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

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Ready to pack for San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to San Luis Obispo, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America by month

January

If you vacation in San Luis Obispo during January, you may see that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Luis Obispo. 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 airports constantly losing luggage recently, 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit San Luis Obispo during February, you will probably notice that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: 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 San Luis Obispo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you go to San Luis Obispo in March, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Luis Obispo. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you go to San Luis Obispo in April, you will notice that it is mild 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
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Luis Obispo. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in this region 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
  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 San Luis Obispo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June here is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: 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 San Luis Obispo. 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you go to San Luis Obispo in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Luis Obispo. 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
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you vacation in San Luis Obispo during September, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Luis Obispo. 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
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • 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 pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you visit San Luis Obispo during October, you will probably notice that it is warm 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 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Luis Obispo. 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 neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in San Luis Obispo is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s 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 frequently losing bags recently, 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 San Luis Obispo. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December here is cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in San Luis Obispo, California, United States of America

Nestled between the coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, San Luis Obispo is a picturesque city in Central California that attracts visitors from all over the world. With its mild climate all year round and an abundance of outdoor activities, San Luis Obispo is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In addition, the city has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant nightlife that makes it an all-around destination for tourists.

Let’s take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in San Luis Obispo, California:

1. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: Built in 1772, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into California’s past. The mission features a beautiful Spanish-style architecture, museum, and gardens that showcase the culture, history, and art of San Luis Obispo.

2. Pismo State Beach: Pismo State Beach is a world-renowned beach that stretches for miles along the Pacific Ocean. It offers visitors opportunities to explore the sand dunes, observe the wildlife, swim, surf, and fish. The beach is also home to The Monarch Butterfly Grove, where visitors can see thousands of monarch butterflies in their natural habitat during the winter months.

3. Bubblegum Alley: This famous alleyway is covered in colorful, chewed up bubblegum that visitors from all over the world have stuck on the walls for decades. It is a unique attraction that offers a fun photo opportunity and a unique glimpse into San Luis Obispo’s quirky culture.

4. Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday night, San Luis Obispo’s Farmers’ Market transforms the city’s downtown into a lively street fair. The market offers visitors a chance to shop for fresh, locally grown produce, try international food and drink, and listen to live music.

5. Bishop Peak: Bishop Peak is a popular hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area. The trail is suitable for hikers of all levels and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Central California.

6. Madonna Inn: The Madonna Inn is a landmark hotel that features unique, themed rooms, a pink dining room, and a famous waterfall urinal. It is a popular place to stay for tourists who want to experience the quirky side of San Luis Obispo.

7. Morro Bay: Just a short drive from San Luis Obispo is Morro Bay, a charming fishing village that is known for its stunning Morro Rock, a volcanic peak that rises from the ocean. Visitors can go whale watching, kayaking, fishing, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

In conclusion, San Luis Obispo, California, is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves to explore nature, culture, and history. From beaches, hiking trails, and museums to unique attractions and vibrant nightlife, San Luis Obispo offers something for everyone. Plan a visit and discover why this city is a must-see destination!

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.

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