Are you visiting Idaho and have no idea what to wear? Well you’re not alone! I’ve had many questions about what to wear in Idaho and have finally decided to make a post for you all!
I’m an Idaho native and am currently living in Boise. Since I’ve lived in Idaho in all seasons, I’ve finally become an Idaho seasonal clothing expert.
Idaho is VERY casual and outdoorsy. The fanciest anyone gets is usually to go out on the town, go to work, or go to church. Just keep in mind that anything really goes and it’s not a very fashionable state. Not to dis on the people that live here, but after living in such a fashionable city like SF for so long, I’ve realized this is just the truth. 😉
What to Wear in Idaho in All Seasons
Winter in Idaho:
Winter in Idaho is cold and depending on where you’re spending your time, it can be freezing! If you’re in the mountains, you’ll definitely want to come prepared with the warmest clothing you have. Think puffer jackets, snow boots, warm hats, scarves etc. In the cities and more of the desert climate, you will be able to wear regular boots and booties to walk around and will still need warm clothing, but not as extreme. Temps in Idaho in the winter range from: low of 20-30’s and highs of 60’s. Just remember the mountains are always colder!
My personal favorite winter gear for Idaho!
Packing List for Idaho in the Winter
Shoes:
-Winter snow boots – I have Sorrel’s like these
-Leather or suede tall boots for nights out (walking around)
-Short booties
-Tennis shoes with good traction
Ski/Snow Gear (if doing winter sports):
-Helmet (to keep warm and safe on the mountain)
-Neck warmer
-Hand warmers
-Jacket for Ski/Board
-Ski/Board pants
-Ski/Board goggles
-Sturdy ski gloves
Winter Accessories:
-Mittens
-Hat
-Scarf
-Hand warmers
-Wool Socks
-Sunglasses
Clothing:
-Long sleeve shirts/thermals
-Thermal leggings or regular
-Warm Sweaters
-Sweater Dress
-Sweats for sleeping/lounging
-Jeans
-Swimsuit for hot springs/hot tubs
Jackets:
-Fleece jacket
-Puffer or parka coat
-Pea coat for fancier attire/going to dinner etc.
-Sweatshirt
Other/Toiletries:
-sunscreen – the sun can be scorching at higher elevation in Idaho
-chapstick – Idaho is super dry in the winter
-hydrating lotion – helps with the dryness in the winter
-Camelbak water carrier – if winter hiking
-Any other snow gear (snow shoes, skis, cross-country skis, snowboard, ice fishing gear etc)
Fall in Idaho:
Fall in Idaho is my favorite! The air is crisp, the leaves are changing and there are a ton of fun fall activities. Depending on where you’re spending your time, it can get kinda cold. If you’re in the mountains, you’ll definitely want to come prepared with warmer clothing. In the cities and more of the desert climate, you will be able to wear lighter jackets and long sleeves depending on what month in the fall it is. Temps in Idaho in the fall range from: low of 40’s and highs of sometimes 70’s. Just remember the mountains are always colder!
My personal favorite fall gear for Idaho!
Packing List for Fall in Idaho
Shoes:
-Leather or suede tall boots for nights out (walking around)
-Short booties
-Mules or flats
-Short rain boot
-Tennis shoes or hiking shoes
Fall Accessories:
-Light mittens
-Fall hat
-Blanket scarf
-Sunglasses
Other/Toiletries:
-Sunscreen
-Chapstick
-Hydrating Lotion
-Camelbak water carrier – if going on a fall hike
Clothing:
-Long sleeve shirt
-Chambray or Flannel
-T-shirt
-Sweater/Cardigan
-Sweater Dress
-Pajamas
-Leggings
-Jeans
-Swimsuit for hot springs/hot tubs
Jackets:
-Rain Jacket
-Jean Jacket
-Army Jacket
-Puffer Vest
-Sweatshirt
Read Next: The Ultimate Fall Boise Bucket List
Spring in Idaho:
Spring in Idaho is beautiful! Everything that was once brown, is bright green and the flowers start to bloom all around the state. The air is nice and crisp, but not too hot or too cold. The rivers, waterfalls and lakes are at their fullest in the spring and driving or hiking anywhere throughout the state is gorgeous! If you’re in the mountains, you’ll definitely want to come prepared with warmer clothing for the nighttime, but days are usually perfect weather. Temps in Idaho in the spring range from: low of 40’s and highs of 70’s. Just remember the mountains are always colder!
My personal favorite spring gear for Idaho!
Packing List for Spring in Idaho
Shoes:
-Sandals
-Tennis Shoes
-Hiking Shoes
-Rain boots
-Flats
Spring Accessories:
-Baseball hat
-Umbrella
-Sunglasses
Other/Toiletries:
-Sunscreen
-Bugspray
-Chapstick
-Hydrating Lotion
-Camelbak water carrier – if going on a spring hike
-Read here for my Idaho camping gear list
Clothing:
-Jeans
-Leggings
-Rain Coat
-Jean Jacket
-Army Jacket
-Leather Jacket
-Maxi Dress
-Regular dress
-Shorts (sometimes temps can get hot)
-Romper
-Swimsuit
-Short sleeve T-shirt
-Cardigan
-Sweats or leggings
-Hiking shorts
-Workout tank or shirt
Summer in Idaho:
Summer in Idaho is awesome because you can be outdoors all day and it stays light clear until 10pm! Everything does start to turn brown, but the heat lasts well into the night, so most of the time you don’t even need a jacket at night (unless you’re in the mountains). This is one of the main times I recommend people to come visit Idaho, because the weather is great and it’s the perfect time to go camping and hiking or just to explore Idaho’s wilderness. In the summer in Idaho it gets anywhere form 85-110 degrees. Remember that you will be at a higher elevation in most locations in Idaho, so air will be dryer. Going camping? Check out my Idaho camping checklist!
My personal favorite summer gear for Idaho!
Packing List for Summer in Idaho
Clothing:
-Tank top
-T-Shirt
-Jean or khaki shorts
-Hiking shorts/light leggings
-Workout tank or shirt
-Swimsuit
-Swimsuit Cover Up
-Light sweatshirt or cardigan
-Jean Jacket
-Romper
-Dresses
Other/Toiletries:
-Sunscreen
-Bugspray
-Chapstick
-Hydrating Lotion
-CamelBak water carrier – if going on a summer hike
Shoes:
-River sandals like Chacos
-Flip Flops
-Leather Sandals
-Tennis Shoes
-Hiking Shoes
Summer Accessories:
-Baseball hat
-Sun hat
-Quick-Dry Towel
-Sunglasses
-Camping Gear (Idaho camping packing list here)
That was very helpful! We’re looking to visit and possibly move to Idaho and this really gave us a visual! We’re also from the Bay Area (Hayward) and looking for a new place to call home. Thanks
-K&S