Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Iowa City, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America by month

January

January is freezing. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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 Iowa City. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow 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. Check that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • 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. Save money with this

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

February

February in Iowa City is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows once in a while.

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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iowa City. 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • 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. Make sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

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

March

If you are traveling to Iowa City in March, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iowa City. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

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

April

April in this region can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags 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 Iowa City. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like 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. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect 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. Avoid surcharges with this

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

May

Traveling to Iowa City in May, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

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

June

June here is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iowa City. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things 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 huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite 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. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

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

July

July in Iowa City can be very hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always 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 Iowa City. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices 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. Take care to pick the correct kind. The majority of 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 be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

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

August

August in Iowa City is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 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

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iowa City. 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 things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

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

September

September is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: 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 Iowa City. 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.

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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. Many 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 get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

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

October

If you visit Iowa City during October, you will probably find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice 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 surcharges 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 find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

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

November

November here is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iowa City. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

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

December

If you are traveling to Iowa City in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain regularly and snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iowa City. 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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

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

What to do in Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America

Iowa City is a charming city located in Iowa, United States, and is one of the most visited places in the state. With its plethora of museums, art galleries, parks, and historical sites, Iowa City is a great place for visitors to experience. Here are some of the top attractions that you can explore while in Iowa City:

1. University of Iowa - A public research university founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Iowa. With its beautiful campus and well-curated museums, the university is one of the must-visit attractions in Iowa City. The University of Iowa Museum of Art and the Old Capitol Museum are worth visiting.

2. Iowa City Farmers Market - If you are a foodie, you cannot miss the Iowa City Farmers Market. The market, which is held every Saturday, offers a wide range of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, along with handmade crafts.

3. The Englert Theatre - Originally built in 1912, The Englert Theatre is an iconic venue in the heart of Iowa City. Known for hosting live performances, concerts, and films, The Englert is a great place to catch a show.

4. Coralville Lake - Located just north of Iowa City, Coralville Lake is a beautiful and serene place for nature lovers. The lake offers several recreational activities such as boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming.

5. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum - If you are interested in history, consider visiting the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. The museum showcases Hoover's life and career, as well as his contributions to American society.

6. Iowa Old Capitol Building - The Iowa Old Capitol Building was the first capitol of the state of Iowa, and it served as the main building of the University of Iowa. Today, it is a museum that showcases the history of the state's early political and educational system.

7. American Gothic House - Located in Eldon, Iowa, the American Gothic House is the inspiration behind Grant Wood's famous painting, "American Gothic". The house is now a museum and is open for visitors to explore.

In conclusion, Iowa City is a fantastic destination in Iowa, with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or the arts, there is something for everyone in Iowa City. With so many top tourist attractions to explore, Iowa City is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Iowa.

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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