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

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Ready to pack for Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Salem, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

Traveling to Salem in January, you will notice that it is frigid. 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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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. Ensure that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Salem can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows once in a while.

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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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 recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently 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 work in most areas.

  • 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Salem can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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.

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 sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

In April, Salem is crisp. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Salem, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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 these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you are traveling to Salem in May, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s 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 airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money 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

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you vacation in Salem during July, you might find that it is pretty consistently 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 60s F (high 10s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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 airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

Traveling to Salem 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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 stuff.

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 careful to find the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • 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 surcharges with this

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Salem is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate 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 Salem. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

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

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Salem can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect 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.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in Salem can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Salem. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

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

Salem, Massachusetts is a charming and historic city located north of Boston. Known for its infamous witch trials in the late 1600s, the city offers much more than just spooky attractions. From historic landmarks to cultural experiences, here are the top tourist attractions in Salem, Massachusetts.

1. The Salem Witch Museum - No visit to Salem is complete without a stop at the Salem Witch Museum. The museum offers a fascinating and immersive experience that explores the history of the Salem witch trials through sound and light displays, life-size stage sets, and life-like figures.

2. The House of the Seven Gables - This historic house was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, “The House of the Seven Gables.” Visitors can tour the house and gardens to learn about the history of the house and the families who lived there.

3. Peabody Essex Museum - This world-renowned museum features over 1.8 million works of art and cultural artifacts from around the world. Exhibits include American and European art, Asian art, and textiles.

4. Salem Maritime National Historic Site - This park tells the story of Salem’s rich maritime history through exhibits, tours, and a variety of programs. The park includes the Custom House, a replica of a 19th century sailing vessel, and several historic homes.

5. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace - This historic house was the birthplace of one of America’s most celebrated writers, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Visitors can tour the house to learn about the life and work of Hawthorne and see exhibits related to his works.

6. Salem Willows - This coastal park offers sweeping views of Salem Harbor and a variety of family-friendly activities, including an arcade, carousel, and snack shacks. There is also a public beach and pier for fishing.

7. Salem’s Haunted Neighborhoods - For those who love spooky attractions, Salem’s haunted neighborhoods are a must-see. Visitors can take a guided tour of the city’s most haunted locations to learn about the history and folklore of the area.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or spooky attractions, Salem, Massachusetts has something for everyone. These top tourist attractions are just a few of the many reasons why Salem is a must-see destination in the United States.

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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