December in Salem is cold, festive, and oh-so atmospheric. Think cobblestone streets dusted in snow, cozy coffee shops, and historic witch-trial sites under twinkling lights. If you’re visiting for the holidays or off-season sightseeing, you’ll need to dress warm and pack smart.
It’s a true New England winter, which means cold temps, possible snow, and biting wind. Bring waterproof layers, thermals, and all the cold-weather classics. Salem is walkable, so warm, comfy shoes are key.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Salem Massachusetts in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Average high: 4°C / 39°F
- Average low: -4°C / 25°F
- Expect snow, sleet, and icy mornings
- Wind chill makes it feel colder, especially near the coast
What to Pack for Salem Massachusetts in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Hard-shell suitcase – Durable for icy streets ❄️
- Daypack – Compact & warm-friendly 🎒
- Packing cubes – Maximize thermal layers 🧩
- Shoe bags – Protect clothes from snow-covered boots 👢
- Toiletry bag – Cold-weather skincare ready 🧼
- Document pouch – For ID, museum passes, train tickets 📁
- Foldable tote – For shops and winter markets 🛍️
- Laundry pouch – Keep damp items separate 🧺
- Luggage scale – Holiday gifts = extra weight ⚖️
- Lock – For peace of mind at inns or B&Bs 🔒
- Microfiber towel – Useful in snowy moments 🧻
- Neck pillow + eye mask – For cold flights/trains 😴
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (2-3 sets) – Absolute must 🧤
- Wool sweaters (2-4) – Warm and Salem-chic 🧶
- Long-sleeve tops (3-5) – Under sweaters or fleeces 👕
- Heavy winter coat – Insulated and windproof 🧥
- Rain jacket or waterproof shell – Layered for wet snow 🌧️
- Jeans or fleece-lined pants (2-3) – Cozy but stylish 👖
- Thermal leggings – Under skirts or pants 🧦
- Warm pajamas – It gets frosty at night 🛌
- Wool socks (5-7 pairs) – Toasty feet are happy feet 🧦
- Bras (2-3) – Supportive & warm 👙
- Underwear (7+) – Thermal or cotton 👖
- Scarf – Thick and stylish 🧣
- Gloves – Touchscreen, insulated 🧤
- Knit hat – Must-have for walking around Salem 🎩
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – Cold air = dry skin 🧴
- Toner – Avoid tightness & flaking 💧
- Heavy moisturizer – Lock in moisture 🧴
- Sunscreen – Snow glare is real ❄️
- Makeup remover – Cream or balm preferred 🧼
- Exfoliator – Gentle, 1–2x/week 🧽
- Eye cream – Combat dry heat inside 👁️
- Facial mist – Refresh during travel 🌬️
- Lip balm – Wind-proof your pout 💋
- Overnight mask – Save your skin 🛏️
- Spot treatment – Winter stress pimples 🧪
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – Dewy > matte in winter 💄
- Concealer – Redness from cold? Covered 🎯
- Cream blush – Natural glow 💖
- Highlighter – Catch candlelight ✨
- Bronzer – Warm up pale skin 🧡
- Neutral palette – Rustic and moody shades 🎨
- Mascara – Waterproof for snow & sleet ❄️
- Brow gel – Keep brows from blowing away 🪄
- Lipstick or tinted balm – Go cozy berry tones 💋
- Setting spray – Lock it all in 🌫️
- Brush kit – Travel-friendly 🖌️
💇 Hair Care
- Brush/comb – Detangle post-hat hair 💇♀️
- Hair ties – Keep styles simple 🧷
- Hydrating shampoo & conditioner – Dry air fix 🚿
- Dry shampoo – Cold = less washing 🌨️
- Heat protectant – For hot tools 🔥
- Leave-in conditioner – Extra moisture 💧
- Mini dryer – Your B&B may not have one 💨
- Straightener or curler – Winter curls last longer 💁♀️
- Hair serum – Add shine + smoothness ✨
- Beanie or wool hat – Bundle up! 🧢
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – Snow and style 👢
- Insulated sneakers – For light walking 👟
- Wool insoles – Step in warmth 🧦
- Umbrella – Snow or drizzle ☂️
- Crossbody bag – Compact and easy 👜
- Thermal gloves – Must-have for outdoor walking 🧤
- Jewelry – Small, safe pieces 💍
- Scarf – Double up if windy 🧣
- Warm hat – Full coverage for ears 🎩
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport or ID – Required if flying 🛂
- Insurance papers – Winter travel = smart prep 📄
- Hotel info + contacts 📞
- Credit card/cash – Many shops are card-only 💳
- Printed tickets (museums/tours) 📜
- Transit maps/schedules – If not driving 🗺️
- Notebook – Plan or document your trip 📝
- Wallet – RFID-safe if possible 👛
🚑 First Aid
- Bandages – New boots? Blisters. 🩹
- Hand warmers – Pocket lifesavers ♨️
- Pain meds – Headaches from the cold 💊
- Allergy meds – Dusty old buildings? 🤧
- Tweezers – Always helpful ✂️
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- All prescriptions – Full supply 💊
- Toothbrush/paste – Travel-friendly 🪥
- Floss/mouthwash – Dry mouth is common 🦷
- Deodorant – Yes, even in the cold 😅
- Razor – Optional in winter 🪒
- Feminine care – Don’t forget! 🩸
- Sanitizer – Indoor venues = shared surfaces 🧴
- Bug repellent – Rare but be safe 🦟
- Eye drops – Dry wind = dry eyes 👁️
- Mirror – Compact is fine 🪞
- Nail clippers – Cold = brittle nails 💅
- Perfume – Light and cozy 🌺
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone & charger – Essential as always 📱
- Portable charger – Cold drains batteries 🔋
- Headphones – For chilling in cafes 🎧
- Camera – Salem is very photogenic 📸
- Adapter – For international guests 🌍
- Tablet or Kindle – Great for snowy nights 📖
- Offline maps – Just in case 🗺️
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – Witchy reads encouraged 📚
- Journal – Salem inspires writing 📓
- Podcasts – History or mystery 🎙️
- Offline shows/movies – Cozy up inside 📺
- Games – Solo or with travel mates 🎲
🎁 Extras
- Thermos – For cocoa or cider ☕
- Snacks – Stay fueled between meals 🍪
- Reusable water bottle – Hydrate in the cold 💧
- Hand/foot warmers – Winter MVPs 🔥
- Shopping bag – For local finds 🛍️
- Mini sewing kit – Coat buttons pop 🧵
- Sleep aid – Hotel noise + jet lag 🛌
🌍 Travel Tips
- Check ferry/train delays if arriving from Boston 🚆
- Book cozy restaurants ahead 🍷
- Use Salem walking maps 🗺️
- Pack layers – Wearable all day 🧣
- Bring traction cleats if icy ❄️
🛂 Visa Tips
- US visitors: Check ESTA or tourist visa 🛂
- Proof of accommodations recommended 📄
- Be aware of customs if flying into Logan Airport ✈️
⭐ Must-Haves
- Thermals – Don’t underestimate the cold 🧤
- Winter coat – Game changer 🧥
- Phone & power bank – Cold = quick drain 🔋
- Scarf, hat, gloves – Non-negotiable 🧣
- Warm boots – Essential 👢
- Waterproof layer – Unexpected snow 🌨️
👍 Good-to-Have
- Extra tote – Holiday gifts! 🎁
- Steamer – Winter wrinkles begone 👕
- Neck pillow – For Amtrak or long rides 🚄
- Blanket scarf – Doubles as wrap 🧣
- Backup charger – Cold ruins battery life 🔌
