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What to Pack for Los Angeles

A season-by-season packing list for LA, from summer beach days to Hollywood in the mild winter months.

Last verified Apr 20262seasons covered

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Quick answer
Overview
Summer (May-Oct)
Winter (Nov-Apr)
Packing Tips
FAQ

Quick answer

Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen year-round and a light layer for the marine layer, the coastal fog that lingers on summer mornings. Summer runs 75 to 90°F with almost no rain. Winter stays mild, 55 to 70°F. Bring two pairs of walking shoes for the hikes at Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon.

Seasons

2 seasons covered

Region

West Coast

Temp range

55-90°F

Country

United States

Los Angeles runs on a Mediterranean climate: warm dry summers, mild winters, the occasional winter rain. Summer highs sit between 75 and 90°F, and it barely rains from May through October. Winter days land between 55 and 70°F with showers rolling through. The sun shows up most of the year. UV stays strong in every season, which is why sunscreen earns its spot in the bag before anything else does.

What you wear depends on where you end up. Venice and Santa Monica are ultra-casual. Hollywood restaurants and rooftop bars expect something more polished, and you'll likely hit both in a single day, so pack outfits that carry you from sand to sidewalk without a trip back to the hotel to change.

LA is built for cars, but you'll walk more than you expect. Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon are real hikes, not strolls, and a day spent working through the Arts District, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame keeps you on your feet for hours. Bring good shoes. Mornings near the coast turn cool and gray under the marine layer, even in July, so keep a light layer within reach for early outings.

Temperature: 75-90°FAPR 26Warm, dry, steady sun. Daytime highs run 75 to 90°F, and the inland valleys can push into the mid-90s. Rain is rare from May through October. Near the coast, a marine layer keeps mornings cool and gray until it burns off around midday. UV runs very high. Pack real sun protection.

👕Clothing

Essentials

Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops x5 (Breathable cotton or linen works best for warm LA days)
Shorts or casual skirts x4 (Perfect for beach days and neighborhood exploring)
Dressy evening outfit for nicer restaurants x2 (Hollywood and West Hollywood venues often have dress expectations)
Light hoodie or zip-up jacket (Essential for cool coastal mornings and air-conditioned interiors)
Athletic wear for hiking x2 (Moisture-wicking tops and leggings or shorts for Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon)
Undergarments and socks x8 (Pack extras for beach days and hikes)

Nice to Have

Light sundress or casual summer outfit x2 (Transitions easily from daytime sightseeing to dinner)

👟Footwear

Essentials

Comfortable walking sneakers (Your most important item for exploring Hollywood, the museums, or a walkable neighborhood)
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners (Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon trails are dusty and uneven)
Sandals or flip-flops for the beach (Sand gets scorching hot in summer. Water-friendly sandals work best.)

Nice to Have

Dressy shoes or clean sneakers for evenings (Some Hollywood restaurants and rooftop bars expect polished footwear)
Blister prevention pads or moleskin (A lifesaver after long hikes or full days of walking)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

High-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) (Reapply every 2 hours, especially at the beach and on hikes)
Hydrating lip balm with SPF x2 (Sun and wind at the beach dry out lips quickly)
Lightweight moisturizer with SPF (Daily face protection against strong LA sun)
Ibuprofen or pain reliever (For sore muscles after hikes or headaches from sun exposure)
Prescription medications in original containers

Nice to Have

After-sun aloe vera gel (Soothes skin after long beach or hiking days)
Insect repellent (Useful for evening hikes and outdoor dining near canyons)

🏖️Beach & Outdoor Gear

Essentials

Swimsuits x2 (Pack two so you always have a dry one ready)
Quick-dry beach towel or Turkish towel (Lighter and more packable than a standard towel)
Reusable water bottle (32 oz) (Critical for hikes. Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park have minimal shade.)
Daypack or drawstring bag for hikes (Carry water and sunscreen, plus snacks, on the trail)

Nice to Have

Beach cover-up or sarong (Handy for walking from the beach to nearby restaurants)
Waterproof phone pouch (Protects your phone at the beach and during water activities)

🔌Electronics & Gear

Essentials

Portable phone charger (10,000mAh or higher) (GPS and photos drain your battery fast in a spread-out city)
Phone charging cable and wall adapter
Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (Essential for driving, beach glare, and hiking)
Wide-brim hat or baseball cap (Critical for hikes and beach days with strong sun)

Nice to Have

Compact camera or phone gimbal (LA has iconic photo spots from the Hollywood Sign to Santa Monica Pier)

💳Documents & Money

Essentials

Government-issued photo ID or passport (Required for bars and clubs, plus some attractions)
Credit or debit card x2 (Bring a backup card. LA is largely cashless, but some taco stands and food trucks prefer cash.)
Cash in small bills (Useful for tips, street vendors, food trucks, and parking meters)
Hotel confirmation and tickets (printed or on phone)

Nice to Have

Car rental confirmation or transit pass (A rental car makes LA much easier to get around, but Metro works for central areas)
Health insurance card

Temperature: 55-70°FAPR 26Mild, with daytime highs between 55 and 70°F. Rain comes and goes, mostly December through March. Coastal mornings run cool, mid-40s to low 50s, and the marine layer hangs around longer than it does in summer. Between storms, the sun's still out. Most days are fine for being outside.

👕Clothing

Essentials

Long-sleeve shirts and light sweaters x4 (Layering is key for LA's morning-to-afternoon temperature swings)
Comfortable jeans or casual pants x3 (Dark jeans work for daytime exploring and casual dinners)
T-shirts for layering or warmer afternoons x3 (Many winter days still warm up into the upper 60s by afternoon)
Dressy evening outfit x2 (A blazer or sharp jacket dresses up the rest of your outfit for Hollywood dining)
Medium-weight jacket or stylish coat (Essential for cool mornings, ocean breezes, and rainy days)
Athletic wear for hiking x2 (Winter is prime hiking season in LA, with cooler air and greener trails)
Undergarments and socks x8

Nice to Have

Lightweight pajamas or sleepwear x2

👟Footwear

Essentials

Comfortable walking sneakers (Still your most important item for exploring LA on foot)
Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction (Trails can be muddy and slippery after winter rain)
Water-resistant shoes or boots (Keeps your feet dry during LA's rainy season)

Nice to Have

Dressy shoes for evening outings (Closed-toe options are more practical in cooler weather)
Blister prevention pads or moleskin

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

Sunscreen (SPF 30+) (LA sunshine is strong even in winter. Do not skip this.)
Hydrating lip balm x2 (Ocean wind and sun dry out lips year-round)
Moisturizing lotion for face and body (Helpful against wind and lower humidity on cooler days)
Ibuprofen or pain reliever
Prescription medications in original containers

Nice to Have

Cold and allergy medicine (Winter brings seasonal allergies and occasional cold weather sniffles)

🏖️Beach & Outdoor Gear

Essentials

Reusable water bottle (32 oz) (Stay hydrated on hikes. Winter trails are greener but still sunny.)
Daypack for hikes and day trips (Carry your layers and water, plus snacks, for Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon)
Compact travel umbrella (Rain is common from December through March. Always keep one handy.)
Light rain jacket or windbreaker (More practical than an umbrella for hikes and walking around the city)

Nice to Have

Swimsuit (Many hotel pools are heated, and warmer winter days still work for the beach)

🔌Electronics & Gear

Essentials

Portable phone charger (10,000mAh or higher) (GPS and rideshare apps are essential for getting around LA)
Phone charging cable and wall adapter
Sunglasses with UV protection (The sun is still bright between rain days)

Nice to Have

Baseball cap or beanie (A cap for sunny days, a beanie for cooler mornings)
Compact camera or phone gimbal (Winter light creates beautiful golden-hour shots across the city)

