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Wondering what to wear in Connecticut? Prepare for your trip any time of year with this seasonal local’s approved packing guide!

What to Wear in Connecticut

Written By: Elizabeth Georgian

Tucked between Boston and New York City lies the laid-back state of Connecticut. Though it might not come to mind as a top USA tourist destination, there are certainly some highlights that are absolutely worth a visit, and this article will see you packed, dressed, and ready for each activity.

Here’s a rule of thumb for dressing for Connecticut: casual dressing is common, but the closer you to get NYC, the more dressy and businesslike the attire.

Connecticut also loves its UCONN Huskies (the University of Connecticut’s basketball team), so if you happen to be visiting for a game, be sure to crack out your navy blue, white, and black in support.

Weather

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting the shoreline, the weather tends to be milder (warmer with less snow in the winter and cooler in the summer) than inland Connecticut.

The mean temperature for the state in January is 27°F / -3°C, and July tends to be the hottest month with a mean temperature of 70°F / 21°C.

Temperature extremes do occur. In the summer (especially July and August), temperatures can reach up to 100°F / 38°C and in the winter (January and February) can be below 0°F / -18°C, especially at night.

What to Wear in Connecticut: Winter

Winter can be a bit dreary in Connecticut, so dressing for the weather is key. Though downhill skiing is best enjoyed out-of-state, sports enthusiasts will be happy to hear that Connecticut does have some great parks and trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

For these sports, you’ll want to be dressed in appropriate gear to avoid getting wet or cold, but also from getting too hot while being active. In this case, layering is vital, as are appropriate socks.

If you prefer to stay indoors, Connecticut is home to two famous casinos, Foxwoods Resort and Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino. You can catch a concert, enjoy a top restaurant, shop, and spend all night dancing!

At a casino, you don’t have to worry so much about dressing for the weather, since you’ll park nearby in a garage and you can check your coat once inside. This is the time to wear your favorite tight dress or sparkly top and heels! (Just be sure to write down where you parked so you can find your car later!)

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
How to Pack for Cold Weather
How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
The Best Travel Shoes for Winter

What to Wear in Connecticut: Spring

In my opinion, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit my favorite tourist destinations in Connecticut–Mystic and Stonington–to avoid the crazy summertime crowds.

In Mystic, be sure to visit the downtown, the famed Mystic Pizza, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, and Olde Mistick Village. Both downtown Mystic and Olde Mistick Village have numerous cute stores, so if you’re a shopper, check them out!

Stonington Borough is a quaint seaside village with tasty restaurants and a few cute shops. This is also where the movie Hope Springs was filmed, so perhaps you’ll recognize it!

The clothing you’ll see in this area in the spring is pretty casual and varies depending on the weather, which can change from sunny to rainy or warm to cold rather quickly. Consider packing jeans or leggings, sandals, flats, or sneakers, and a cute t-shirt or tunic topped with a jacket if needed.

Don’t forget your sunglasses, as you’ll need them during all the time you spend outdoors.

Why not pack all of your essentials in a Le Sportsac Small Weekend Duffle Bag? This is my favorite choice for weekend or week-long getaways because it’s sturdy and durable yet light-weight and fits everything you need.

While packing, just keep in mind that the style here is relaxed, comfortable, and preppy.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:

What to Wear in Connecticut: Summer

Summer is all about being outside and is best spent on the beach, at a farmers’ market, or sipping wine at one of Connecticut’s great vineyards.

Some favorite vineyard options are Saltwater Farms (in Stonington), Land of Nod (in East Canaan), Jones Winery (in Shelton), and Miranda Vineyard (in Goshen). Alternatively, check the CT Wine Trail webpage to find a vineyard near you.

Proper sun protection is essential if you plan to visit in the summer, even if you aren’t spending time at the beach. Simply relaxing in an outdoor vineyard or munching on some treats at a farmers’ market can expose you to enough sun to damage your skin, so play it safe and apply sunblock a few times per day.

I have to recommend packing your favorite swimsuit and sandals so you can relax at a beach along Connecticut’s shoreline. Pack light for summer in Connecticut with sandals, a few swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, or summer dresses.

Dressing becomes even more casual in the summer months. It’s great to stroll up to an outdoor bar or food stand near the beach with your sandy feet in flip flops and your swimsuit under a tunic.

Keep in mind that the further you are from the beach, the less appropriate it is to be sandy and wearing your swimsuit under your clothes! If you plan on heading away from the beach for dinner, it’s best to plan on showering and changing out of your swimsuit.

Additionally, don’t forget to pack a re-usable shopping bag if you plan to visit a farmers’ market!

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

What to Wear in Connecticut: Fall

Fall in Connecticut is a beautiful time to see the brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges of the autumn foliage. You can also enjoy some of Connecticut’s wonderful seasonal festivals that celebrate the harvest and take place in numerous locations across the state.

If you’d like to experience the wonderful things Connecticut has to offer in the fall, consider planning your visit in September for the Mushroom Festival held at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and the Garlic Festival at Olde Mystick Village, both in Mystic. If you’re visiting in October, the Chowdafest (clam chowder festival) in Westport is a tasty option.

You also might want to visit B. F. Clyde’s Cider Mill in Mystic, which is the oldest steam-powered apple cider mill in the U.S. At Clyde’s, you can watch cider being produced, taste delicious apple donuts, and purchase a huge amount of apple products from their store. It’s only open in the fall!

If you can’t get enough of apples, apple picking is a fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed across the state. Choose an apple orchard and enjoy this popular Connecticut in autumn activity.

Despite all of these great outdoor activities, dressing in the fall can be a bit tricky if you aren’t prepared. When dressing for a day out, layers are essential as it might be warm or it might be freezing cold, especially in the evenings.

Starting with the above packing suggestions for Connecticut in spring, I’d add a sweater, scarf, and hat. To save space in my bag, I’d remove a t-shirt and sandals.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:

What are your tips on what to wear in Connecticut? Please comment below!

For more tips on North America packing lists, please read:

Suggested travel resources:

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Author Bio: Elizabeth Georgian is a travel writer and expat currently based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Follow her local and international travels on In Search Of or on Facebook and Instagram.

5 Comments

Jackie P on March 27, 2017 at 12:35 pm

Just had friends move to CT and we’re looking forward to visiting soon! Now I’ve got some great ideas on what to pack when we plan to visit this spring/summer!
Sara on March 27, 2017 at 9:22 am

No matter what time of year or area of the state, think nautical. Boating is popular everywhere because there is no area of the state without at least river or lake access. The mystic area is wonderful but there are so many more great things to do in other parts of the state!
- alex on May 9, 2017 at 4:54 am
  
  Love it, thanks for the feedback Sara!
Mari Black on February 26, 2017 at 12:42 pm

I spend tons of time in this area (live in Boston, lots of work in NYC), and still found this very helpful! Lo, the power of a good pair of black skinny pants…..
- alex on February 26, 2017 at 4:00 pm
  
  Thanks Mari 🙂

What to Wear in Connecticut throughout the Seasons