What to Wear in Boise, ID
What to wear in Boise, Idaho can vary depending on the season. We are fortunate enough to experience the elements of all four beautiful seasons, with mild summer and winter temperatures. The climate is VERY dry, so no matter what season you’re planning to visit, do not forget to pack chapstick, moisturizer, and a reusable water bottle. Luckily for you, there are many shops in downtown Boise, so you don’t have to worry about bringing everything.
Summer
Summer begins in June, and temperatures can get as high as the low 100s. Keep in mind that the days are much longer in the summer and the sun will stay out until as late as 10pm.
The ideal time to go on an adventure in Idaho is summer time. There are so many beautiful spots for camping, hiking, biking, rafting and rock climbing. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, remember to pack hiking shoes or boots, sandals, shorts, long pants, and layers for nighttime.
Even if you’re not planning on going on any adventures, still consider getting yourself a pair of adventure sandals like Chacos or Tevas. They’re all the rave here and perfect for floating or hanging out by the river. Keep in mind the sun in Idaho is very intense so don’t forget to pack your hat and sunscreen.
Temperatures are the hottest in August. This will be the best time to float the river so if that’s something you’d like to do, pack a swimsuit.
During the day, shorts and tank tops are going to be your go-to but if you’re wanting to dress it up a little, consider going with a sundress or a skirt. Nighttime is still a little bit chilly so don’t forget to pack long pants. In the summer I love pairing a solid colored shirt or tank with some statement flare pants like these (you can find them at Voxn Clothing, a local downtown boise store).
You can buy these online, or pay us a visit when you arrive. The most popular place for shopping in Boise, ID is the Boise Towne Square mall and is about a 10 minute drive from downtown. If you aren’t planning on renting a car, there are still a lot of great Idaho clothing stores in the downtown area.
Fall
The changing trees are my absolute favorite part of fall and really bring the Idaho downtown area to life. After all, they call it the “the city of trees” for a reason. The fashion here seems to reflect the colors in the trees, so if you want to blend in, I would suggest sticking to warm autumn colors such as dark reds, browns, nudes and deep oranges.
The weather is very nice during this season, with temperatures averaging at around 80 for the highs, and about 40 for the lows. You can also expect some rain during this season.
If you’re planning a visit during fall, remember to pack a warm jacket, a few sweaters, jeans, and Boise State colors: blue and orange. (Or at least try to avoid wearing the rival team's colors). The locals are very enthusiastic about college football. You’ll notice the fans begin tailgating days prior to the games and almost everyone in town reps Bronco colors on game day.
Especially during the fall, you’re going to want to get a pair of comfy pants that don’t wrinkle and these pants are also perfect for traveling through the airport.
Winter
The winter is the best time to visit Bogus Basin , where the ski slopes are located. There can be a fair amount of snow here in the winters. Temperatures range from the mid-teens to the high 30s. Pack a snow jacket, LOTS of layers, long pants, warm socks, scarves and boots. Don’t forget your gloves and beanie in case it snows. If you don’t have a pair of waterproof boots don’t fret! You can buy a waterproofing spray in town and use it to waterproof the boots you already have.
It’s hard to say what to expect when it comes to exactly how much snow there will be; it’s very unpredictable. Some years we barely get any snow, and others it stays on the ground for what seems like all season. The key to staying warm during the winters is using layers strategically. This will help you be prepared for the unpredictable weather so you can adjust accordingly.
If you’re coming from somewhere warmer and don’t want to spend the money on a good quality winter jacket, I would recommend grabbing a secondhand jacket from one of the many thrift stores in Boise. This way you can get a higher quality jacket and if you don’t think you’ll ever wear it again, you can always donate it back before the end of your trip. Idaho Youth Ranch is a secondhand store located in Boise, Idaho downtown and they have a convenient location walking distance from the downtown area.
Leggings are very popular among Boise apparel and are perfect for strategic layering. If you find yourself doing some shopping in Boise, consider getting a pair of these leggings that were designed right here in Boise and are made with 90% recycled polyester.
Spring
Springtime in Boise has a little bit of everything! Locals will begin to shed their winter layers and transition to lighter colors, again to complement the flowers starting to bloom on the trees. I would also recommend bringing a rain jacket and an umbrella if you’re here during the springtime.
This season is a great time of year to start wearing rompers and jumpsuits. I personally love wearing jumpsuits when I’m traveling because of how simple they are to pack and style. If you’re planning on visiting any downtown Boise stores, Voxn Clothing has a wide selection of rompers and jumpsuits, but this one has to be my favorite right now.
The more the population grows, the more interesting and less casual Boise apparel becomes. Like most places, we’re starting to see more and more trends from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s become popular again, especially among the younger demographic. Whatever you choose to pack, know that the unique culture in Boise is very accepting and welcoming no matter what you’re wearing.