Southern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Southern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southern Illinois, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Southern Illinois
- Important essentials for Southern Illinois
- Activities for Southern Illinois
- Southern Illinois in January: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in February: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in March: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in April: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in May: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in June: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in July: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in August: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in September: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in October: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois in November: weather and what to pack
- Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Southern Illinois, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Southern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southern Illinois, 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
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
(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
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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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).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Southern Illinois. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Southern Illinois, Illinois, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Southern Illinois can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
February
February is brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
March
If you go to Southern Illinois in March, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
April
Traveling to Southern Illinois in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
May
If you visit Southern Illinois during May, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
June
June in Southern Illinois is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
July
July in this region can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
August
August in Southern Illinois is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use 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 don't get wet. We like:
September
September in Southern Illinois is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
October
October in Southern Illinois is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
November
Traveling to Southern Illinois in November, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
December
If you vacation in Southern Illinois during December, you may see that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 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 sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
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