Truckee, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Truckee, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Truckee, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Truckee
- Important essentials for Truckee
- Activities for Truckee
- Truckee in January: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in February: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in March: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in April: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in May: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in June: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in July: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in August: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in September: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in October: weather and what to pack
- Truckee in November: weather and what to pack
- Truckee 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 Truckee, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Truckee, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Truckee, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Truckee, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most locations, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Truckee. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Truckee, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Truckee 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), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Truckee, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in Truckee is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Truckee, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March in Truckee can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Truckee, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this one
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Truckee, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
If you are traveling to Truckee in May, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Truckee, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
June
June here is balmy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Truckee during July, you are likely to see that it is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 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:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Loose-fit shorts
August
Traveling to Truckee in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
September
September in Truckee is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
October in Truckee is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Truckee, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Truckee, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December for Truckee can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Truckee, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Truckee has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Truckee, California, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Truckee.
If you go to Donner Lake, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
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.
-
Binoculars
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Check out our guides for these other locations: Jeita, Lebanon, Brookings, South Dakota, United States of America, Tafi Atome, Ghana, Prostějov, Czech Republic, Asmara, Eritrea, Faversham, England, United Kingdom, Thurso, Scotland, United Kingdom, Aurora, Ohio, United States of America, Hokuei, Japan, Ada, Oklahoma, United States of America, and Sabrosa, Portugal.