Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Portsmouth, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Portsmouth
- Important essentials for Portsmouth
- Activities for Portsmouth
- Portsmouth in January: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in February: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in March: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in April: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in May: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in June: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in July: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in August: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in September: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in October: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth in November: weather and what to pack
- Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Portsmouth, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Portsmouth, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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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).
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Portsmouth, Virginia, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Portsmouth during January, you might notice that it is cold. 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 C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Portsmouth (Virginia), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
February
Traveling to Portsmouth in February, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Portsmouth (Virginia), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
March
March in Portsmouth is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
April
April in Portsmouth is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s 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:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential 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:
May
May in Portsmouth is warm. 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:
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
Traveling to Portsmouth in June, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Portsmouth during July, you are likely to find that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
August
August in Portsmouth is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
September
September in Portsmouth is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
October
October in Portsmouth is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you vacation in Portsmouth during November, you might notice that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
December
If you vacation in Portsmouth during December, you will probably find that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s 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.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Portsmouth (Virginia), 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 a perfect option.
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