Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Shawnee National Forest, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shawnee National Forest
- Important essentials for Shawnee National Forest
- Activities for Shawnee National Forest
- Shawnee National Forest in January: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in February: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in March: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in April: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in May: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in June: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in July: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in August: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in September: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in October: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National Forest in November: weather and what to pack
- Shawnee National 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 Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Shawnee National Forest, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shawnee National 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
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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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 protection you can have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
(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
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shawnee National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Shawnee National Forest is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Shawnee National Forest, 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 an excellent option.
February
If you are traveling to Shawnee National Forest in February, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Shawnee National Forest, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
March
March in Shawnee National Forest is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
April
In April, Shawnee National Forest is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) and occasionally 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 Shawnee National Forest, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in Shawnee National Forest is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
June
June in Shawnee National Forest is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
July
If you visit Shawnee National Forest during July, you will probably see that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
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 heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Shawnee National Forest is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver 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:
September
September here is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in Shawnee National Forest is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in Shawnee National Forest can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
December
December in Shawnee National Forest is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Shawnee National Forest, 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 a great option.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Tuzi, Montenegro, Chobe National Park, Botswana, Yarrawonga-Mulwala, Victoria, Australia, Varde, Denmark, Kandersteg, Switzerland, Qianwei, China, Minot, North Dakota, United States of America, Mazán, Peru, Police, Poland, Gaspesian Coast, Quebec, Canada, and Cajati, São Paulo, Brazil.