Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Pinnacles National Park, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Pinnacles National Park
- Important essentials for Pinnacles National Park
- Activities for Pinnacles National Park
- Pinnacles National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Pinnacles National Park 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 Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Pinnacles National Park, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Pinnacles National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
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).
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Pinnacles National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
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 works in most places, but check with your hotel.
Activities for Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Pinnacles National Park.
What to wear/what to pack for Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Pinnacles National Park, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Pinnacles National Park has some famous 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
February
February here is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
March
March in Pinnacles National Park is mild. 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
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
April
If you vacation in Pinnacles National Park during April, you are likely to notice 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 high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in Pinnacles National Park is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
June
June here is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Skirts
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
July
If you are traveling to Pinnacles National Park in July, you will notice that it is scorchingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Personal cooling fan
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring extra, since these often get wet or dirty.
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Sunglasses
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Waterproof sandals
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to keep you cool:
Light linen shorts
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
August
If you vacation in Pinnacles National Park during August, you are likely to notice that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Sunglasses
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Light linen shorts
Skirts
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Insulated water bottle
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
Personal cooling fan
September
If you visit Pinnacles National Park during September, you might notice that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Waterproof sandals
October
If you vacation in Pinnacles National Park during October, you may find that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
November
Traveling to Pinnacles National Park in November, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
December
December is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Standard footwear
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Pinnacles National Park, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Pinnacles National Park 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
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