Rockford, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Rockford, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Rockford, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Rockford
- Important essentials for Rockford
- Activities for Rockford
- Rockford in January: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in February: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in March: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in April: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in May: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in June: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in July: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in August: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in September: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in October: weather and what to pack
- Rockford in November: weather and what to pack
- Rockford 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 Rockford, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Rockford, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Rockford, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rockford, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
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).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Rockford. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Rockford, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is freezing and snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Rockford, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
February
February in Rockford is very cold and snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows occasionally. 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:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Rockford, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
March
March for Rockford can be very chilly, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Rockford, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
April
In April, Rockford is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) and about a third of the time jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). During your visit, you can expect a dusting of snow. This is also a rainy time for Rockford, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 60%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
May
If you visit Rockford during May, you will probably see that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 50 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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
June
June in Rockford is hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
July
If you go to Rockford in July, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
August
August in Rockford is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
September
If you go to Rockford in September, you will notice that it is warm. 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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in Rockford is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 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 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
November
November in Rockford is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain a bit less than half 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:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Rockford, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great choice.
December
December in Rockford is freezing, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Rockford, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
Activities for Rockford, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Rockford.
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