Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada? If you're planning to go to Kootenays, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kootenays
- Important essentials for Kootenays
- Activities for Kootenays
- Kootenays in January: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in February: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in March: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in April: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in May: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in June: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in July: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in August: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in September: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in October: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays in November: weather and what to pack
- Kootenays 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 Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Kootenays, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kootenays, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
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 Kootenays. 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 works in most places, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Kootenays is frosty and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Kootenays is frosty. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 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:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Kootenays can be brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you go to Kootenays in April, you will notice that it is cool 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:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
May in Kootenays is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
June
June in Kootenays is mild and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
July
If you are traveling to Kootenays in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
August
In August, Kootenays is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and sometimes jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kootenays, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
September
If you are traveling to Kootenays in September, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
October
In October, Kootenays is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kootenays, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November in Kootenays is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Kootenays, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Kootenays can be extremely cold and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Kootenays, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Kootenays has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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