Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Sturgis, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America by month

January

Traveling to Sturgis in January, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February for Sturgis is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

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

  • 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. Save money with this

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to Sturgis in March, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain or snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits 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 airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to Sturgis in April, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s 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 Sturgis. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Sturgis during May, you may notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 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:

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 airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sturgis. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Sturgis during June, you are likely to notice 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 low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Sturgis is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s 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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sturgis. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August for Sturgis is really hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sturgis. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now 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 countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • 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

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Sturgis is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits 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 airlines always 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 Sturgis. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Sturgis is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s 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 nowadays, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November for Sturgis can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Sturgis. 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 choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Sturgis is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows sometimes.

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 Sturgis. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America

Located in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota, Sturgis may be best known for its world-famous motorcycle rally that draws thousands of visitors each year. However, Sturgis offers so much more than just motorcycle culture. Visitors to Sturgis can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and historic sites all year round. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Sturgis.

1. Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

A must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame showcases the history of the motorcycle and the culture that surrounds it. The museum boasts a collection of vintage and modern motorcycles, interactive exhibits, and displays that highlight the evolution of motorcycles and their impact on American culture. Visitors can explore the hall of fame, which celebrates the accomplishments of individuals who have contributed to the sport of motorcycling.

2. Deadwood

Located just a short drive from Sturgis, Deadwood is a historic mining town that is known for its rich history and Old West charm. Visitors can take part in a walking tour of the town, which includes stops at famous sites like the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. Visitors can also try their luck at one of the many casinos in town, enjoy a performance at the historic Adams House Theatre, or shop for souvenirs on Main Street.

3. Bear Butte State Park

For nature lovers, a visit to Bear Butte State Park is a must. This unique geological formation is considered a sacred site by the Lakota Sioux, and visitors can take part in guided tours that teach about its significance. The park offers hiking trails, camping, and beautiful views of the Black Hills from the top of the butte.

4. Fort Meade

History buffs will enjoy a visit to Fort Meade, a military outpost that was established in the late 19th century. Visitors can tour the historic Fort Meade Cavalry Museum, which showcases the history of the cavalry and the military in the region. The museum features exhibits on the history of the fort, the role of the cavalry in the Indian Wars, and the military’s contributions to the development of the region.

5. Sturgis City Park

A beautiful outdoor space for visitors to enjoy, Sturgis City Park features picnic areas, walking trails, and a serene fishing pond. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and a wide range of bird species. The park hosts events throughout the year, including the Sturgis Music on Main concert series and the Sturgis Farmers Market.

In conclusion, Sturgis, South Dakota, offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy, from historic sites and museums to outdoor recreation areas and cultural attractions. Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, Sturgis has something for everyone. Plan your visit to Sturgis today and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.

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.

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