Santa Cruz, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Santa Cruz, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Santa Cruz, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Santa Cruz
- Important essentials for Santa Cruz
- Activities for Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz in January: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in February: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in March: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in April: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in May: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in June: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in July: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in August: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in September: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in October: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in November: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Santa Cruz, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Santa Cruz, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
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).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
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 Santa Cruz. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Santa Cruz, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Santa Cruz in January, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
February
February in Santa Cruz is 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 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
March
If you visit Santa Cruz during March, 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 a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
April
April in Santa Cruz is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
May
If you go to Santa Cruz in May, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
June
If you vacation in Santa Cruz during June, you are likely to see that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 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:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
July
If you go to Santa Cruz in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no 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
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
August
If you visit Santa Cruz during August, you will probably 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 low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
September
If you vacation in Santa Cruz during September, you will probably see 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 low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
October
If you visit Santa Cruz during October, you might notice that it is balmy and dry with little 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 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
November
November in Santa Cruz is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
December
December in Santa Cruz is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to 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:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
If you see the Surfing Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Santa Cruz has nice beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
Activities for Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Santa Cruz.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Huanglongsi National Park, China, Federal Way, Washington, United States of America, Chebeague Island, Maine, United States of America, Los Angeles, California, United States of America, Amphawa, Thailand, Malealea, Lesotho, Traun, Austria, Carbondale, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Big Bear Lake, California, United States of America, Central Armenia, Armenia, and Osijek, Croatia.