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
- When to go to Shenandoah National Park
- Important essentials for Shenandoah National Park
- Activities for Shenandoah National Park
- Shenandoah National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Shenandoah National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- 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
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shenandoah National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most places, but you should check with your hotel.
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:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent choice.
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
-
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:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
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
-
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:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Shenandoah National Park, 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 a perfect option.
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
-
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:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
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
-
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:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
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
-
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
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
-
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
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
-
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
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
-
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:
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
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
-
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:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
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
-
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:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
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
-
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:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
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
-
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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