💳Documents & Money

Essentials

Government-issued photo ID or passport (Required for bars and clubs, plus some attractions)
Credit or debit card x2 (Bring a backup card. Most places accept cards, but some food trucks are cash-only.)
Cash in small bills (For tips, street vendors, food trucks, and valet parking)
Hotel confirmation and tickets (printed or on phone)

Nice to Have

Car rental confirmation or transit pass (A rental car is highly recommended for getting around LA efficiently)

Packing Tips for Los Angeles, California

1Pack layers for the marine layer. Mornings near the coast are often foggy and cool, even when afternoons are warm and sunny.
2Bring at least two pairs of comfortable walking shoes. Between hiking trails and exploring neighborhoods, you will walk far more than you expect.
3Wear sunscreen every single day. LA's UV index is high year-round, and you will be outdoors more than you realize.
4Pack a reusable water bottle. Most parks and beaches have refill stations, so staying topped off is easy.
5Bring versatile outfits that work for both casual beach hangouts and nicer dinners. A sundress or clean jeans with a nice top covers most situations.
6Keep a light jacket in your bag at all times. Air-conditioned restaurants and breezy beach evenings can feel surprisingly cool.
7Download a rideshare app and GPS before you arrive. LA is spread out, and getting between neighborhoods takes planning.
8Pack a small daypack for hikes. Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon have almost no shade, so keep sunscreen and water within reach, and wear a hat.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for Los Angeles in the summer?

Go light and breathable: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses. Because the UV is strong, bring high-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. Add a hoodie for cool coastal mornings and over-air-conditioned interiors. And pack real shoes. You'll walk the neighborhoods and hike trails like Griffith Park, so comfortable walking shoes plus hiking shoes both earn their spot.

Does it rain in Los Angeles?

Barely, in summer. From May through October LA stays dry. The winter months, December through March, bring the periodic showers. Annual rainfall averages about 15 inches, and most of it falls in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzle. If you're visiting between November and April, pack a compact umbrella and a light rain jacket.

Do I need dressy clothes for Los Angeles?

It depends on your plans. Beach neighborhoods and daytime stuff run very casual. But the restaurants and nightlife in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills often expect a more polished look, so pack one or two versatile dressy outfits if upscale dinners or rooftop bars are on the list.

What shoes should I pack for Los Angeles?

You'll want three kinds. Comfortable walking sneakers for sightseeing, sturdy hiking shoes for trails like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, and sandals for the beach. For nightlife, add a dressier pair. Whatever you do, don't pack only flip-flops. You'll walk far more than you expect.

Is it true that LA mornings are cold even in summer?

Near the coast, yes. A weather pattern called the marine layer brings cool fog to beach cities most mornings, even when afternoon temperatures reach the 80s. Temperatures near the water can sit in the low 60s until the fog burns off around midday. Always bring a light layer for early outings near Santa Monica, Venice, or Malibu.

What should I pack for hiking in Los Angeles?

Moisture-wicking athletic wear, sturdy shoes with good traction, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Carry at least 32 ounces of water per person, because most LA trails offer almost no shade. A small daypack for snacks, your phone, and a charger rounds it out. And start early. Summer trails bake by midday.

Do I need a car in Los Angeles?

A rental car makes LA much easier, because the city sprawls across a huge area. Still, Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown are walkable on their own, and rideshare apps cover the gaps between them. Skip the car and you'll want to pack lighter. No trunk means nowhere to stash extra bags.

What should I NOT pack for Los Angeles?

Skip the heavy winter coats and thick sweaters, even in winter. LA rarely drops below the mid-40s. Don't pack only formal wear, either, since the vibe runs casual. Leave the bulky beach gear at home, too, because most popular beaches rent chairs and umbrellas. And don't overpack shoes. Just bring at least one comfortable walking pair.

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