United States West Coast

What to Pack for Los Angeles

A practical, season-by-season packing list for the City of Angels, whether you are hitting the beach in summer or exploring Hollywood in the mild winter months.

Last verified April 13, 2026 2 seasons covered

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

Quick answer

Seasons

2 seasons covered

Region

West Coast

Temp range

55-90°F

Country

United States

Pack for Los Angeles with SPF 50+ sunscreen year-round (UV is high in every season) and a light layer for the coastal marine layer that keeps mornings foggy even in summer. Summer runs 75 to 90°F with almost no rain, while winter stays mild at 55 to 70°F with periodic showers. Bring two pairs of comfortable walking shoes for hikes like Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon, plus versatile outfits that flex between ultra-casual Venice beach and polished Hollywood rooftops in the same day.

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. Summer highs range from 75 to 90°F with nearly zero rainfall, while winter days hover between 55 and 70°F with periodic rain showers. The sunshine is abundant year-round, and UV exposure is strong no matter the season, so sun protection is always a priority.

LA is a city of contrasts when it comes to what you wear. Beach neighborhoods like Venice and Santa Monica are ultra-casual, while Hollywood restaurants and rooftop bars often expect a more polished look. You will likely bounce between the two in a single day, so versatile outfits that transition from sand to sidewalk are your best bet.

Despite LA's car culture, you will do more walking than you expect. Hiking trails like Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon are major attractions, and exploring neighborhoods like the Arts District, Beverly Hills, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame means plenty of time on your feet. Comfortable shoes are essential. Mornings near the coast can be surprisingly cool due to marine fog, even in summer, so packing a light layer for early outings will keep you comfortable.

Temperature: 75-90°F APR 26 Warm and dry with abundant sunshine. Daytime highs range from 75 to 90°F, with inland areas occasionally hitting the mid-90s. Rain is extremely rare from May through October. Coastal areas benefit from a marine layer that keeps mornings cool and foggy before burning off by midday. UV index is very high, so sun protection is essential.

👕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, museums, and neighborhoods)
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, sunscreen, and 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 navigation 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, clubs, and 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 navigate, but Metro works for central areas)
Health insurance card

Temperature: 55-70°F APR 26 Mild and pleasant with daytime highs between 55 and 70°F. Occasional rain showers, mainly from December through March. Mornings can be cool, especially near the coast, with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s. The marine layer is more persistent in winter. Still plenty of sunshine between rain events, and outdoor activities remain comfortable most days.

👕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 stylish jacket elevates any 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 the best hiking season in LA with cooler, 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 layers, water, and 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, clubs, and 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

1 Pack layers for the marine layer. Mornings near the coast are often foggy and cool, even when afternoons are warm and sunny.
2 Bring at least two pairs of comfortable walking shoes. Between hiking trails and exploring neighborhoods, you will walk far more than you expect.
3 Wear sunscreen every single day. LA's UV index is high year-round, and you will be outdoors more than you realize.
4 Pack a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is easy with water refill stations at most parks, beaches, and public spaces.
5 Bring versatile outfits that work for both casual beach hangouts and nicer dinners. A sundress or clean jeans with a nice top covers most situations.
6 Keep a light jacket in your bag at all times. Air-conditioned restaurants and breezy beach evenings can feel surprisingly cool.
7 Download a rideshare app and GPS before you arrive. LA is spread out, and navigating between neighborhoods requires planning.
8 Pack a small daypack for hikes. Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon have minimal shade, so you will want sunscreen, water, and a hat within easy reach.

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Los Angeles Is Not One City. It Is 80 Neighborhoods Connected by Freeways, Taco Trucks, and the Occasional Metro Line.

5-day itinerary, daily costs, neighborhoods, and local tips

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Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for Los Angeles in the summer?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat since UV exposure is strong. Include a light hoodie or jacket for cool coastal mornings and air-conditioned spaces. Comfortable walking shoes and hiking shoes are must-haves for exploring neighborhoods and trails like Griffith Park.

Does it rain in Los Angeles?

LA gets very little rain from May through October, but the winter months from December through March bring periodic rain showers. Annual rainfall averages about 15 inches, and most of it falls in short bursts. Pack a compact umbrella and a light rain jacket if you are visiting between November and April.

Do I need dressy clothes for Los Angeles?

It depends on your plans. Beach neighborhoods and daytime activities are very casual, but Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills restaurants and nightlife spots often expect a more polished look. Pack at least one or two versatile dressy outfits if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants or visit rooftop bars.

What shoes should I pack for Los Angeles?

Bring comfortable walking sneakers for sightseeing, sturdy hiking shoes for trails like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, and sandals for the beach. If you plan on nightlife, pack one pair of dressier shoes. Avoid packing only flip-flops, as you will do much more walking 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?

Bring moisture-wicking athletic wear, sturdy shoes with good traction, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Carry at least 32 ounces of water per person since most LA trails offer little shade. A small daypack with snacks, your phone, and a portable charger rounds out the essentials. Start early in summer to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Do I need a car in Los Angeles?

A rental car makes exploring LA much easier since the city is spread across a huge area. However, neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown are walkable, and rideshare apps work well for getting between them. If you skip a car, pack lighter since you will not have a trunk to store extra bags.

What should I NOT pack for Los Angeles?

Skip heavy winter coats and thick sweaters, even in winter. LA rarely drops below the mid-40s. Avoid packing only formal wear, since the overall vibe is casual. Leave bulky beach gear at home because you can rent chairs and umbrellas at most popular beaches. Do not overpack shoes, but make sure you have at least one comfortable walking pair.

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