Lake Forest, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lake Forest, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Lake Forest, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lake Forest
- Important essentials for Lake Forest
- Activities for Lake Forest
- Lake Forest in January: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in February: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in March: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in April: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in May: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in June: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in July: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in August: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in September: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in October: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest in November: weather and what to pack
- Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Lake Forest, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lake Forest, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lake Forest, 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
-
(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
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold 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 product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lake Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Lake Forest, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Lake Forest can be extremely cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 20s 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:
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Lake Forest (Illinois), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
February
February in Lake Forest can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Lake Forest (Illinois), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
March
March here is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Lake Forest (Illinois), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
April
Traveling to Lake Forest in April, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
May
May here is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you visit Lake Forest during June, you may see that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you go to Lake Forest in July, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. 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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
August
If you go to Lake Forest in August, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Lake Forest in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
October
If you visit Lake Forest during October, you will probably see that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 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 about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
November
If you vacation in Lake Forest during November, you are likely to notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Lake Forest (Illinois), we suggest 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 a perfect option.
December
December in Lake Forest is freezing. 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 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:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Lake Forest (Illinois), 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 perfect option.
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