Eastern Sierra, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Eastern Sierra, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Eastern Sierra, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Eastern Sierra
- Important essentials for Eastern Sierra
- Activities for Eastern Sierra
- Eastern Sierra in January: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in February: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in March: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in April: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in May: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in June: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in July: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in August: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in September: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in October: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra in November: weather and what to pack
- Eastern Sierra 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 Eastern Sierra, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Eastern Sierra, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Eastern Sierra, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Eastern Sierra, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
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).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Eastern Sierra. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most places, but check with your hotel.
-
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.
What to wear/what to pack for Eastern Sierra, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is brisk and snowy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Eastern Sierra, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Eastern Sierra has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Eastern Sierra is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 20% to 30% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Eastern Sierra, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Eastern Sierra has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Eastern Sierra is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 20% to 30% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Eastern Sierra, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Eastern Sierra has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you vacation in Eastern Sierra during April, you are likely to find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
May
Traveling to Eastern Sierra in May, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
June
If you visit Eastern Sierra during June, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
July
July in Eastern Sierra can be sizzling. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and include UV protection.
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to cool you:
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
August
If you go to Eastern Sierra in August, you will notice that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Bug repellent
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important bring additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Bug bite relief
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to cool you:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
September
September in Eastern Sierra can be sweltering. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 10% to 20% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in Eastern Sierra is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 10% to 20% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Eastern Sierra is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Eastern Sierra, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Eastern Sierra has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Eastern Sierra can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 30% to 40% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Eastern Sierra, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Eastern Sierra has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Eastern Sierra, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Eastern Sierra.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Yeongwol, South Korea, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, Uçhisar, Turkey, Lewisburg, West Virginia, United States of America, Tarragona, Spain, Western Slovakia, Slovakia, Nikaho, Japan, King, North Carolina, United States of America, Southwestern Georgia, Georgia, Wupperthal, South Africa, and Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia.