West Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to West Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada? If you're planning to go to West Kootenays, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to West Kootenays
- Important essentials for West Kootenays
- Activities for West Kootenays
- West Kootenays in January: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in February: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in March: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in April: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in May: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in June: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in July: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in August: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in September: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in October: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays in November: weather and what to pack
- West Kootenays 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 West Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in West Kootenays, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for West Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in West Kootenays, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in West Kootenays. 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.
What to wear/what to pack for West Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in West Kootenays is very cold, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to West Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
West Kootenays has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in West Kootenays can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to West Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
West Kootenays has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
In March, West Kootenays is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for West Kootenays, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to West Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
West Kootenays has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
In April, West Kootenays is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for West Kootenays, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
May
Traveling to West Kootenays in May, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
June
If you are traveling to West Kootenays in June, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
July
If you go to West Kootenays in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
August
In August, West Kootenays is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and occasionally jump into the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for West Kootenays, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
September
September in West Kootenays is mild and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
October in West Kootenays is brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
November
November in West Kootenays is brisk and very rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to low 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to West Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
West Kootenays has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
In December, West Kootenays is frigid and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s 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 West Kootenays, with a few of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to West Kootenays, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
West Kootenays has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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