Watertown, 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 Watertown, South Dakota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Watertown, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Watertown can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February for Watertown is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows occasionally.

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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

Traveling to Watertown in March, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly 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 Watertown. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Watertown is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s 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
  • 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 these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect 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.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice 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

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

In May, Watertown is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Watertown, with a few of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: 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 Watertown. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • 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 go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

In June, Watertown is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Watertown, with a few 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 Watertown. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July in Watertown is extremely warm. 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 50s 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 airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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 go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Be careful to find the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale 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 works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Watertown is balmy. 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 airlines repeatedly losing bags 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.

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Watertown is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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 things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money 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 pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Watertown can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Watertown. 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 airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows 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 Watertown. 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 frequently 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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. It's important that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Bramble Park Zoo, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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

Watertown, located in the northeastern part of South Dakota, is a small but vibrant city that boasts of a rich history and cultural heritage. It is a popular tourist destination in South Dakota, offering visitors an array of exciting activities, attractions, and experiences. From outdoor adventures to historical landmarks and cultural events, Watertown has plenty to offer tourists who are looking for an immersive travel experience. Here are the top tourist attractions in Watertown, South Dakota.

1. Terry Redlin Art Center

The Terry Redlin Art Center is a must-see attraction for art enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is located on the shores of Lake Kampeska and is home to a collection of more than 150 original oil paintings by renowned artist Terry Redlin. The paintings depict various outdoor scenes of wildlife, nature, and rural life, and the center also features an extensive gift shop.

2. Bramble Park Zoo

The Bramble Park Zoo is a favorite tourist attraction in Watertown, offering visitors the chance to view a wide range of animal species from around the world. The zoo is home to more than 800 animals across 130 species, and visitors can enjoy walking through the natural habitats of these animals, including tigers, chimpanzees, bears, and more.

3. Codington County Heritage Museum

The Codington County Heritage Museum is a tribute to the area's history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum features various exhibitions, displays, and artifacts that showcase the development of the city and the region over time, including agriculture, transportation, arts, and education.

4. Historic Watertown Main Street

The historic Watertown Main Street is a charming, thriving downtown district with a range of unique shops, restaurants, and businesses. The district includes over 25 blocks of historic buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, filled with vibrant murals, sculptures, fountains, and other public art installations.

5. Goss Opera House

The Goss Opera House is a impressive, 120-year-old historic theatre, located in the heart of downtown Watertown. The theatre is known for its stunning architecture, including its classic Victorian-style decor and ornate wooden features. Visitors can watch live theatre performances, musical concerts, and other cultural events at this iconic landmark.

6. Mellette House

The Mellette House is the former residence of Arthur C. Mellette, the first governor of South Dakota. The house, built in 1885, is a unique blend of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Romanesque styles of architecture, and today it operates as a museum to showcase the history and heritage of the city and state.

7. Terry Redlin Wildlife Area

The Terry Redlin Wildlife Area is a sprawling, 30-acre park located on the south shore of Lake Kampeska. The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and boating enthusiasts, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

In conclusion, Watertown is a hidden gem in South Dakota, with a variety of attractions and experiences to offer travelers. From its vibrant downtown district to its rich history and cultural landmarks, there is something for everyone in Watertown. So plan your visit, and make your trip to South Dakota unforgettable!

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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