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

Contents

When to go to Willow, Alaska, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Willow, Alaska, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Willow, Alaska, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Willow, Alaska, United States of America by month

January

January in Willow is unbearably cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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 neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Willow can be dangerously cold. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C) to low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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.

  • 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 recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you go to Willow in March, you will notice that it is frosty. Expect it to rain or snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Willow is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C), with a few days below 10 F (10+ below zero 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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 luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Willow can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • 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. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers 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 places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

If you are traveling to Willow in June, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for 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

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you vacation in Willow during July, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 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:

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

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, 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.

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 huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you go to Willow in August, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, 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 Willow. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers 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 locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you go to Willow in September, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (mid 10s 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 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 recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money 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. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you are traveling to Willow in October, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s 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 Willow. 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 always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Willow is unbearably cold. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C) to 20s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero 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 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 luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Willow. 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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in this region is beyond freezing. Temperatures average in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold 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 is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Willow, Alaska, United States of America

Located in the heart of Alaska, Willow is a charming town with plenty of outdoor wonders that attract numerous tourists each year. From scenic drives and hikes to wildlife viewing and fishing, Willow has a lot to offer for those who love the great outdoors. Here are some top tourist attractions in Willow, Alaska that you should definitely visit.

1. Hatcher Pass

One of the most scenic drives in Alaska, Hatcher Pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and glaciers. This scenic byway stretches for over 60 miles and takes you through the popular Hatcher Pass State Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping amidst the rugged beauty of the Talkeetna and Chugach mountain ranges.

2. Susitna River

The Susitna River is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and rafting in Willow. Known for its abundant salmon populations, the Susitna is a fisherman's paradise. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely float down the river or take a guided tour to explore the stunning scenery and wildlife along the banks.

3. Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Nestled on the banks of Willow Creek, this state recreation area offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping amidst the stunning natural beauty of the area. The park offers picnic shelters, campsites, and a playground for families with children.

4. Denali National Park

Just a short drive from Willow, Denali National Park offers some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska. At over 6 million acres, the park features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and rugged wilderness areas that are home to a variety of wildlife such as moose, grizzly bears, and caribou. Visitors can explore the park on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about the area's natural history and wildlife.

5. Willow Community Center

If you are looking for some indoor activities, the Willow Community Center is a great place to visit. This community center offers a variety of classes, events, and workshops throughout the year. Visitors can take part in concerts, cooking classes, art exhibits, and more.

In conclusion, Willow, Alaska is a hidden gem that offers a plethora of outdoor activities and scenic vistas for tourists. From scenic drives and hikes to fishing and wildlife viewing, Willow has something for everyone. So, if you are planning your next vacation, don't miss out on the chance to explore the beauty of Willow.

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: Vista, California, United States of America, Khartoum, Sudan, Karlsöarna, Sweden, El Verano, California, United States of America, Asan, South Korea, Milan, Ohio, United States of America, Canyon de Guadalupe, New Mexico, Mexico, Torna, India, Jasper, Indiana, United States of America, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway, and Izola, Slovenia.