Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada? If you're planning to go to Hamilton, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Hamilton
- Important essentials for Hamilton
- Activities for Hamilton
- Hamilton in January: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in February: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in March: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in April: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in May: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in June: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in July: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in August: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in September: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in October: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton in November: weather and what to pack
- Hamilton 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 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Hamilton, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hamilton, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
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).
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Hamilton. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Hamilton, Ontario, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Hamilton is frigid and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Hamilton (Ontario), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
February is very cold. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Hamilton (Ontario), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
March
In March, Hamilton can be very chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and occasionally jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Hamilton, with a few of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Hamilton (Ontario), 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.
April
If you visit Hamilton during April, you may see that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
May
In May, Hamilton is mild and somewhat rainy. 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 Hamilton, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
June
In June, Hamilton is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and occasionally jump into the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Hamilton, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants 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 like:
July
July in Hamilton is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you visit Hamilton during August, you may find that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Hamilton in September, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
October
October in Hamilton is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver 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 suggest:
November
November in Hamilton is cold and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Hamilton (Ontario), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
December
December in this region is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Hamilton (Ontario), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
Activities for Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Hamilton.
If you visit the McMaster Museum of Art, 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.
Castle hopping? For Dundurn Castle, take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
If you plan to visit Albion Falls, prepare to get wet, and take these:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Mamirauá, Amazonas, Brazil, Emory, Texas, United States of America, Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, Debar, Macedonia, Perth, Scotland, United Kingdom, Humenné, Slovakia, MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, Australia, Studio City, California, United States of America, Jansenville, South Africa, Queenstown, New Zealand, and Issoudun, France.