during September, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).
Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- Bug repellent
- Skirts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Sunscreen lotion
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is an excellent choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We recommend: this one
October
Traveling to Illinois Driftless Area in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Dresses
- Pants or jeans
- Standard footwear
- Long skirts
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We recommend: this one
November
November in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Sweaters
- Lip balm
- Heavy jacket
- Warm pants or jeans
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Gloves or mittens
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Illinois Driftless Area, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
- Illinois Driftless Area has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Illinois Driftless Area can be extremely cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Gloves
- Thermal undergarments. Our choice is:
- Fleeces
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Heavy sweaters:
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Pajamas
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Scarf our favorite
- Lip balm
- In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Illinois Driftless Area, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is important here. This one is a great option.
- Illinois Driftless Area has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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