Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Essex, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Essex, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America by month

January

January in Essex can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Essex is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

Traveling to Essex in March, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Essex is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

In May, Essex is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Essex, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Essex is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you go to Essex in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in Essex is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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 Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you go to Essex in September, you will notice that it is balmy. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Essex is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • 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 Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Essex can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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 Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Essex can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and sometimes jump into the low 50s 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 Essex, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Essex. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America

Essex, Massachusetts, located in the northeastern part of the United States, is a charming town that is popular for its historic sites, stunning natural scenery, and family-friendly activities. This small town has something for everyone, making it a favorite destination among tourists who want to explore Massachusetts.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Essex, Massachusetts:

1. Essex Shipbuilding Museum: The Essex Shipbuilding Museum is a fascinating attraction for history lovers. The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of the town's shipbuilding industry, which began in the early 1800s. Visitors can explore the museum's collection of boats, tools, and artifacts that are associated with the shipbuilding trade. Tours of the museum are also available, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the town's maritime history.

2. The Crane Estate: The Crane Estate is a stunning 2,100-acre property that is located on Ipswich Bay. The estate features a mansion that was built in the early 1900s for industrialist Richard T. Crane Jr. The mansion is a masterpiece of design and architecture, and visitors can tour the estate's gardens, grounds, and carriage house. The estate also offers activities such as guided tours, hiking, bird-watching, and more.

3. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a breathtaking property that features a castle-like structure that sits atop a hill overlooking the sea. Visitors can explore the castle's lush gardens, hike along the trails that wind through the property, and learn about the estate's history via guided tours. The castle is also host to concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.

4. Essex River: The Essex River is a peaceful waterway that flows through the center of town, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Essex. Visitors can hire a boat and take a guided tour of the river, or explore the beautiful coastline on foot by hiking along one of the many trails that wind through the area.

5. Essex Art Center: The Essex Art Center is a hub of creativity and inspiration, featuring exhibitions and events that showcase the work of local artists. Visitors can explore the center's galleries, take classes in painting, drawing, ceramics, and other art forms, or attend one of the many special events held throughout the year.

In summary, Essex, Massachusetts, is a beautiful and historic town that offers a variety of attractions for visitors. From exploring the town's maritime history at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum to enjoying the natural beauty of the Essex River, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming New England destination.

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.

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