Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Northern Illinois, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Northern Illinois
- Important essentials for Northern Illinois
- Activities for Northern Illinois
- Northern Illinois in January: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in February: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in March: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in April: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in May: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in June: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in July: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in August: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in September: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in October: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois in November: weather and what to pack
- Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Northern Illinois, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Illinois, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
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).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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.
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Northern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Northern Illinois is very cold and snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows about a third of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Illinois, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
February
Traveling to Northern Illinois in February, you will notice that it is very cold and snowy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Pajamas
-
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:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Northern Illinois, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
March
March in this region can be brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Northern Illinois, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
April
If you are traveling to Northern Illinois in April, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
May in Northern Illinois is balmy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s 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 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These 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 bags remain dry. We suggest:
June
June for Northern Illinois is pretty consistently hot 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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
July
July here can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
If you are traveling to Northern Illinois in August, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
September
If you visit Northern Illinois during September, you may notice that it is warm. 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 regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Northern Illinois is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in Northern Illinois is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Northern Illinois, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
December
If you are traveling to Northern Illinois in December, you will notice that it can be extremely cold, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month and snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Northern Illinois, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
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