Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

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Traveling to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Shenandoah National Park, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Shenandoah National Park
  2. Important essentials for Shenandoah National Park
  3. Activities for Shenandoah National Park
  4. Shenandoah National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Shenandoah National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Shenandoah National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Shenandoah National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Shenandoah National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Shenandoah National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Shenandoah National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Shenandoah National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Shenandoah National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Shenandoah National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Shenandoah National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Shenandoah National Park, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

Important essentials for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America

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

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022


  • Travel insurance

    If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans


  • A vaccine card protector

    Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.


  • Kids' KN95 masks

    N95 masks don't exist 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 a good TSA-friendly choice.


  • N95 masks to use in crowded airports

    These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.


  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

General health necessities

Don't forget these

What to wear/what to pack for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

January in Shenandoah National Park can be extremely cold. 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:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

February

February in Shenandoah National Park is cold. 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 high 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:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

March

March in Shenandoah National Park is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

April

April in Shenandoah National Park can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

May

If you vacation in Shenandoah National Park during May, you may notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits 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:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

June

In June, Shenandoah National Park is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Shenandoah National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

July

Traveling to Shenandoah National Park in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

August

If you go to Shenandoah National Park in August, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

September

September in Shenandoah National Park is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

October

October in Shenandoah National Park is chilly. 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:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

November

If you visit Shenandoah National Park during November, you will probably notice that it is pretty cool. 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 or snow/sleet a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

December

December in Shenandoah National Park is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s 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:

If you go to Loft Mountain Information Center, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

Activities for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Shenandoah National Park.

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