USA & Canada · Best Jun–Sep
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard packing list for families
The islands look like a classic summer beach trip, but the ocean breeze and evening fog mean you need more layers than you'd guess. Here's how to pack for bikes, beaches, and cool nights on the water.
Photo by Keenan Shepard on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
- Pack a real fleece or windbreaker even in July. The ferry deck and island evenings run cool and foggy, and the kids will want it on the boat.
- If you're bringing a car, book the ferry the moment reservations open in winter. Summer car spots go fast, and honestly most families do fine with bikes and taxis.
- My favorite move with kids is renting bikes for the whole stay. The paths are flat and well marked, and biking to the beach turns into the best part of the day.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable windbreakerFerry rides and foggy evenings are chilly even in summer.
Shoes1
Sandals
Beach & pool9
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsOur pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Collapsible beach cartMany beaches have a walk from the bike rack or lot to the sand.
Adventure1
Kids' bike helmetsOur pickRentals have them, but your own fits better for daily rides.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Tick repellent and tick removerTicks are common in the dunes and tall grass on both islands.
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerOur pick
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For the grown-ups
- Stripes and white denim
- An outfit for formal night
- A warm layer for windy decks
For the kids
- Swimsuits for every day
- Something dressy for formal night
- A hoodie for the evenings
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Month by month
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F 4°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | |
| February | 40°F 4°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | |
| March | 45°F 7°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | |
| April | 52°F 11°C | Cool spring with slowly warming days. Water is still very cold, and fog is common. | Nantucket's Daffodil Festival in late April, with millions of blooms and a vintage car parade. |
| May | 61°F 16°C | Cool spring with slowly warming days. Water is still very cold, and fog is common. | |
| June | 70°F 21°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | Peak summer: ferries, bikes, and beaches are busiest, so book early. |
| July | 77°F 25°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | Peak summer: ferries, bikes, and beaches are busiest, so book early. |
| August | 77°F 25°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | Peak summer: ferries, bikes, and beaches are busiest, so book early. Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair and Illumination Night at the Oak Bluffs Camp Meeting Grounds. |
| September | 71°F 22°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | September's warm water and thinner crowds after Labor Day. |
| October | 61°F 16°C | Crisp fall days and chilly nights. Quieter islands, with some places closing after Columbus Day. | |
| November | 52°F 11°C | Crisp fall days and chilly nights. Quieter islands, with some places closing after Columbus Day. | |
| December | 44°F 7°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | Nantucket's Christmas Stroll in early December, with lit trees all along Main Street. |
Questions families ask
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off.
What's the weather like in Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?
Typical daytime highs range from about 40°F (4°C) in January to about 77°F (25°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?
None. Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard with kids?
Pack a real fleece or windbreaker even in July. The ferry deck and island evenings run cool and foggy, and the kids will want it on the boat.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.