Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Salem, the following 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
- 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
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 esssentials 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 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Salem. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- If you plan to visit a church, make sure to bring appropriate clothing
- Appropriate museum wear
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Marblehead travelers often do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Salem, Massachusetts, United States of America by month
January
January in Salem is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Sweaters
- Lip balm
- Insulated water bottle
- Gloves or mittens
- Heavy jacket
- Warm pants or jeans
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to standard shoes, 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
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
February
February in Salem is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 30s 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:
- Lip balm
- Heavy jacket
- Warm pants or jeans
- Gloves or mittens
- Sweaters
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Insulated water bottle
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Salem (Massachusetts), we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
March
March for Salem can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Heavy jacket
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Gloves or mittens
- Sweaters
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Salem (Massachusetts), a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is something you need here. This one is a great option.
April
April in Salem is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things don't get wet. We recommend: this one
May
In May, Salem is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and 5-10 days this month 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:
- Pants or jeans
- Dresses
- Long skirts
- Light jacket or fleece
- Socks
- Standard footwear
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases remain dry. We like: this one
June
June in Salem is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sunscreen lotion
- Skirts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Sandals
- Shorts or short pants
- Bug repellent
- Light footwear
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things stay dry. We like: this one
July
If you are traveling to Salem in July, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sunscreen lotion
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Light footwear
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Bug repellent
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain coat to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things stay dry. We suggest: this one
August
If you go to Salem in August, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Bug repellent
- Light footwear
- Dresses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sandals
- Skirts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings remain dry. We suggest: this one
September
September in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light footwear
- Sandals
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Bug repellent
- Dresses
- Sunscreen lotion
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain jacket to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We use:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags don't get wet. We suggest: this one
October
October in this region is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Standard footwear
- Socks
- Dresses
- Pants or jeans
- Long skirts
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases don't get wet. We like: this one
November
In November, Salem can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range.
At night, lows are in the 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:
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
- A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We like: this one
December
December is cold. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Insulated water bottle
- Sweaters
- Warm pants or jeans
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Heavy jacket
- Lip balm
- Gloves or mittens
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Salem (Massachusetts), we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.
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