California, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to California, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to California, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to California
- Important essentials for California
- Activities for California
- California in January: weather and what to pack
- California in February: weather and what to pack
- California in March: weather and what to pack
- California in April: weather and what to pack
- California in May: weather and what to pack
- California in June: weather and what to pack
- California in July: weather and what to pack
- California in August: weather and what to pack
- California in September: weather and what to pack
- California in October: weather and what to pack
- California in November: weather and what to pack
- California in December: weather and what to pack
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to California, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in California, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for California, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in California, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in California. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for California, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you visit California during January, you might find that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to snow ().
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
February
February in California is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
March
March for California is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
April
April in California is warm and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you go to California in May, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
June
If you go to California in June, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
July
If you visit California during July, you might see that it can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
August
If you are traveling to California in August, you will notice that it is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important pack extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and offer UV protection.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Light linen shorts
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
September
September in this region is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
October
October in this region is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
November
November in California is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in California is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
Activities for California, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for California.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls
Tunnel View
Glacier Point
Tuolumne Grove
Check out our guides for these other locations: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Gaziantep, Turkey, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, Šibenik, Croatia, Lugano, Switzerland, Bad Salzdetfurth, Germany, Jurata, Poland, Burlington, Colorado, United States of America, Baltra, Ecuador, Badou, Togo, and Northeastern United States, New Hampshire, United States of America.