Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Old Lyme, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States of America by month

January

In January, Old Lyme is pretty cool and snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) and about half of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Old Lyme, with a few 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Make sure to find the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in this region is cold and snowy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes and snows (extremely heavy snowfall).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Old Lyme. 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March here can be brisk and snowy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows (several inches of snow).

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 Old Lyme. 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 locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Old Lyme is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain occasionally.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Old Lyme is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.

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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: 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 Old Lyme. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Old Lyme 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 low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Check that you pick the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August for Old Lyme is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, 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 Old Lyme. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you visit Old Lyme during September, you will probably notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • 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 Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you vacation in Old Lyme during October, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now 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 appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

Traveling to Old Lyme in November, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain once in a while and snow (a dusting of snow). Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Old Lyme. 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 frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

Traveling to Old Lyme in December, you will notice that it can be brisk and snowy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow (several inches of snow). Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports 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 Old Lyme. 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow 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. Save money with this

If you visit the Florence Griswold Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States of America

Located in southern Connecticut, Old Lyme is a small coastal town known for its charming New England atmosphere and rich history. Despite its size, Old Lyme boasts a plethora of interesting sites and activities that any tourist will enjoy. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top tourist attractions in Old Lyme that you ought to check out.

Florence Griswold Museum

If you’re a lover of American art, you’re sure to find the Florence Griswold Museum fascinating. This art museum is located in a former boarding house that once housed some of America’s most celebrated impressionist painters. Today, the museum’s exhibitions showcase a wide array of artworks, such as paintings by William Chadwick, Emile Carlsen, and Childe Hassam. Additionally, tourists can take a stroll through the stunning gardens behind the museum.

Gillette Castle State Park

One of the most unique tourist attractions in Old Lyme is the Gillette Castle State Park. This castle was built in 1919 by William Gillette, a famous stage actor who helped popularize the character of Sherlock Holmes. The castle’s gnarled turrets and imposing walls are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees them. You can explore the castle through a guided tour or hike the property’s many scenic trails.

Connecticut River Museum

The Connecticut River has played a significant role in the history of the region, and the Connecticut River Museum is dedicated to preserving and chronicling its story. The museum has many informative exhibits that showcase the river’s impact on the native tribes who once lived there, as well as its role in the shipping and fishing industries. There is also an interactive exhibit on shipbuilding and navigation, which visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy.

Old Lyme Beaches

As a coastal town, it’s no surprise that Old Lyme has some of the best beaches in Connecticut. Sound View Beach and Old Lyme Shores are the most popular beaches in the town, and they offer plenty of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Tourists can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and even a game of volleyball with locals. Moreover, both beaches have shops, snack bars, and other amenities.

Lyme Art Association

Another great art museum that’s worth visiting in Old Lyme is the Lyme Art Association. This museum has a collection of over one thousand artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs depicting different genres and styles. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions featuring works by local and national artists. Tourists can even purchase some of the displayed art pieces as souvenirs.

In conclusion, Old Lyme may be a small town, but it’s loaded with a myriad of tourist attractions. From its beaches and museums to its parks and historical landmarks, Old Lyme has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or just someone who wants to unwind on a sandy beach, don’t hesitate to book a trip to Old Lyme, Connecticut.

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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