Mono Lake, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Mono Lake, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Mono Lake, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Mono Lake
- Important essentials for Mono Lake
- Activities for Mono Lake
- Mono Lake in January: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in February: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in March: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in April: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in May: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in June: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in July: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in August: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in September: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in October: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake in November: weather and what to pack
- Mono Lake 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 Mono Lake, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Mono Lake, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Mono Lake, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mono Lake, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mono Lake. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Mono Lake, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Mono Lake, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Mono Lake has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- 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 Mono Lake is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Mono Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Mono Lake has some great 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
March
March in Mono Lake can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Mono Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Mono Lake 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
April
April in Mono Lake is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Mono Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Mono Lake has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- 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
May
If you vacation in Mono Lake during May, you may find that it is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
June
If you vacation in Mono Lake during June, you might see that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
July
July here is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
August
August for Mono Lake is 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:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
September
Traveling to Mono Lake in September, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
October
Traveling to Mono Lake in October, you will notice that it is crisp and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
November
November can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Mono Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Mono Lake has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- 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 Mono Lake is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Mono Lake, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Mono Lake has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- 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 Mono Lake, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Mono Lake.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Tarui, Japan, Ningbo, China, Madeira Beach, Florida, United States of America, Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve, Russia, Pézenas, France, County Sligo, Ireland, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand, Cannock, England, United Kingdom, Culemborg, Netherlands, South West National Park, Tasmania, Australia, and Chiusure, Italy.