Maine packing guide for winter
Are you looking to book a winter vacation in Maine? Do you need help with your Maine packing guide for winter?
Whether you are visiting for a holiday, visiting family, planning a family vacation, business or just a quick getaway, having everything you need while on your trip will avoid spending some time having to go to a store to buy something you’ve forgotten.
When packing for any sort of trip, some things come back every single time and others will depend on the season you are travelling in the area. Travelling to Maine during the wintertime means bringing extra layers and warm clothing on top of everything else.
Having a checklist for any trip will save you time and money. You can tweak your list to your needs depending on your trip, add as much as you want or leave stuff at home that you know you won’t need.
Maine has many beautiful areas to visit, historical sites, beautiful coastlines, many outdoor activities year-round, wildlife and so much more! One trip probably won’t be enough to see everything!
Maine is located right next door to Quebec, so I’ve been there so many times, that I can’t even count them on my two hands!
So let’s start with your Maine packing guide for winter so you won’t forget anything whilst planning your trip and luggage.
How to plan your winter trip to Maine
Prepare as if it were going to be cold and snowy for your trip. This way, you’ll have all the layers you need in case it gets cold but if you have beautiful sunny weather, then it will be a beautiful surprise!
Check before you go. If you plan on visiting different attractions, make sure to verify on their website if they are open. Some businesses close for the off-season.
If you’re not used to driving in the snow, you might find it a little bit daunting to travel to Maine during the winter months. With that being said, Maine is used to getting snow so the infrastructure is well in place to take care of that. Roads are cleaned up pretty fast when there is a snowfall. If you drive some secondary roads, it could be a little longer before they get to cleaning up those roads. So keep in mind that you might take a bit more travel time to go from point A to point B if there is a fresh snowfall. Better safe than sorry.
Take your time. Anyway, you’re on vacation so you don’t have to rush everywhere. You might want to keep your itinerary lighter so you don’t have to rush even if the weather isn’t too great.
Use this Maine packing guide for winter as an example to start from. Add on to it as much as you like. There are always items that we bring with us on vacation that might not be on this list. Add it so you don’t forget it!
Winter Weather
Maine’s winters are usually cold and snowy. You can expect heavy snowfalls once in a while, or snow with strong winds. Sometimes, there can also be rain or ice storms.
If you are travelling to Maine during January, it is usually the coldest month of the year so you’ll need to pack knowing that it probably will be cold.
With that in mind, you’ll be able to have the best Maine packing guide for winter as you’ll be aware of what type of weather you’ll be putting up with!
Make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing as you’ll most likely be using every single item in your bags!
Maine packing guide for winter: Clothing
Layers
Winter weather in Maine can be cold and changing. You’ll want to pack plenty of layers in your bag. It’s easier to take some layers off than add some on when you don’t have enough and you’re cold. Make sure to pack plenty of base layers, and warm clothing as well.
Long-Sleeved Shirts
While packing your bags, bring a couple of long-sleeved shirts. Of course, you’ll want your insulated shirt and base layers for when you step outside, but it’s nice to have a couple of long-sleeved shirts for your downtime.
This way, if the place you’re at is a little colder when you are inside, you’ll still be comfortable wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
Sweaters
Winter weather in Maine means cold and snowy. So you’ll need to pack a couple of sweaters to keep warm while visiting the area. Pack a couple of different options. Bring a sweater to wear while exploring the great outdoors. Have another one for your nights out. You can also bring a cozy sweater if you plan to have a night in where you want to be all cozy watching TV or reading a good book.
Pair of Leggings
A couple of leggings will help you stay comfortable throughout the trip. Have a couple of insulated ones handy. This way, you can wear them for hiking or even walking around town while the weather is a little colder. Regular leggings can also come in handy.
Pairs of Pants
Leggings are great but you’ll also need to bring at least a pair of jeans or pants you are comfortable wearing. You’ll need to bring outfits to wear if you plan to go out too. You don’t necessarily want to wear outdoorsy clothing for that.
Wool socks
A pair of good wool socks is a must while going on a wintery adventure. Since the weather in Maine during winter time is a bit chillier, you’ll want to stay warm and that starts with warm feet. I know the first place I’m always cold is my feet! So a good pair of socks will do the trick! Have a couple of pairs in your bag as well as regular socks to wear when you’re not out exploring.
