Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Santa Cruz County, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Santa Cruz County
- Important essentials for Santa Cruz County
- Activities for Santa Cruz County
- Santa Cruz County in January: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in February: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in March: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in April: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in May: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in June: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in July: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in August: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in September: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in October: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County in November: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz County 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 County, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Santa Cruz County, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Santa Cruz County, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
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).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
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 frequently wear away. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Santa Cruz County. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Santa Cruz County is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) and occasionally jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Santa Cruz County, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain 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 things stay dry. We suggest:
February
If you visit Santa Cruz County during February, you might find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 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 and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
March
March in Santa Cruz County is chilly. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
April
April in Santa Cruz County is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you go to Santa Cruz County in May, you will notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
June
June here is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
July
Traveling to Santa Cruz County 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
August
August for Santa Cruz County is warm 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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
September
If you go to Santa Cruz County in September, 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 skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
October
October in Santa Cruz County is mild and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Santa Cruz County 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 and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December in Santa Cruz County can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
Activities for Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Santa Cruz County.
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