Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Shenandoah National Park, below 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
- 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
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 esssentials 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.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- 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. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Syria travelers often do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America by month
January
If you are traveling to Shenandoah National Park in January, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Thermal undergarments. Our favorites:
- Pajamas
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Gloves
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Fleeces
- Coveralls; here are some of our favorites:
- Lip balm
- Heavy sweaters:
- Scarf our favorite
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
February in Shenandoah National Park can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
- Thermal undergarments. Our favorites:
- Coveralls; here are some of the best choices:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Gloves
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Scarf our favorite
- Pajamas
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Heavy sweaters:
- In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is vital here. This one is a great option.
March
March in Shenandoah National Park can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Sweaters
- Heavy jacket
- Warm pants or jeans
- Lip balm
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Gloves or mittens
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
April
April in Shenandoah National Park is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
- Lip balm
- Jacket or coat
- Socks
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a perfect one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We recommend: this one
May
In May, Shenandoah National Park is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range.
At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits 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:
- Pants or jeans
- Socks
- Standard footwear
- Dresses
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We like: this one
June
June in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Bug repellent
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- Sunscreen lotion
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We use these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is an excellent choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things don't get wet. We suggest: this one
July
Traveling to Shenandoah National Park in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sandals
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Shorts or short pants
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Bug repellent
- Light footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is an excellent one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases stay dry. We suggest: this one
August
August in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light footwear
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Bug repellent
- Dresses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Shorts or short pants
- A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We suggest: this one
September
In September, Shenandoah National Park is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range.
At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits 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:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Standard footwear
- Dresses
- Socks
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Pants or jeans
- A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We recommend: this one
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:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Lip balm
- Jacket or coat
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We use:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is an excellent option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We suggest: this one
November
November in Shenandoah National Park is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 20 F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Light gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, 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
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
December
December in Shenandoah National Park can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Warm pants or jeans
- Gloves or mittens
- Lip balm
- Sweaters
- Heavy jacket
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Shenandoah National Park, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
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