Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. 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
- 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
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 esssentials 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 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- 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. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Gonzales travelers often do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Pinnacles National Park, California, United States of America by month
January
January in Pinnacles National Park is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Socks
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Fleeces
- Standard footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Pinnacles National Park, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
- Pinnacles National Park has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Pinnacles National Park is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Light gloves or mittens
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Standard footwear
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases stay dry. We like: this one
March
March in Pinnacles National Park is mild. 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 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light gloves or mittens
- Lip balm
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We like these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Windproof umbrella. This one is a great choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags stay dry. We suggest: this one
April
If you go to Pinnacles National Park in April, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Jacket or coat
- Standard footwear
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We use these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags remain dry. We recommend: this one
May
Traveling to Pinnacles National Park in May, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Dresses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Shorts or short pants
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Bug repellent
- Light footwear
June
If you vacation in Pinnacles National Park during June, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain.
Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s 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:
- Dresses
- Insulated water bottle
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Skirts
- Waterproof sandals
- Bug repellent
- Sunglasses
- Short sleeve shirts
- Shorts
July
If you vacation in Pinnacles National Park during July, you might find that it can be excruciatingly 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 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Tank tops
- Thin short sleeve shirts
- Sandals
- Light dresses
- Light linen shorts
- Bug repellent
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- Insulated water bottle
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion:
- Personal cooling fan, such as this
- Skirts
- Sunglasses
- UV protecting pants will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
August
If you visit Pinnacles National Park during August, you might notice that it is blindingly 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:
- Personal cooling fan, such as this
- Light dresses
- Insulated water bottle
- Protecting pants will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. These are our favorites:
- Tank tops
- Bug repellent
- Thin short sleeve shirts
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight 'harem' pants
- Skirts
- Light linen shorts
- High-SPF sunscreen lotion:
September
Traveling to Pinnacles National Park in September, you will notice that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
- Short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Insulated water bottle
- Bug repellent
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof sandals
October
October 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:
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- Sandals
- Skirts
- Light footwear
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen lotion
November
If you go to Pinnacles National Park in November, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Jacket or coat
- Light gloves or mittens
- Socks
- Fleeces
- Standard footwear
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We use:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest: this one
December
December in Pinnacles National Park is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Jacket or coat
- Socks
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Pinnacles National Park, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
- 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
- paraben-free sunscreen
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
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