Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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 Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Vancouver, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America by month

January

January in Vancouver can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 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 Vancouver. 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 repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Vancouver can be very chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 things.

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Vancouver is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Vancouver in April, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in 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 Vancouver. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice 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 right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Vancouver is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Vancouver in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (high 20s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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 pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Vancouver during August, you might see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (high 20s 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 once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Vancouver. 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Vancouver is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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 airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, Vancouver is relatively cool. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Vancouver, 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 Vancouver. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work 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 see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Vancouver can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in 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 Vancouver. 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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Vancouver in December, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vancouver. 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

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • 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

If you see the Pearson Air Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Vancouver, Oregon, United States of America

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, Washington is a vibrant city with numerous attractions to offer tourists throughout the year. The city, located on the north bank of the Columbia River, is just across the state border from Portland, Oregon, making it a prime destination to visit when exploring the region.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Vancouver, Washington, and the surrounding area:

1. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

This national historic site is a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts. Established in 1824 as a fur trading outpost, it was later used by the US Army and served as an important hub for the Pacific Northwest region. Visitors can explore the fort's military buildings, a fur warehouse, and the reconstructed Hudson's Bay Company's trading post. Interpretive exhibits and ranger-led tours are available throughout the year.

2. Esther Short Park

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Esther Short Park is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. It features a rose garden, a fountain, public art, and a performance pavilion that hosts concerts and events regularly.

3. Vancouver Waterfront Park

The Vancouver Waterfront Park is a new addition to the city, developed as part of a major redevelopment of the Columbia River waterfront. The park offers stunning views of the river, a 7-acre public park, and a 90-foot pier offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.

4. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Just a short drive east of Vancouver, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a breathtaking natural wonder. The gorge is over 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, with waterfalls, steep cliffs, and unforgettable views. Visitors can explore the area on scenic drives, hikes, or by boat or kayak.

5. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Located to the north of Vancouver in southern Washington, Mount St. Helens is a fascinating natural attraction that demands a visit. Most famously known for its eruption in 1980, the mountain has since been designated as a national monument. Visitors can hike up the mountain and view the remnants of the volcanic eruption, including the massive crater.

6. Portland Japanese Garden

While technically located in Portland, just across the river from Vancouver, the Portland Japanese Garden is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the region. The garden is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan and features stunning water features, bonsai trees, and traditional Japanese architecture.

In conclusion, Vancouver and its surrounding area offer a wide range of tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy. From history and culture to outdoor recreation, anyone visiting the Pacific Northwest should add Vancouver to their list of destinations to explore.

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: Otsuchi, Japan, Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, Argentina, Costa Daurada, Spain, Kemerovo Oblast, Russia, Llandudno, Wales, United Kingdom, Bo'ao, China, Omo National Park, Ethiopia, Sanma, Vanuatu, Jezreel Valley, Israel, Attock, Pakistan, and Carcass Island, Falkland Islands.