Sterling, Virginia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Sterling, Virginia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Sterling, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sterling, Virginia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Sterling, Virginia, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sterling, Virginia, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Sterling, Virginia, United States of America by month

January

In January, Sterling can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Sterling, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February in Sterling is brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

March in Sterling is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

In April, Sterling is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s 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 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Sterling, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

May in Sterling is warm. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in Sterling is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

July

July in Sterling is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

August

If you vacation in Sterling during August, you are likely to find that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Sterling is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

October in Sterling is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

November

If you visit Sterling during November, you might notice that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

In December, Sterling is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Sterling, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sterling. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Sterling, Virginia, United States of America

Sterling, Virginia, located in Loudoun County, is a hidden gem in the United States of America. Known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes, Sterling is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the best of what Virginia has to offer.

Here are some top tourist attractions you should not miss when visiting Sterling:

1. Algonkian Regional Park - This park is located along the Potomac River and boasts over 800 acres of beautiful landscapes. A perfect spot for hiking, picnic, fishing, kayaking, and golf, Algonkian Regional Park is a tranquil oasis in the middle of bustling Sterling.

2. Claude Moore Park - Spread over 357 acres, this park features a beautiful forest, a visitor center, and an educational farm. Claude Moore Park has many hiking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds, and it is a great place for a family day trip.

3. The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - Housed in a sprawling hangar near Dulles International Airport, this museum is a true treasure trove of aviation history. The Udvar-Hazy Center features the famous space shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, the Concorde, and the SR-71 Blackbird, among other aircraft and spacecraft.

4. Heritage Farm Museum - This museum is perfect for anyone interested in the agricultural history of Loudoun County. The Heritage Farm Museum features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and collections of antique farm equipment that help visitors understand the way of life in rural Virginia.

5. Tarara Winery - For wine lovers, a visit to Tarara Winery is a must-do when in Sterling. Here you can taste a wide range of locally-produced wines, and take a tour of the vineyard to learn about the winemaking process.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that you can explore when in Sterling, Virginia. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people, Sterling is an excellent destination for families, solo travelers, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, start planning your visit to Sterling, Virginia, and prepare to be amazed by this hidden gem in the United States of America.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Alva, Oklahoma, United States of America, Greentown, Indiana, United States of America, Utica, New York, United States of America, Tracy, California, United States of America, Korolyov, Russia, Surandai, India, Kedarnath, India, Beihai, China, Gyeonggi, South Korea, Agawam, Massachusetts, United States of America, and North Canterbury, Alaska, New Zealand.