What To Wear In Shenandoah National Park

I traveled to Shenandoah National Park for the first time in 2023 and immediately understood why the area’s beauty is being preserved through the US National Park System. Shenandoah is a beautiful destination that offers stunning views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities. But the weather can vary a lot depending on the time of year, so you need to pack accordingly. Here are some tips on what to wear in Shenandoah by season.

I traveled between September & October to experience the beginning of Fall at Shenandoah while doing some of the most common activities like hiking and stopping at some of the many overlook opportunities. Hopefully, my firsthand experience of how the temperature changes towards the end of Summer and into early Fall will help you prepare for your trip. Being there as the seasons changed helped me refine my packing list research so I could share it with all of you!

I found that I needed several different outfits throughout the day and different situations like hiking in the woods made a difference because it felt a lot warmer compared to the open areas like Big Meadows. I usually associate the tree cover with a temperature decrease, but the thick trees and rocky ground underneath served to capture warmth while more open areas provided a steady breeze that would keep you cooler. Also, because the park spans over a 100-mile drive and has plenty of peaks and valleys, you’ll find that the temperature can change even from the North to the South, whether you’re in a shaded valley or at the top of a sunny outcropping. Beyond all that, if you’re going to be in the woods, you’re going to want protection from harmful critters like ticks and itch-inducing plants like poison ivy.

Spring (March, April & May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Shenandoah, as the park comes alive with colorful flowers, green leaves, and chirping birds. The average temperature in spring is around 60°F (16°C), but it can get chilly at night or at higher elevations. You’ll want to bring layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed. A light jacket, a fleece sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants are good options. You’ll also need a raincoat or an umbrella, as spring can be rainy in Shenandoah. Don’t forget to pack some sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, as the trails can be muddy or slippery. Another thing to note about hiking in Shenandoah is that there can be extreme elevation compared to other areas because you’re in the mountains. So make sure you’re hiking boots fit around your ankles very well, have really good treads, and are snug, but not too snug around your toes so that you’re not pushing them into the front of your boots when you’re going downhill.

I also found that bringing a walking stick was extremely beneficial. Since it gives you an additional point of contact with the ground, you’ll have increased balance. Also, I like to bring a CamelBak to evenly distribute weight between my water and snacks while I’m hiking and make sure my car keys are zipped up somewhere safe.

Once you are done with your hiking adventure, you’ll want to go home immediately to do a tick check and shower. After that, you don’t want to jump back into your dirty clothes from earlier in the day, so you’ll want some clothes for relaxing during the evening. Relaxing back at your rental can come in many different ways. For me, I like to sit around on the screened-in porch or go in the hot tub to recover from a day of hiking while there’s still sunlight out and start up a fire pit in the backyard as the sun starts to set. To do all those different activities, you’re going to need different outfits. Always pack a pair of swim trunks as many of the rentals have a hot tub and if you’re feeling sore you can jump right in and it’ll do wonders for your muscles. If I’m still in pretty good shape and want to enjoy the fresh air while avoiding the bugs I like to head out to the screened-in porch in a pair of cozy sweatpants along with some wool socks and slippers in a T-shirt with a comfy flannel over it as the sun starts to set and the night gets cooler.

Shenandoah Packing List for Spring (March, April & May):

Hiking Socks
Cozy Wool Socks
Hiking Boots
Relaxed Shoes or Slippers
2x Underwear
Swimtrunks
Sweatpants
Hiking Pants That Cinch At The Ankles And Waist
T-Shirt
Long-Sleeved Shirt
Fleece, Sweater or Flannel
Light Hard-Shell Jacket w/ A Hood
CamelBak
Walking Stick

Summer (June, July & August): Summer is the most popular and crowded season in Shenandoah, as many people flock to the park to enjoy the warm weather and the scenic views. The average temperature in summer is around 80°F (27°C), but it can get hot and humid during the day. You’ll want to wear light and breathable clothing that can keep you cool and comfortable. A short-sleeved shirt, shorts, a hat, and sunglasses are good options. You’ll also need sunscreen and insect repellent, as summer can be sunny and buggy in Shenandoah. Don’t forget to pack some water and snacks for hiking, as the trails can be steep and strenuous.

After you’re done hiking for the day, you’ll want to do a tick check and shower at your rental and then get into some comfortable clothes for relaxing. I like to spend time hanging out on the screened-in porch, recovering in the hot tub as it gets cooler outside, or grilling and having some drinks outside.

Shenandoah Packing List for Summer (June, July & August):

Lightweight Hiking Socks
Breathable Socks For Relaxing
Hiking Shoes
Relaxed Shoes or Flip Flops
2x Underwear
Swimtrunks
Athletic Shorts
Convertible Hiking Pants
2x T-Shirt
Hat
Sunglasses & Case
CamelBak
Walking Stick

Fall (September, October & November): Fall is a spectacular time to visit Shenandoah, as the park transforms into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow colors. The average temperature in fall is around 60°F (16°C), but it can get cold and windy at night or at higher elevations. You’ll want to bring layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed. A warm jacket, a sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants are good options. You’ll also need a hat and gloves, as fall can be frosty in Shenandoah. Since Fall & Spring both hover around the 60’s I tend to do the same activities after hiking like hopping in the hot tub, relaxing in something cozy out on the screened-in porch or building a fire pit to relax around. Since you’ll need different outfits for each activity I’ve added them to the packing list below.

Shenandoah Packing List for Fall (September, October & November):

Hiking Socks
Cozy Wool Socks
Hiking Boots
Relaxed Shoes or Slippers
2x Underwear
Swimtrunks
Sweatpants
Hiking Pants That Cinch At The Ankles And Waist
Gloves
T-Shirt
Long-Sleeved Shirt
Fleece, Sweater or Flannel
Light Hard-Shell Jacket w/ A Hood
Hat
CamelBak
Walking Stick

Winter (December, January & February): Winter is the least visited and most peaceful season in Shenandoah, as the park becomes a winter wonderland covered with snow and ice. The average temperature in winter is around 40°F (4°C), but it can get freezing and snowy at night or at higher elevations. You’ll want to wear warm, waterproof clothing that can keep you cozy and dry. A heavy coat, a sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, thermal underwear, and pants are good options. You’ll also need boots, socks, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, as winter can be harsh in Shenandoah. Don’t forget to pack some snowshoes or skis for exploring the snowy trails.

Shenandoah Packing List for Winter (December, January & February):

Thick Hiking Socks
Cozy Wool Socks
Hiking Boots
Relaxed Shoes or Slippers
2x Underwear
Swimtrunks
Thermal Baselayers
Sweatpants
Hiking Pants That Cinch At The Ankles And Waist
Winter Gloves
Long-Sleeved Shirt
Fleece, Sweater or Flannel
Insulated Hard-Shell Jacket w/ A Hood
Scarf
Earmuffs or Winter Hat
CamelBak
Walking Stick

Hopefully my packing lists and information on what to wear in Shenandoah National Park is a good jumping off point for you and you enjoy your trip!