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

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Ready to pack for Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Portsmouth, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America by month

January

January here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Portsmouth. 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
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February here can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you 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 Portsmouth. 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is 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. Avoid penalties with this

March

March in Portsmouth is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Portsmouth. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

April

If you visit Portsmouth during April, you might notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.

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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Portsmouth. 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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • 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 neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May in Portsmouth is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Portsmouth. 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
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply 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

  • Travel neck 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

June

In June, Portsmouth is extremely warm. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Portsmouth, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option 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 prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

July

Traveling to Portsmouth in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Portsmouth. 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge 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

August

August in Portsmouth can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

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

    A SIM card that works in Portsmouth. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

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. Check that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option 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. Avoid penalties with this

September

If you vacation in Portsmouth during September, you may notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

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 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 Portsmouth. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you visit Portsmouth during October, you will probably notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

November

November in Portsmouth is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Check that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Portsmouth is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.

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 find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Portsmouth. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America

Portsmouth, Virginia is a charming city that sits on the banks of the Elizabeth River. This city has long been a hub for maritime trade and commerce, and its history is reflected in the many sights and attractions that visitors can explore. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just fun in the sun, Portsmouth offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do.

Here are the top tourist attractions to check out in Portsmouth, Virginia:

1. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which has been a fixture of the city since the 1760s. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits and learn about the shipyard's role in American history.

2. Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum: This museum celebrates the achievements of Virginia's most accomplished athletes across all sports. Visitors can interact with exhibits and learn about the history of sports in Virginia.

3. Glenwood Cemetery: This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Union Army General George Henry Thomas. Visitors can take guided tours of the cemetery and learn about the lives of those buried there.

4. Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center: Housed in a former courthouse building, this cultural center hosts rotating art exhibitions, live performances, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the galleries and learn about the region's artistic heritage.

5. Children's Museum of Virginia: This interactive museum is perfect for families with young children. The museum features hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and learning.

6. Paradise Creek Nature Park: This 40-acre park offers walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and educational exhibits about the local flora and fauna. Visitors can also take guided tours to learn about the park's history and ecology.

7. Old Towne Historic District: This charming district boasts more than 200 historic buildings, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours of the area and learn about the city's architectural heritage.

8. Portsmouth City Park: This sprawling park offers picnic areas, sports facilities, and nature trails. Visitors can also take paddleboat rides on the lake or cool off in the park's swimming pool during the summer months.

9. Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve: This nature preserve features walking trails and guided tours that allow visitors to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat. The preserve also hosts educational programs on ecology and conservation.

10. nTelos Wireless Pavilion: This outdoor concert venue hosts a variety of live music performances throughout the year. The amphitheater setting provides a perfect backdrop for a fun night out with family or friends.

Overall, Portsmouth, Virginia offers tourists a wealth of attractions that showcase the city's rich history, art, culture, and nature. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for a day outdoors, Portsmouth delivers something for everyone. So the next time you're planning a trip to Virginia, be sure to add Portsmouth to your itinerary!

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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