Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Harvard, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Harvard
- Important essentials for Harvard
- Activities for Harvard
- Harvard in January: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in February: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in March: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in April: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in May: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in June: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in July: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in August: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in September: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in October: weather and what to pack
- Harvard in November: weather and what to pack
- Harvard 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 Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Harvard, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Harvard, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
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).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
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
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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 Harvard. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is very cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
February here is freezing. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
March in Harvard can be brisk and somewhat rainy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
April in Harvard can be chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
In May, Harvard is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Harvard, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 50%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
June in Harvard is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. Even the best suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
July in Harvard is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. The best luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
August here is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 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
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. The finest luggage can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
If you go to Harvard in September, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
October here is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
If you vacation in Harvard during November, you are likely to notice that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
December in Harvard is freezing and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain regularly. It also snows occasionally. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Fruitlands Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Activities for Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Harvard.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Milan, Ohio, United States of America, Kings County, California, United States of America, Cheshire, England, United Kingdom, Matabari, India, Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Japan, Smithfield-Selma, North Carolina, United States of America, Labrador City, Newfoundland, Canada, Garoua, Cameroon, Zunyi, China, North Bay, Ontario, Canada, and Heber Springs, Arkansas, United States of America.