What to pack for Boston in December
Heading to Boston in December? Here's a packing list built directly from local climate averages — not generic blog advice.
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Boston (ranked 10 of 12) and among the rainiest (ranked 1 of 12). Day temperatures are 6°C cooler than November and cooling toward January — so this month's packing list won't be identical to November's or January's.
Essentials
- ★ Passport + a photocopy stored separately Travel documents
- ★ Phone + charging cables (USB-C, Lightning as needed) Daily essentials
- • Refillable water bottle (1L) Reduces single-use plastic + saves money
- • Compact daypack (15–20L) For day trips, hands-free walking
- • Travel-size first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Pharmacy access varies
Tops
- ★ Long-sleeve shirts (4–5) — flannel, henley, or merino Avg high 5°C — chilly
- ★ Lightweight sweater or fleece (2) Layering for cool days
- • Thin merino base layer (1) Wicking + warmth without bulk
Bottoms
- ★ Insulated/lined trousers (2) — Uniqlo HEATTECH lined or similar Cold weather
- • Heavy jeans or wool pants (1) Backup for travel days
Outerwear & layers
- ★ Warm winter coat (wool overcoat or insulated parka) Overnight lows -3°C
- ★ Wool scarf + warm beanie Heat retention
- ★ Insulated gloves (touchscreen-compatible) Cold mornings
Rain & weather protection
- ★ Waterproof jacket or rain shell (e.g. Patagonia Torrentshell) 12 rain days expected
- ★ Compact travel umbrella For sudden showers
- ★ Snow boots (waterproof, insulated, e.g. Sorel) + 3 pairs of thermal socks 7 snow days expected
- ★ Waterproof insulated gloves Snow handling — wet hands = miserable hands
Footwear
- ★ Insulated waterproof boots (Blundstone, Sorel, or hiking-grade) Cold + possibly wet conditions
- ★ Wool socks (5+ pairs) — Smartwool, Darn Tough Warmth and dryness; cotton socks freeze fingers in damp cold
Accessories
- • Lip balm with SPF + thick hand cream Cold dry air cracks skin fast
Power, voltage & adapters
- ★ 120V at 60Hz Mains electricity standard for United States
- ★ Plug types: A, B (Type A — flat 2-pin (US/Canada/Japan style)) Most common: A. Older buildings may also use B.
- • From the UK/Ireland: bring a G→A travel adapter UK Type G plugs don't fit United States's outlets
- • From continental Europe: bring a C/F→A travel adapter EU Type C/F plugs don't fit United States's outlets
- • If your device is labeled '220–240V only' (common for European hairdryers/kettles), it WILL underperform or not work at all here. Most phone/laptop chargers are dual-voltage — they're fine. United States runs 120V — too low for EU-only 230V devices
- · Easiest option: a universal travel adapter (e.g. Anker, Epicka) that handles A/B/C/E/F/G/I in one — covers ~95% of countries. If you travel to multiple regions
❌ Can you carry-on?
Probably not — winter coat, insulated boots, and thermal layers in December push most travellers into a checked bag, unless you're a committed minimalist with a dedicated cold-weather travel system.
26 suggested items total — 5 essentials, 8 clothing items, 2 pairs of shoes.
What you can leave at home
Based on Boston's December climate, here's what won't earn its bag space:
- shorts & sandals (too cool to wear comfortably)
- beach towel (unless you're brave)
How this list was built
Every recommendation above maps to specific climate data for Boston in December: average high (5°C), average low (-3°C), expected rain days (12), and any peak hazard seasons. Heavier items appear at colder temperatures; rain gear scales with how often it rains; sun protection appears when it's warm and dry.
The ★ items are essential — pack these first. The • items are recommended for comfort. The · items are nice-to-have if you have space.
Other months in Boston
Daily forecasts, climate averages, and the best activities for the season.