Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Bristol, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Bristol
- Important essentials for Bristol
- Activities for Bristol
- Bristol in January: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in February: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in March: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in April: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in May: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in June: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in July: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in August: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in September: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in October: weather and what to pack
- Bristol in November: weather and what to pack
- Bristol 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 Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Bristol, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bristol, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold 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 a good TSA-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
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 Bristol. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Bristol is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and about half of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Bristol, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Bristol (Rhode Island), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Bristol (Rhode Island) has some famous 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
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
February
February in Bristol is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Bristol (Rhode Island), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Bristol (Rhode Island) has some great 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
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
March
If you vacation in Bristol during March, you will probably see that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to snow once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Bristol (Rhode Island), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Bristol (Rhode Island) has some good ski slopes 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
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
April
If you vacation in Bristol during April, you are likely to find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
May
May in Bristol is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
June
If you visit Bristol during June, you will probably notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
July
If you visit Bristol during July, you are likely to see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
August
If you are traveling to Bristol in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
September
If you visit Bristol during September, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
October
If you go to Bristol in October, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
November
November in Bristol is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
December
December in Bristol is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) to low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Bristol (Rhode Island), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Bristol (Rhode Island) has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would 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
If you go to Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Activities for Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Bristol.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Portmarnock, Ireland, Kolomyia, Ukraine, Loch Ness, Scotland, United Kingdom, Dunsmuir, California, United States of America, La Punta, Argentina, Entre Rios, Bahia, Brazil, Puerto López, Ecuador, Rio Gallegos, Argentina, Guinee Maritime, Guinea, Henley-in-Arden, England, United Kingdom, and Orenburg Oblast, Russia.