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

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Ready to pack for Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Northern Illinois, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America by month

January

January in Northern Illinois can be extremely cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows 5-10 days this month.

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 airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • 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

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

Traveling to Northern Illinois in February, you will notice that it can be extremely cold and snowy. 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Illinois. 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 belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

March can be brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: 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 Northern Illinois. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • 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. Avoid penalties with this

April

April in Northern Illinois is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

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 airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

In May, Northern Illinois is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Northern Illinois, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: 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 Northern Illinois. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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

June

June in Northern Illinois is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

July is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s 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 airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you 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 Northern Illinois. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

If you visit Northern Illinois during August, you are likely to 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 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 Northern Illinois. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

September

Traveling to Northern Illinois in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s 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.

  • 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 Northern Illinois. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you visit Northern Illinois during October, you may see that it is crisp. 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). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. 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 always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate 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 Northern Illinois. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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 Northern Illinois. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

December

If you are traveling to Northern Illinois in December, you will notice that it is frigid, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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 airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America

Northern Illinois is an intriguing part of Illinois, United States of America rich in history and culture. As a traveler, you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to things to see and do in this region. Whether you are a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing vacation, Northern Illinois has something to offer for everyone. Here is a list of some of the top tourist attractions in Northern Illinois that you don't want to miss.

1. Starved Rock State Park

Located on the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is one of the most visited attractions in Illinois. It offers stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, and overlooks of the scenic river valley. The park also offers fishing, canoeing, and kayaking activities, making it a perfect place for outdoor lovers.

2. Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens offers a serene and tranquil oasis in Rockford, Illinois. The gardens are carefully curated with meticulous attention to detail and provide an experience that transports visitors to Japan. The garden features a tea house, a waterfall, and a wooden bridge, making it a great spot for picnics and relaxation.

3. Naper Settlement

Take a step back in time and visit the Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois. This living history museum is home to over 20 unique and restored historical buildings, including a blacksmith's shop, Victorian mansion, and a schoolhouse. The Naper Settlement provides an insight into the region’s history and culture.

4. Woodstock Square

Woodstock Square is a vibrant square with a rich history located in McHenry County, Illinois. The square is home to the Old Courthouse and Opera House, which dates back to 1889. It provides a unique shopping experience with several unique shops and dining options.

5. Gurnee Mills

The Gurnee Mills mall is home to over 200 stores and dining options. The mall has an indoor entertainment complex, which includes a cinema, a laser tag arena, and an indoor karting track. This is a perfect destination for families in Northern Illinois.

6. Galena

Galena is a historic small town located in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. It offers visitors picturesque views, unique shops, charming antique stores, and delightful dining. The town has several historic buildings, including the most remarkable site of the Ulysses S Grant Home.

7. Rockford Art Museum

Located in downtown Rockford, the Rockford Art Museum features an array of contemporary and regional artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum has an extensive collection of art that celebrates the region's culture and history.

In conclusion, Northern Illinois is a region worth visiting with an abundance of activities to experience. Whether you fancy outdoor activities, shopping, history, or art, Northern Illinois has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and explore the beauty of Northern Illinois, United States of America.

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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