Packing Guide
Los Angeles Packing List — What to Pack for Every Season
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters (48–67°F) and warm, dry summers (67–85°F). The key to packing for LA is versatile layers: the Westside can run 15–20°F cooler than the Valley on the same afternoon. Pack breathable fabrics for the heat, a denim jacket for marine-layer mornings, and expect 5–6 rainy days each in January and February.
By Season
48–67°F
Winter (December–February)
LA's wettest season brings 5–6 rainy days per month and cool mornings that dip into the upper 40s. Afternoons warm to the mid-60s, so the daily temperature swing of nearly 20°F demands layering. A light coat, waterproof boots, and an umbrella cover everything from a wet Runyon Canyon hike to dinner in Silver Lake.
- Light wool coat or trench coat
- Waterproof ankle boots
- Merino crew-neck sweater
- Compact umbrella
52–73°F
Spring (March–May)
Rain fades quickly and temperatures climb from the low 50s to the upper 60s, but June Gloom starts creeping in along the coast by May. Venice Beach mornings stay gray and 59°F while the San Fernando Valley hits 73°F by afternoon. Light layers and a denim jacket navigate the micro-climate swings effortlessly.
- Linen-blend trousers or midi skirt
- Light denim jacket
- White leather sneakers
- Lightweight cardigan
63–85°F
Summer (June–August)
Summer is LA's driest season with nearly zero rainfall, but the coast stays under a marine layer until noon most mornings. Santa Monica and Venice Beach start at 63°F before the sky clears; the Valley bakes at 84–85°F by afternoon. Pack breathable fabrics for the heat and a light layer for beachside evenings.
- Breathable linen dress or shorts
- Light cardigan or hoodie for coastal mornings
- Wide-brim sun hat
- SPF-protective rashguard or linen top
55–83°F
Fall (September–November)
Fall is paradoxically LA's hottest and most volatile season thanks to Santa Ana wind events that push inland temperatures well above 83°F in September and October. November cools sharply. A wardrobe that handles surprise heat waves alongside 55°F evenings — and occasional rain by month's end — is essential.
- Lightweight sundress or wide-leg linen pants
- Denim jacket for evenings and coastal cool
- Breathable walking sandals
- Light scarf that doubles as layer
Monthly Packing Lists
Click any month for a detailed, weather-specific packing list.
General Packing Tips for Los Angeles
- 1.LA's micro-climate gap is real: the Westside and Santa Monica coast routinely run 15–20°F cooler than the San Fernando Valley on the same afternoon — always check neighborhood-specific forecasts, not just 'Los Angeles.'
- 2.June Gloom is not a myth: coastal neighborhoods including Venice, Santa Monica, and Marina del Rey stay under a marine layer until noon or later from May through June — pack a light jacket even when your itinerary looks like a full beach day.
- 3.Santa Ana wind events in September and October can push temperatures above 90°F with almost no advance notice — if you're visiting in fall, include at least one true hot-weather outfit regardless of what the 10-day forecast shows.