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

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

Contents

When to go to Southern California, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Southern California, California, United States of America, the best time to go is October. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern California, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Southern California, California, United States of America by month

January

January here is chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows sometimes.

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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern California. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice 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. Check that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

February

February in Southern California is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern California. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently 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 is sufficent for most places.

  • 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

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

If you go to Southern California in March, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find 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 Southern California. 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 neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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 surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

April

April is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern California. 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

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

May

May for Southern California can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can 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 Southern California. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

June

June for Southern California can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern California. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers 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.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July is blindingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s 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 Southern California. 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 these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

August

August in this region can be excruciatingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s 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 Southern California. 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 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 locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

September

September in this region can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Southern California. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

October

If you are traveling to Southern California in October, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Southern California. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

November in Southern California is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 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 Southern California. 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 bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

December

December is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains or snows 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 Southern California. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

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 penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Southern California, California, United States of America

Southern California is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States of America. Famous for its year-round pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and stunning mountain ranges, Southern California is a paradise for travelers. The region boasts a rich blend of cultural heritage, fascinating history, thrilling outdoor activities, world-class dining and entertainment, making it a perfect vacation spot for people from all walks of life. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in Southern California.

1. Disneyland Resort - Located in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. The park features nine themed lands, including Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Main Street USA. Here, visitors can enjoy exciting rides, amazing shows, meet Mickey Mouse and his friends, and be part of a magical world filled with wonder and fun.

2. Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal Studios Hollywood is a one-of-a-kind theme park based on the movies and TV shows we all love. Visitors can explore movie sets, watch live shows, and participate in thrilling rides like the famous Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The park also offers VIP tours for guests who want an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made.

3. The San Diego Zoo - Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world. The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals and more than 650 species, including rare and endangered animals such as pandas, koalas, elephants, polar bears, and many more. The zoo also has plenty of interactive experiences for visitors, such as animal shows, behind-the-scenes tours, and animal feeding opportunities.

4. Venice Beach – Famous for its iconic boardwalk, Venice Beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Southern California. The beach is a blend of art, culture, and creativity. There is no shortage of entertainment here, with street performers, artists, and fortune-tellers lining the boardwalk. Sports enthusiasts can skateboard or play basketball, while others can enjoy a bike ride or a stroll along the sandy beach.

5. Joshua Tree National Park – Joshua Tree National Park is a desert wonderland located southeast of Los Angeles. The park is home to two different desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. Visitors can hike along nature trails, climb boulders, spot desert wildlife, and even observe the breathtaking starry night sky.

6. Getty Center – Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is a world-renowned art museum that features an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present day. Visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles.

7. Santa Monica Pier - The Santa Monica Pier is a 100-year-old landmark and scenic attraction located in the heart of Santa Monica, an oceanside city in Los Angeles County. Visitors can enjoy rides at the amusement park, fish from the historic pier or simply take a leisurely walk on the boardwalk.

In conclusion, the above-mentioned top tourist attractions are just a small part of what Southern California has to offer. With an endless array of attractions, from stunning beaches to world-class museums, visitors can always find something unique to experience in Southern California. The region is indeed a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure, fun, and relaxation.

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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