May Packing List for Bakersfield — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Cotton T-shirtsEssential

  With average highs reaching 89°F, breathable cotton is vital for staying cool during sunny afternoons in Bakersfield's San Joaquin Valley.

• Denim JeansEssential

  The practical-casual style of Bakersfield makes denim a staple for exploring downtown areas when temperatures reach 89°F.

• Linen ShortsEssential

  To combat the dry heat of the Bakersfield valley when temperatures climb toward 89°F, linen offers maximum airflow.

• Walking ShoesEssential

  You'll want supportive footwear for walking around downtown Bakersfield when highs hit 89°F.

• Canvas ShoesEssential

  Lightweight canvas shoes are ideal for navigating the flat terrain of the Bakersfield San Joaquin Valley during warm May days near 89°F.

• Wide-Brimmed HatEssential

  With only one day of rain on average in Bakersfield, you'll likely face intense sun exposure while exploring the valley floor.

• SunglassesEssential

  The bright, clear skies typical of Bakersfield's semi-arid Mediterranean climate make eye protection necessary for those 89°F afternoons.

• SunscreenEssential

  The intense sun exposure in Bakersfield's San Joaquin Valley makes SPF a necessity when temperatures reach 89°F.

• Water BottleEssential

  Staying hydrated is crucial in the dry heat of Bakersfield to prevent dehydration during high-temperature excursions near 89°F.

Clothing

• Cotton T-shirtsEssential

  With average highs reaching 89°F, breathable cotton is vital for staying cool during sunny afternoons in Bakersfield's San Joaquin Valley.

• Denim JeansEssential

  The practical-casual style of Bakersfield makes denim a staple for exploring downtown areas when temperatures reach 89°F.

• Light CardiganRecommended

  Bakersfield temperatures can drop to 62°F in the evenings, making a light layer essential for cool nights.

• Linen ShortsEssential

  To combat the dry heat of the Bakersfield valley when temperatures climb toward 89°F, linen offers maximum airflow.

Footwear

• Walking ShoesEssential

  You'll want supportive footwear for walking around downtown Bakersfield when highs hit 89°F.

• Cowboy BootsRecommended

  To lean into the local country-western influence in Bakersfield, a pair of boots is perfect for evenings at Buck Owens Crystal Palace when it hits 62°F.

• Canvas ShoesEssential

  Lightweight canvas shoes are ideal for navigating the flat terrain of the Bakersfield San Joaquin Valley during warm May days near 89°F.

• Flip FlopsOptional

  Flip flops are perfect for casual relaxation in Bakersfield when temperatures hit 89°F on the flat San Joaquin Valley floor.

Accessories

• Wide-Brimmed HatEssential

  With only one day of rain on average in Bakersfield, you'll likely face intense sun exposure while exploring the valley floor.

• SunglassesEssential

  The bright, clear skies typical of Bakersfield's semi-arid Mediterranean climate make eye protection necessary for those 89°F afternoons.

• Lightweight ScarfRecommended

  A light scarf can help protect against dust in the Bakersfield agricultural region when temperatures hit 89°F.

• Hand SanitizerOptional

  Hand sanitizer is useful to clean up after being outdoors in the dusty Bakersfield agricultural region during the 89°F heat.

Gear

• SunscreenEssential

  The intense sun exposure in Bakersfield's San Joaquin Valley makes SPF a necessity when temperatures reach 89°F.

• Water BottleEssential

  Staying hydrated is crucial in the dry heat of Bakersfield to prevent dehydration during high-temperature excursions near 89°F.

• Small DaypackRecommended

  A light pack is useful for carrying water and extra layers as you move between sunny streets and shaded venues in Bakersfield during the 89°F heat.