Planning a trip to Los Angeles and not sure what to pack? Whether you’re strolling Venice Beach, exploring Hollywood, or dining downtown, knowing what to wear in LA depends on the season.
This updated 2026 LA packing guide covers what to bring (and skip) for spring, summer, fall, and winter — so you’re ready for anything from a beach day at Santa Monica to an evening in downtown.
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LA Weather by Season
Los Angeles is fairly easy to get around (See our guide on getting around LA without a car); it sits on the West Coast in southern California. The city is located between the Pacific Ocean and the San Gabriel Mountains, giving it a Mediterranean climate.
There are relatively warm, wet winters, and hot, dry summers in LA. Though know for its perfect year-round weather, LA is surprisingly warmer than its southern neighbor, San Diego. Below is the average LA weather by season.
Summer
The temperature in Los Angeles in summer averages between 62° and 85°F with little to no rain from June through August. It can get hotter, but generally, it’s always nice enough to be outside most of the day in summer. Just don’t forget sunblock!
Read Next: The Ultimate Los Angeles Summer Packing List
Fall
From September through November, the temperatures drop a bit, generally staying between 50° and 80°F. There’s a higher chance of rain in the fall in LA, more so in November, but it likely won’t rain more than 1 or 2 days the whole month.
Winter
Even winter is a nice time to visit Los Angeles. It does get colder, but it rarely gets below 50° and it’s mostly sunny as well. There might be a chance of rain, but only a few days max. January is also generally the cheapest month to fly to Los Angeles, which is a nice bonus if you don’t mind the colder weather.
Spring
March, April, and May bring lovely spring weather to Los Angeles. It can get up to the mid-70s, the perfect weather if you ask me, making it the best time for those of you who want to spend a lot of time exploring LA’s outdoors. Think hiking, beach walks, Universal Studios, etc.
What to Wear in LA by Season
Always check the weather the week before you visit LA to get a better idea of what it might be like while you’re in town. Los Angeles has somewhat unpredictable weather; it can get cooler or warmer easily throughout the day. Normally it’s significantly cooler right by the coast than it is to the east, closer to the mountains.
If you’re making a roadtrip of your California trip, check out what to pack for San Diego and plan a stop in this second southern California city.
When are you visiting and how long are you staying in Los Angeles?
The time of year you plan on going to LA will help you determine what to wear. If you visit in winter, don’t forget a warm jacket and an umbrella. If you visit in summer, bring cool clothes and plenty of sunblock!
The longer you stay in LA, the more clothes you might need to bring. But don’t overpack either! You can always wash and re-wear clothes, and mix-and-match outfits. My travel go-to for packing are these compression packing cubes; you can fit so much more into your suitcase with them!
READ NEXT: 5 Tips for Minimalist Packing for Travel
LA Packing List:
- Breathable tops to layer (tanks, short, or long sleeve)
- Long pants (jeans, athleisure, cargo)
- Shorts for warmer months
- Dresses for summer and nice dinners
- Cardigan for summer evenings
- Lightweight jacket for colder months
- Sneakers or tennis shoes
- Comfortable sandals
- Toiletries and medications
- Day bag or backpack
- Small reusable water bottle
- Kindle or book
- Headphones
What to Wear in LA in Summer (June / July / August)
Summer in Los Angeles is warm and sunny and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy outside, so dress accordingly. I recommend bringing dresses, tank tops, and light shirts or blouses for a summer trip to LA.
For bottoms, bring shorts, skirts, joggers, and jeans. It’s best to have a variety in case the weather changes. It might be very warm one day a cool enough for pants the next. Even in the summer, I suggest packing a cardigan and light jacket, and you’ll definitely want a hat and sunglasses.
With lots of walking to do, wear sandals, sneakers, or tennis shoes for a summer trip to LA. It’s going to be very warm out, and you want to keep your feet comfortable so you can explore more of this West Coast city! Check out my LA outfit inspiration for summer and shop the pieces below.
Read Next: How to Pack for Los Angeles in Summer
Breezy sundresses, shorts, lightweight shirts.
Remember, inland is warmer than coastal areas.
Linen, cotton, and bamboo clothing are best for staying cool.
Shop the Outfit: Athletic Dress | Waffle Knit Cardigan | Sunglasses | Purse | White Sneakers
What to Wear in LA in September / October / November
When it comes to what to wear in LA in the fall, think layers, and warmer clothes. For tops, I recommend light sweaters, long sleeves, and a couple of short sleeves for layering. It’s best to be able to layer different tops to adjust to the changing temperature throughout the day which is common in Los Angeles.
For bottoms, I suggest bringing long pants like jeans or joggers. You can wear a skirt or a dress, but remember to bring tights; it might be too chilly for bare legs. There’s lots of walking to be done in LA, so if you’re visiting in the fall, pack sneakers, tennis shoes, or ankle boots.
Don’t forget to bring warm outer layers to throw on for dinner or if it gets chillier during the day. My go-tos are a cardigan, jacket, or blazer. In the fall, remember to bring an umbrella or a rain jacket too.
If you’re packing for LA in October, check out my fall outfit inspiration for LA below and shop the pieces!
