Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  2. Important essentials for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  3. Activities for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  4. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America by month

January

If you go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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 frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

February in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

March in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel 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 type. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

April

April here can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.

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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in May, you will notice that it is chilly. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • 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 neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

June

June is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you are traveling to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you vacation in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks during August, 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 low 40s F (single digits 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

September

September in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is mild and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

October

October in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 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:

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 airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • 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 surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

November

November in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow 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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California, United States of America

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, United States of America offer breathtaking natural scenery, incredible wildlife, and a rich history. Both of these national parks are home to some of the world's largest trees, and visitors come from around the globe to marvel at their beauty. If you're planning a trip to the area, here are some of the top tourist attractions you won't want to miss:

1. The General Sherman Tree: This magnificent tree is the largest in the world, and visitors come from all over to see its towering height and impressive girth. Located in Sequoia National Park, the General Sherman Tree stands an astounding 275 feet tall, and is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

2. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: One of the most popular drives in the area is the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This winding, picturesque road takes visitors through the heart of the parks, with stunning views of the Sierras, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. There are plenty of pullouts along the way, where you can stop to take in the beauty of your surroundings.

3. Moro Rock: If you're feeling adventurous, Moro Rock is a must-see attraction in Sequoia National Park. The 400-step climb to the top is steep, but the views are well worth the effort. From the summit, you'll see panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

4. General Grant Tree: Although not quite as large as the General Sherman Tree, the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park is still an impressive sight to behold. Known as the "Nation's Christmas Tree," this giant sequoia stands 267 feet tall and has a circumference of over 100 feet at the ground.

5. Crystal Cave: For a completely different experience, head underground to explore the beautiful Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. This cave system is decorated with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations, and guided tours are available throughout the summer months.

6. Zumwalt Meadow: If you're looking for a more mellow activity, the Zumwalt Meadow is a picturesque spot in Kings Canyon National Park that offers easy hiking trails and breathtaking views of the river and surrounding cliffs.

7. Crescent Meadow: Another great spot for a leisurely stroll is Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park. This beautiful meadow offers peaceful nature walks, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.

8. Grant Grove: In Kings Canyon National Park, Grant Grove is a popular area for camping, hiking, and scenic drives. The giant sequoias here offer incredible photo opportunities and plenty of shade on hot summer days.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions you'll find in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Whether you're a nature lover or history buff, there's something for everyone in this breathtakingly beautiful part of California.

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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