Maine packing guide for winter: Outerwear
Warm winter coat
A winter coat is a must when travelling to Maine during the wintertime. Since the weather is cold and snowy, you’ll want to keep warm and having a small jacket won’t cut it. If you don’t own a winter coat, make sure to stop by the store before your trip to buy a good one. Without it, you won’t appreciate your trip as much as you’ll spend your time indoors because of that.
Winter accessories
Make sure to include these items in your bag as they will be handy. Have gloves or mittens, a warm hat, and a scarf. Just like the winter jacket, these are essential to keep you warm while exploring the beautiful coastal towns, lighthouses near the ocean, and all the amazing landscapes around.
Snow boots or shoes
If you’re planning to go hiking, a good pair of winter hiking boots will be a must. If you’re not planning on going on a hike, it is still important to have a good pair of winter boots or winter shoes depending on your preference. Just like I told you about earlier, you’ll want to wear a good pair of socks to go exploring Maine but you’ll also need a good and warm pair of boots to keep your feet warm.
Dress boots
While exploring Maine during the winter season, chances are, you won’t be exploring all the time. You’re probably going to go out to dinner or go out in the evenings. You’re probably going to want to skip the big winter boots to do that. Make sure to pack a pair of dress boots. This way you’ll be able to wear a cuter outfit while doing so!
Maine packing guide for winter: Toiletries
Lip balm
Since the weather in Maine is colder, you’ll tend to have dryer skin. It is the same for your lips. Usually, when we change from fall to winter out here in Quebec, I’ll even have cracked lips because of the drastic temperature change. Make sure to add a lip balm to your toiletry kit and moisturize often to avoid just that. You can even have an SPF lip balm to also protect your lips from the sun.
Lotion
Same as for the lips, your skin can dry more easily when spending some time in winter temperatures. Pack a small bottle of skin moisturizer in your toiletry bag. When you shower or before you go to bed, moisturize your skin. This way, you’ll avoid having dry skin! It does get itchy!
Toiletries
Your toiletry bag is essential to bring with you while travelling. You’ll want to put everything you’ll need to get ready in the morning and before going to bed. You’ll bring everything from shampoo and conditionner if you don’t want to use the ones provided by your hotel, your makeup, your lotion, lip balm, face moisturizer, face cleanser and so on. Bring what you know you will need and stuff that you use daily. You can always go buy stuff if you’ve forgotten anything but sometimes it can be a hassle to find your specific products in a vacation spot.
- Shampoo
- Conditionner
- Face moisturizer
- Eye cream
- Foundation
- Mascara
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Face cleanser
- Makeup remover
- Hair spray
- Hair straightener
- Hair dryer
- Deodorant
Maine packing guide for winter: Other accessories
Sunglasses
Even though it is wintertime, the sun can still shine bright. Have a pair of sunglasses in your car or your day bag. This way, if it gets sunny even though it’s cold, you’ll be able to protect your eyes from the sun.
Medication
You don’t have to bring a huge amount of medication with you but having a small first aid kit can be handy. You’ll always be able to go to a drugstore in case you need something specific or if something were to happen but having the basics can save you a trip there for a small injury or a headache.
- Bandaids
- Tylenol
- Advil
- Gravol
- Polysporin
Gadgets
You’ll also want to bring a couple of things to stay entertained while on the road, if you are not driving that is, or during your downtime on your vacation.
Bring stuff like your laptop if you want to, iPad, tablet, phone, kindle, and books. Whatever you want to bring to keep busy, make sure to pack it. Don’t forget to bring your chargers for all your electronics!
Even though you’re travelling to Maine during the winter, pack a bathing suit and flip-flops anyway. Your hotel could have a great pool you can take advantage of. Or you might feel like a spa day somewhere too. It won’t take much space in your bags but can be useful at some point! You never know!
I hope that this Maine packing guide for winter has helped you make your list of clothing and accessories complete for your upcoming trip.
Traveling to Maine during the winter will bring you a whole new perspective on the area and you’ll see a whole new side to Maine.
Maine is a beautiful place to see year round and if you’re wondering exactly what to wear in winter in Maine, you’ll find everything you need right here. You’re sure you won’t forget anything!
I believe a Maine winter vacation is in the cards for your next trip. Now that you have your Maine packing guide for winter all set up, why not prepare for that winter road trip you need to go on!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!
If you’re all set on planning your next trip to Maine, here are a bit more resources to help you plan the best trip ever! You might be traveling there in a different season so you can also find my packing guides for those.
Packing guide for a fall vacation in Maine
Packing guide for a summer vacation in Maine
17 Maine unique places to stay for your next road trip
21 great Maine coastal homes to rent for your next family road trip
