Oakland, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Oakland, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Oakland, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Oakland, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Oakland, California, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Oakland, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Oakland, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Oakland, California, United States of America by month

January

In January, Oakland is chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Oakland, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Oakland is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

In March, Oakland is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Oakland, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April in Oakland is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you are traveling to Oakland in May, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June in this region is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

July here is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you visit Oakland during August, you might notice that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you visit Oakland during September, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you are traveling to Oakland in October, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in Oakland can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

In December, Oakland is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Oakland, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Oakland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Oakland, California, United States of America

Oakland, California is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor San Francisco, but this diverse and vibrant city should not be overlooked by travelers. From its award-winning restaurants to its colorful street art scene, Oakland has something to offer everyone who visits. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Oakland.

1. Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history, art, and cultural diversity of California. With exhibits ranging from natural history to contemporary art, the museum offers a thorough exploration of the state's past, present, and future. Be sure to visit the garden, too, which features plants native to the state.

2. Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt is a beautiful body of water at the center of Oakland's urban landscape. Surrounded by parks and historic buildings, the lake is the perfect place for a scenic stroll or picnic. You can also rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the lake from its surface.

3. Jack London Square

Named after the famous writer who spent his early years in Oakland, Jack London Square is a lively waterfront district with an abundance of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area is also home to a farmers market, live music events, and the USS Potomac, the former presidential yacht of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

4. Chabot Space & Science Center

If you're interested in outer space, don't miss the Chabot Space & Science Center. This interactive museum offers a range of exhibits on astronomy, space exploration, and the sciences. You can even explore the night sky through the center's telescopes.

5. Tilden Regional Park

Tilden Regional Park is a sprawling park with over 2,000 acres of natural beauty. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, a lake for swimming and fishing, a petting zoo, and a nature center with exhibits on local flora and fauna.

6. Fox Theater

The Fox Theater is a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace that now hosts live music performances and other events. With its opulent architecture and superb acoustics, the Fox is one of the premier performance venues in the Bay Area.

7. Oakland Zoo

Located in the Oakland Hills, the Oakland Zoo is a fantastic place to see a wide range of exotic animals. From tigers to zebras to elephants, the zoo has over 700 animals in its collection. Don't miss the gondola ride, which offers panoramic views of the Bay Area.

In conclusion, Oakland, California has plenty to offer tourists who are looking for a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in museums, outdoor activities, or culinary delights, Oakland has something for everyone. So next time you visit the Bay Area, make sure to include Oakland on your itinerary.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Grantsville, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Zomba, Malawi, Ivanovo, Russia, Kelso, Scotland, United Kingdom, Miesville, Minnesota, United States of America, Nacogdoches, Texas, United States of America, Ponca City, Oklahoma, United States of America, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, United States of America, Woqooyi Galbeed, Somaliland, Elburg, Netherlands, and Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, United States of America.