Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to 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
- Important essentials for Sturgis
- Activities for Sturgis
- Sturgis in January: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in February: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in March: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in April: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in May: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in June: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in July: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in August: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in September: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in October: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis in November: weather and what to pack
- Sturgis 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 Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Sturgis, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sturgis, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Sturgis is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Sturgis, a great option is 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 an excellent choice.
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
February in Sturgis is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Sturgis, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
March in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Sturgis, a great option is 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 an excellent option.
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
April in Sturgis is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Sturgis, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
June is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use 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 suitcases don't get wet. We like:
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
If you visit Sturgis during July, you will probably find that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
If you are traveling to Sturgis in August, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
If you visit Sturgis during September, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
October in Sturgis can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
November in this region can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Sturgis, a great option is 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 an excellent option.
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
December is cold. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Sturgis, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
If you see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Activities for Sturgis, South Dakota, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Sturgis.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Lençóis, Bahia, Brazil, Noyemberyan, Armenia, Storm Lake, Iowa, United States of America, Eastern Beskids, Poland, Greek Islands, Greece, Las Piñas, Philippines, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom, Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia, Northeast Iowa, Iowa, United States of America, Beausejour, Manitoba, Canada, and Midwest City, Oklahoma, United States of America.