Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Salem, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Salem
- Important essentials for Salem
- Activities for Salem
- Salem in January: weather and what to pack
- Salem in February: weather and what to pack
- Salem in March: weather and what to pack
- Salem in April: weather and what to pack
- Salem in May: weather and what to pack
- Salem in June: weather and what to pack
- Salem in July: weather and what to pack
- Salem in August: weather and what to pack
- Salem in September: weather and what to pack
- Salem in October: weather and what to pack
- Salem in November: weather and what to pack
- Salem 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 Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Salem, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Salem, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
For families with young children
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.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Activities for Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Salem.
If you go to National Park Service Visitor Center, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Binoculars
If you go to Witch History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Comfy walking shoes
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
We also recommend these top tours in and around Salem.
What to wear/what to pack for Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Salem is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to 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:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Sweaters
Gloves
Heavy socks
Such as:
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Salem (Massachusetts), we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
February for Salem is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sweaters
Gloves
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Salem (Massachusetts), a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
March
If you go to Salem in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Heavy socks
Such as:
Sweaters
Gloves
Heavy jacket
Warm pants or jeans
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Salem (Massachusetts), a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
April
April in Salem can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
May
In May, Salem is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s 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:
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
In June, Salem is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 50s F (mid 10s 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:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
July
July in Salem is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you are 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:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
September
September in Salem is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Light skirts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
October
If you visit Salem during October, you will probably see that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
November
November in Salem is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
December
December here is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Sweaters
Heavy socks
Such as:
Gloves
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Salem (Massachusetts), 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 great option.
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