Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Cambridge, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cambridge
- Important essentials for Cambridge
- Activities for Cambridge
- Cambridge in January: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in February: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in March: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in April: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in May: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in June: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in July: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in August: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in September: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in October: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge in November: weather and what to pack
- Cambridge 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 Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Cambridge, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cambridge, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
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 Cambridge. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is frigid. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Cambridge (Massachusetts), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Cambridge (Massachusetts) has some great skiing 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 the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
February for Cambridge is freezing. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Lip balm
The best is: this one
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Cambridge (Massachusetts), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Cambridge (Massachusetts) has some famous skiing 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 the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
If you are traveling to Cambridge in March, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain or snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Cambridge (Massachusetts), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Cambridge (Massachusetts) has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would 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 the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
In April, Cambridge is relatively cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cambridge, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
May in Cambridge is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
In June, Cambridge is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Cambridge, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
Traveling to Cambridge in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
August is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
Traveling to Cambridge in September, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
October in Cambridge is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
In November, Cambridge is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cambridge, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Cambridge (Massachusetts), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Cambridge (Massachusetts) has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would 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 the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
December in Cambridge is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to high 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Gloves
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Cambridge (Massachusetts), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Cambridge (Massachusetts) 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 the Harvard Art Museums, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Activities for Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Cambridge.
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