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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

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

Contents

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

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Northampton is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows sometimes.

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 locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Northampton in February, you will notice that it is frosty. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 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 Northampton. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to Northampton in March, you will notice that it is pretty cool. 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 Northampton. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April for Northampton is cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northampton. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

In May, Northampton is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (low 20s C) and about 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 Northampton, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: 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 Northampton. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you vacation in Northampton during June, you are likely to notice 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 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northampton. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you vacation in Northampton during July, you will probably see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Northampton in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s 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 Northampton. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right type. Many adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health

  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent option.

  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.

  • Emergency motion sickness relief

  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northampton. 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 airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Northampton is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northampton. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers 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.

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Northampton can be very chilly. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Northampton is pretty cool. 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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northampton. 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

  • 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. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Smith College Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

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

Northampton, Massachusetts, is a charming town located in the western part of the state. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Northampton has become a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Here are the top tourist attractions in Northampton that you can visit during your stay.

1. Smith College Museum of Art

The Smith College Museum of Art is one of the top attractions in Northampton and the surrounding area. With over 25,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints, the museum is a treasure trove of artistic diversity. The collection spans centuries and continents, and features works from both well-known and emerging artists.

2. Look Park

Look Park is a beautiful 150-acre park that provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, a zoo, paddle boats, a water spray park, a mini-golf course, and much more. Look Park is an ideal destination for families looking to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors.

3. Calvin Theatre and Iron Horse Music Hall

If you're looking for live entertainment, you can't go wrong with the Calvin Theatre and Iron Horse Music Hall. These venues host local and national acts, and feature a variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, jazz, and blues. The venues are located in the center of town, making them easy to get to from anywhere in Northampton.

4. Northampton Farmers' Market

The Northampton Farmers' Market is a beloved institution in the town, and it's easy to see why. The market is open from May to October, and features a variety of locally grown and produced foods, including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, and artisanal breads. The market also features live music, cooking demonstrations, and other special events.

5. The Academy of Music Theatre

The Academy of Music Theatre is a historic venue that has been hosting performances for over 100 years. The theater features a beautiful interior with ornate plasterwork and a stunning chandelier. The space hosts a variety of performances, including theater productions, concerts, and dance performances.

6. Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

The Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful nature preserve that provides a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of town. The sanctuary features over 700 acres of woods, meadows, and wetlands, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, beavers, and muskrats. The sanctuary also features hiking trails, a visitor center, and educational programs.

In conclusion, Northampton, Massachusetts, is a town that has something for everyone. From the lively arts scene to the beautiful natural landscapes, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained during their stay. Whether you're looking for cultural enrichment or outdoor adventure, Northampton is sure to exceed your expectations.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Oradea, Romania, Salatiga, Indonesia, Molde, Norway, Central Portugal, Portugal, Tokaj, Hungary, Pleasanton, Texas, United States of America, Sorong, Indonesia, Monsummano, Italy, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America, Beavercreek, Ohio, United States of America, and Hidalgo, Hidalgo, Mexico.