Watkins Glen, New York, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Watkins Glen, New York, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Watkins Glen, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Watkins Glen
- Important essentials for Watkins Glen
- Activities for Watkins Glen
- Watkins Glen in January: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in February: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in March: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in April: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in May: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in June: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in July: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in August: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in September: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in October: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen in November: weather and what to pack
- Watkins Glen 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 Watkins Glen, New York, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Watkins Glen, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Watkins Glen, New York, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Watkins Glen, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
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).
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
For families with young children
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Watkins Glen. 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
Airplane or car necessities
Activities for Watkins Glen, New York, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Watkins Glen.
What to wear/what to pack for Watkins Glen, New York, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is freezing and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Extreme cold weather gloves
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
Scarf/neck warmer
Lip balm
The best option: this one
Pajamas
Thermal undergarments
We like:
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Heavy sweaters
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Watkins Glen, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great choice.
February
February here is frosty. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pajamas
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
Scarf/neck warmer
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
Lip balm
The best choice: here
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Heavy sweaters
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Watkins Glen, 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 an excellent choice.
March
March in this region is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sweaters
Heavy socks
Such as:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
Warm pants or jeans
Gloves
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Watkins Glen, 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 choice.
April
April in Watkins Glen can be brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Watkins Glen, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
May
May in Watkins Glen is balmy and somewhat rainy. 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 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
In June, Watkins Glen is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (low 20s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Watkins Glen, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
July
July in Watkins Glen is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. 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:
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
August
If you visit Watkins Glen during August, you might find that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
September
In September, Watkins Glen is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Watkins Glen, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
October in Watkins Glen is chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
November
If you are traveling to Watkins Glen in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
Fleece
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Watkins Glen, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
December
In December, Watkins Glen can be extremely cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 30s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Watkins Glen, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
Pajamas
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
Extreme cold weather gloves
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Fleece inner layer
Scarf/neck warmer
Lip balm
The best choice: this one
Insulated ice boots
We use:
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Watkins Glen, 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 choice.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Liaoyuan, China, Summersville, West Virginia, United States of America, Scarborough, Maine, United States of America, Omak, Washington, United States of America, Rochester, England, United Kingdom, Kabwe, Zambia, Northeast Italy, Italy, Greenwich, Connecticut, United States of America, Aberdare National Park, Kenya, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America, and Paphos, Cyprus.