Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southwest Harbor, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Southwest Harbor
- Important essentials for Southwest Harbor
- Activities for Southwest Harbor
- Southwest Harbor in January: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in February: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in March: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in April: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in May: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in June: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in July: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in August: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in September: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in October: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor in November: weather and what to pack
- Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Southwest Harbor, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southwest Harbor, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
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).
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
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 work in most countries, but check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
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 Southwest Harbor. 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
For families with young children
Activities for Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Southwest Harbor.
What to wear/what to pack for Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Southwest Harbor is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Thermal undergarments
We like:
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
Extreme cold weather gloves
Scarf/neck warmer
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Pajamas
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Southwest Harbor, 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 great option.
February
February in Southwest Harbor is frigid. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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:
Pajamas
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
Extreme cold weather gloves
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Fleece inner layer
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Lip balm
The best option: here
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Southwest Harbor, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
March
If you are traveling to Southwest Harbor in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Gloves
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Heavy jacket
Heavy socks
Such as:
Warm pants or jeans
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Southwest Harbor, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
April
April is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
May
May in Southwest Harbor is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
June
June in Southwest Harbor is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Sandals
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
July
July in Southwest Harbor is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to 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:
Sandals
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
September
If you vacation in Southwest Harbor during September, you may see 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 low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
October
If you visit Southwest Harbor during October, you will probably notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
November
In November, Southwest Harbor is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and about half of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Southwest Harbor, with a few of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Southwest Harbor, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect choice.
December
December in Southwest Harbor can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Gloves
Sweaters
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
Heavy socks
Such as:
Warm pants or jeans
Heavy jacket
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Southwest Harbor, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
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