New England, Maine, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to New England, Maine, United States of America? If you're planning to go to New England, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to New England
- Important essentials for New England
- Activities for New England
- New England in January: weather and what to pack
- New England in February: weather and what to pack
- New England in March: weather and what to pack
- New England in April: weather and what to pack
- New England in May: weather and what to pack
- New England in June: weather and what to pack
- New England in July: weather and what to pack
- New England in August: weather and what to pack
- New England in September: weather and what to pack
- New England in October: weather and what to pack
- New England in November: weather and what to pack
- New England 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 New England, Maine, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in New England, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for New England, Maine, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in New England, 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 TSA-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become 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.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in New England. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for New England, Maine, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in New England is frigid and snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 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:
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to New England, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
New England has some good ski areas 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
February
If you go to New England in February, you will notice that it is freezing and snowy. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting New England, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
New England has some good skiing 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
March
In March, New England can be very chilly and snowy. 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). During your visit, you can expect extremely heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for New England, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to New England, 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 an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
New England has some great skiing 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
April
April in New England is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to New England, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
New England has some good 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
May
May in New England is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
June
June is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you visit New England during July, you will probably find that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 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:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
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 an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
August
If you go to New England in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can 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 belongings remain dry. We suggest:
September
September in New England is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
October
October in New England is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
November
If you visit New England during November, you will probably find that it is brisk. 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).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting New England, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
New England has some famous ski areas 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
December
December here is freezing and snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting New England, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
New England has some great ski slopes 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
Activities for New England, Maine, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for New England.
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