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North America Packing Lists
Every climate on earth within one continent.
26 destinations covered
North America has more climate variety than any other hub here. A January trip to Chicago requires almost the opposite of a February trip to Miami, and a summer visit to Denver is different from a summer visit to New Orleans in ways that matter when you are packing. The city-level guides below are the real source of truth.
Climate at a glance
The northern half (New England, Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Mountain West) has real four-season weather with cold winters. The south (Southeast, South Central, Southwest) is warm year-round with short mild winters and intense humid summers. The Pacific Coast is mild and dry most of the year, and the Caribbean plus Central America stay tropical with a distinct hurricane season from June through November.
What to pack for North America
- Layers always — American buildings are air-conditioned to survival temperatures even in summer.
- A rain shell for the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast in any month.
- US Type A plugs, no adapter needed if you are coming from Canada or Mexico. Europeans and Australians need one.
- One neat, presentable outfit for nicer restaurants, which are more casual than Europe but not completely.
- Comfortable walking shoes — tourism distances in most US cities are bigger than they look on a map.
North America destinations
Austin, Texas
A season-by-season packing list for the Live Music Capital, from scorching summer days at Barton Springs to mild winter evenings on South Congress.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a walkable city of colonial history, world-class universities, and weather that changes on a dime. Here is everything you need to pack for Beantown.
Cabo San Lucas
What to pack for beach days at El Arco, whale-watching boats, ATV runs through the desert, and late nights along the Cabo marina.
Cancun
Everything you need for beaches, cenotes, ancient ruins, and resort nights in Mexico's Caribbean paradise.
Cartagena
Everything you need for cobblestone streets, island boat trips, colorful colonial plazas, and salsa-filled nights in Colombia's Caribbean jewel.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a city of bold architecture, lakefront breezes, and weather that keeps you guessing. Here is everything you need to pack for the Windy City.
Costa Rica
How to pack for rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and adventure days
Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City sits at 5,280 feet. Strong sun, dry air, and weather that turns over by the hour. Pack for all of it, season by season.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
From Seven Mile Beach mornings to Stingray City snorkel trips to dinner in George Town, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.
Las Vegas, Nevada
A practical, season-by-season packing list for Sin City, from triple-digit summer days on the Strip to cool winter nights.
Los Angeles, California
A season-by-season packing list for LA, from summer beach days to Hollywood in the mild winter months.
Miami, Florida
Everything you need for beaches, nightlife, Art Deco exploring, and Everglades adventures
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a city built for live music, hot chicken, and late nights on Broadway. Here is everything you need to pack for Music City.
Nassau, Bahamas
From Cable Beach mornings to Atlantis day passes to Junkanoo street parades, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Everything you need for the French Quarter, jazz clubs, swamp tours, and festival season
New York City, New York
NYC is a city built for walking, eating, and looking good while doing both. Here is everything you need to pack for the city that never sleeps.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is not your typical Mexican beach trip. At 5,000 feet in the Sierra Madre, you will need layers for chilly nights, sturdy shoes for cobblestones and ruins, and room in your bag for mezcal and textiles.
Orlando
Everything you need for theme parks, water rides, sunny days, and afternoon thunderstorms in Florida's theme park capital.
Portland, Oregon
Dress in layers, embrace the rain, and get ready for food carts, bike lanes, and trails through the gorge
San Diego, California
Everything you need for beaches, world-class dining, and outdoor adventures in America's Finest City
San Francisco, California
Layer up for fog, dress for microclimates, and bring shoes that can handle the hills
San Juan, Puerto Rico
From Old San Juan blue cobblestones to Condado beach mornings to El Yunque rainforest day trips, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.
Seattle, Washington
Layer up for drizzle, embrace the coffee culture, and get ready for world-class hiking nearby
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From Magens Bay mornings to a duty-free Charlotte Amalie shopping day to a St. John ferry trip, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.
Vancouver, Canada
From Stanley Park seawall mornings to Granville Island markets to a North Shore Mountains hike or Whistler day trip, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.
Washington, D.C.
D.C. is a city built for walking between monuments, exploring free museums, and eating your way through diverse neighborhoods. Here is everything you need to pack.
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