December Packing List for Raleigh — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Mid-weight wool coatEssential

  Raleigh's December highs of 54°F can feel quite brisk when walking between buildings on the NC State campus.

• Thermal base layersEssential

  With Raleigh's lows dropping to 33°F, thermal layers are essential for early morning walks near Eno River State Park trails.

• Lightweight puffer jacketEssential

  Essential for layering when temperatures fluctuate between the 33°F lows and 54°F highs while exploring downtown Raleigh.

• Waterproof boots with gripEssential

  Crucial for navigating black ice on Raleigh's sidewalks when temperatures drop to 33°F.

• Warm wool socksEssential

  Essential for keeping feet warm during the 33°F mornings while walking through Raleigh's Eno River State Park trails.

• Warm scarfEssential

  Protects against the 33°F morning chill while walking through local Raleigh parks.

• Insulated glovesEssential

  Necessary for keeping hands warm during outdoor events at the NC State campus when temperatures hover near 33°F.

• Compact umbrellaEssential

  Essential for staying dry during any of the 8 days of precipitation while walking through downtown Raleigh.

Clothing

• Mid-weight wool coatEssential

  Raleigh's December highs of 54°F can feel quite brisk when walking between buildings on the NC State campus.

• Thermal base layersEssential

  With Raleigh's lows dropping to 33°F, thermal layers are essential for early morning walks near Eno River State Park trails.

• Smart-casual sweatersRecommended

  The Raleigh smart-casual style makes knits perfect for a 54°F afternoon in the Glenwood South district.

• Lightweight puffer jacketEssential

  Essential for layering when temperatures fluctuate between the 33°F lows and 54°F highs while exploring downtown Raleigh.

• Denim or heavy chinosRecommended

  Durable pants are ideal for navigating Raleigh's Glenwood South district during any of the 8 days of monthly precipitation.

Footwear

• Waterproof boots with gripEssential

  Crucial for navigating black ice on Raleigh's sidewalks when temperatures drop to 33°F.

• Comfortable walking sneakersRecommended

  Ideal for exploring Raleigh's NC State campus even when it is a mild 54°F.

• Leather ankle bootsRecommended

  A smart-casual staple for evening outings in Raleigh's Glenwood South district during any of the 8 days of monthly precipitation.

• Warm wool socksEssential

  Essential for keeping feet warm during the 33°F mornings while walking through Raleigh's Eno River State Park trails.

Accessories

• Warm scarfEssential

  Protects against the 33°F morning chill while walking through local Raleigh parks.

• Insulated glovesEssential

  Necessary for keeping hands warm during outdoor events at the NC State campus when temperatures hover near 33°F.

• Beanie or knit hatRecommended

  Keeps heat in during those brisk Raleigh evenings around the Glenwood South district when temperatures hover near 54°F.

• Lightweight wrapOptional

  A versatile wrap for the 54°F afternoons when navigating the breezy streets of downtown Raleigh.

Gear

• Compact umbrellaEssential

  Essential for staying dry during any of the 8 days of precipitation while walking through downtown Raleigh.

• Insulated water bottleOptional

  Keeps drinks warm during long walks through Raleigh's Eno River State Park trails when temperatures are a mild 54°F.

• Thermal hand warmersRecommended

  Essential for extra warmth during outdoor events in Raleigh near the Eno River State Park trails when temperatures drop to 33°F.