★ Read Next: What to Wear in Boston in Fall
Emphasize layers — mornings are cool, afternoons warm up.
Think fall color palettes that still feel “California casual.”
Fall is generally slightly cool and not yet rainy, perfect travel weather.
Shop the Outfit: Button Jacket | Black Cargo Pants | Cream Long Sleeve Shirt | Black & White Sneakers | Black Crossbody Purse
What to Wear in LA in Winter (December / January / February)
It gets fairly cold in Los Angeles during the winter, but not freezing. Sweaters, long sleeves, and layers are the best tops to bring. Think shirts to wear under a sweater if it’s really chilly, or a warm jacket to throw on top.
Jeans or other long pants are recommended for wintertime. It will be too cold to wear shorts this time of year, but you could wear a dress or skirt if you bring thick tights to keep your legs warm.
For shoes, pack boots, tennis shoes, or sneakers. You won’t need snow boots by any means for a winter trip to LA, but ankle boots are a good option, and they’re super cute.
And don’t forget a thick jacket or coat, and if you run very cold, possibly gloves and a scarf.
Since winter is the rainiest season in LA, make sure you remember to bring an umbrella or rain jacket as well; you could even bring a pair of ankle rain boots. Below is my winter outfit inspiration for Los Angeles.
Shop the Outfit: Long Sleeve Shirt | Boots | High-Rise Jeans | Sunglasses | Purse | Cardigan | Sneakers
What to Wear in LA in March / April / May
It can still rain occasionally during the spring in Los Angeles, but generally, by this time of year, rain is scarce. The temperatures have started to warm up again, but it’s still possible to experience very cool weather.
A mixture of sleeve lengths and layers is best for spring in LA so you can mix and match depending on the day’s weather. I recommend packing a pair of pants or joggers, and even a skirt or dress if you feel like it.
Comfortable shoes are a must any time of year; wear sneakers, tennis shoes, or sandals for exploring LA in spring. If you have room in your bag, throw in an umbrella, hat, and sunglasses. Shop my spring outfit inspiration for LA below.
Light layers, denim jacket, maxi dresses, sneakers, etc.
Outfits you can layer in the evening for convenience (e.g., a dress with a jacket)
Local tip: Always bring a layer for coastal breezes.
LA Packing List Essentials
👚 Clothing: breathable tops, pants or jeans, cardigan, sundresses, shorts.
👟 Shoes: comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
🧴 Extras: sunglasses, hat, light sweater, reusable water bottle, day bag.
🧳 Optional add-ons: activewear, beachwear, compact umbrella.
What Locals Wear in Los Angeles
If you’re wondering how to dress like a local in LA, it’s easy if you remember these loose recommendations! LA has a “casual cool” vibe — think effortless, neutral tones, and athleisure.
When packing for travel, the most important things to think about are the weather conditions and what you feel most comfortable wearing.
FAQ
What Not to Bring to Los Angeles
Heavy winter coats (unless you’re heading to Big Bear)
Formal wear (unless attending special events)
Too many heels, there’s lots of walking in LA
What do people wear in Los Angeles in October?
Layering is best when visiting Los Angeles in October. With an average high of 83°F and low of 59°F, and little to no rain, Los Angeles in October is very pleasant.
Wear cooler layers underneath, like a short-sleeve shirt, and add layers depending on the weather and time of day. You’ll likely need to wear a jacket or sweater in the evening as it cools down a lot.
Is LA cold at night?
Los Angeles typically cools down noticeably in the evening. You might be comfortable in short sleeves during the day, but bring a jacket or cardigan with you to dinner.
If you’re by the beach at night in Los Angeles, you’ll definitely need a warmer layer with you. The ocean breeze is quite chilly at night in LA.
What to wear to dinner in LA?
Like any big city in the United States, you will find a plethora of restaurants for dinner in Los Angeles. What you wear will depend on the type of restaurant you go to.
If your dinner requires a reservation, it’s best to dress on the nicer side. Avoid athletic clothes and opt for a dressier outfit. If you choose a counter service restaurant, there’s no need to worry about dressing up.
What type of clothes should I wear in Los Angeles?
Always check the weather before you head to Los Angeles. Above are clothing suggestions for each season in LA; make sure you pack according to the season you plan on visiting.
As for style, you can dress up as much as you like in LA. As it is a large city, you will see people wearing all kinds of different styles. If you’ve been waiting to wear a new piece of clothing, Los Angeles is a great place to try it out! There’s no room for fashion judgment in this city.
READ NEXT: What to Do in LA for a Weekend
Other Essentials for Your LA Packing List
As well as clothes, there are some other packing essentials you should bring with you to LA. These are great to pack no matter what time of year you are visiting. Make your trip to Los Angeles the best it can possibly be and remember to pack these items:
Summary: LA Packing List
Now you know what to wear in LA during every season; it’s time to plan your trip and pack accordingly. Remember to bring sunblock, comfortable shoes, clothing to layer, and a compact umbrella.
Enjoy the climate of this West Coast city, check off all your LA bucket list activities, and plan a trip to San Diego, LA’s southern neighbor! This city has so much to offer. This LA packing list will come in handy; you can even save it for later!
