July Packing List for Los Angeles — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Lightweight linen or cotton sundresses (3–4)Essential

  July highs of 84°F in Los Angeles — and considerably hotter in the San Fernando Valley — make natural-fiber sundresses the most comfortable choice for outdoor activities from the Getty Center to outdoor dining in Brentwood.

• Breathable short-sleeve tops and tanksEssential

  Zero rain days and 84°F highs make moisture-wicking or natural-fiber tanks the go-to top across all of July — the Hollywood Hills and Runyon Canyon in particular require breathable fabrics for the exposed hillside heat.

• Lightweight shorts or linen wide-leg trousersEssential

  July afternoons at 84°F in the LA flatlands — and pushing 90°F+ in the Valley and Pasadena — make shorts or loose linen trousers the only comfortable bottom choice during daylight hours.

• Light cardigan or thin zip-up hoodieEssential

  July evenings on the LA coast cool to 67°F with marine breezes — outdoor restaurants and rooftop bars in Santa Monica and Venice Beach reliably feel cool after dark, and a light cardigan or thin zip-up is essential.

• Flat sandals or strappy slidesEssential

  July is LA's peak sandal season — 84°F afternoons and zero rain days make flat sandals the primary daytime footwear for the Venice Beach boardwalk, the Hollywood Farmers Market, and all of the city's outdoor exploring.

• Breathable sneakers or canvas shoesEssential

  LA hikes in July — Runyon Canyon, the Griffith Observatory trail, Temescal Canyon — are best done early morning before the heat peaks, and breathable sneakers or trail shoes handle the rocky paths without overheating feet.

• Wide-brim hatEssential

  July delivers a UV index of 9–11 across Los Angeles on clear afternoons — extended time outdoors on the Griffith Park trails, Venice Beach, or any of Malibu's exposed beaches without head coverage causes rapid sunburn.

• SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreenEssential

  Los Angeles's July UV index regularly hits 10–11 — among the highest in the continental US — and beach activities at Santa Monica, Malibu, and Hermosa Beach require water-resistant SPF 50+ with reapplication every 2 hours.

• Polarized sunglassesEssential

  July sun reflecting off the Pacific at Malibu and Santa Monica generates significant glare — polarized lenses are a non-negotiable accessory for both beach time and the extensive LA driving that July sightseeing demands.

• Reusable insulated water bottleEssential

  84°F July heat in Los Angeles is dry and sunny — the combination of Southern California sun exposure and low humidity accelerates dehydration significantly faster than the same temperature in a humid climate.

Clothing

• Lightweight linen or cotton sundresses (3–4)Essential

  July highs of 84°F in Los Angeles — and considerably hotter in the San Fernando Valley — make natural-fiber sundresses the most comfortable choice for outdoor activities from the Getty Center to outdoor dining in Brentwood.

• Breathable short-sleeve tops and tanksEssential

  Zero rain days and 84°F highs make moisture-wicking or natural-fiber tanks the go-to top across all of July — the Hollywood Hills and Runyon Canyon in particular require breathable fabrics for the exposed hillside heat.

• Lightweight shorts or linen wide-leg trousersEssential

  July afternoons at 84°F in the LA flatlands — and pushing 90°F+ in the Valley and Pasadena — make shorts or loose linen trousers the only comfortable bottom choice during daylight hours.

• Light cardigan or thin zip-up hoodieEssential

  July evenings on the LA coast cool to 67°F with marine breezes — outdoor restaurants and rooftop bars in Santa Monica and Venice Beach reliably feel cool after dark, and a light cardigan or thin zip-up is essential.

• UPF-rated long-sleeve swim cover or linen shirtRecommended

  Extended sun exposure on LA's beaches in July — particularly at Zuma Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, and the Santa Monica shoreline — makes a UPF-rated cover layer an important skin-protection option beyond just sunscreen.

Footwear

• Flat sandals or strappy slidesEssential

  July is LA's peak sandal season — 84°F afternoons and zero rain days make flat sandals the primary daytime footwear for the Venice Beach boardwalk, the Hollywood Farmers Market, and all of the city's outdoor exploring.

• Breathable sneakers or canvas shoesEssential

  LA hikes in July — Runyon Canyon, the Griffith Observatory trail, Temescal Canyon — are best done early morning before the heat peaks, and breathable sneakers or trail shoes handle the rocky paths without overheating feet.

• Strappy heeled sandals for eveningRecommended

  July evenings in West Hollywood and the Beverly Hills dining strip stay warm enough at 67°F for open-toe heels — this is peak outdoor dining season in LA and strappy sandals match the city's effortlessly-dressed evening culture.

• Waterproof flip flops or reef sandalsRecommended

  July is LA's peak beach month — the Santa Monica Bay water temperature reaches 68–70°F and the beaches are at their most active, making waterproof flip flops essential for the sand-to-boardwalk-to-restroom transitions.

Accessories

• Wide-brim hatEssential

  July delivers a UV index of 9–11 across Los Angeles on clear afternoons — extended time outdoors on the Griffith Park trails, Venice Beach, or any of Malibu's exposed beaches without head coverage causes rapid sunburn.

• SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreenEssential

  Los Angeles's July UV index regularly hits 10–11 — among the highest in the continental US — and beach activities at Santa Monica, Malibu, and Hermosa Beach require water-resistant SPF 50+ with reapplication every 2 hours.

• Polarized sunglassesEssential

  July sun reflecting off the Pacific at Malibu and Santa Monica generates significant glare — polarized lenses are a non-negotiable accessory for both beach time and the extensive LA driving that July sightseeing demands.

• Lightweight beach toteRecommended

  July is prime beach season across the LA coast — a roomy yet lightweight tote for sunscreen, a change of clothes, a towel, and snacks handles the full beach day at Manhattan Beach or Zuma without heavy bag fatigue.

Gear

• Reusable insulated water bottleEssential

  84°F July heat in Los Angeles is dry and sunny — the combination of Southern California sun exposure and low humidity accelerates dehydration significantly faster than the same temperature in a humid climate.

• Small personal fanRecommended

  LA's July tourist attractions — the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, outdoor venues like the Hollywood Bowl — involve significant time standing in direct sun, and a personal fan provides real relief on 84°F afternoons.

• Cooling towelOptional

  For outdoor activities like Runyon Canyon or the exposed Griffith Park trails in July — done early but still warm — a cooling towel provides rapid temperature relief and is a compact carry in a day bag.

• Portable SPF stick for reapplicationRecommended

  Beach days in Santa Monica and Malibu in July require sunscreen reapplication every 2 hours — a portable SPF stick is compact and easy to apply over makeup or on the go between outdoor activities.