Planning a trip to Los Angeles in the summer? Knowing what to pack will help you stay comfortable while making the most of everything the city has to offer. From beach days and outdoor sightseeing to casual nights out, LA summer travel calls for pieces that are lightweight, versatile, and easy to mix and match.
June through August can bring plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, so breathable clothing, light layers for cooler evenings, and sun protection are must-haves. This guide covers exactly what to pack for Los Angeles in the summer so you’re prepared for the heat without overpacking.
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Summer Weather in LA
Summer in Los Angeles is generally warm and dry. In traditional Southern California style, temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s, and there is little to no rain this time of year. If you want a somewhat mild summer travel destination, Southern California is the perfect place, with its big cities, small coastal towns, and gorgeous ocean views.
The average high and low temperatures of Los Angeles in the summer months are:
- June: 79° / 62°
- July: 83° / 65°
- August: 85° / 66°
Clothing to Pack for Los Angeles in Summer
Think light, breathable layers for visiting LA in the summer. It gets warm during the day, and early mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. Protect your skin from the sun, and wear comfortable shoes for long days of exploring.
Tops
Breathable Shirts
As the weather in LA in the summer runs warm, breathable shirts will be your best choice. Look for linen or cotton clothing to stay cool in the Southern California sun. A mix of tank tops and short-sleeve shirts is best.
Dressy Shirt / Dress
Pack at least one dressy shirt or dress if you plan to go out to a nice dinner, etc. It’s LA afterall, you don’t even need a reason to dress up here. Pack something breathable and fun!
Sun Shirt (optional)
This is more applicable if you’re going to the beach. A sun shirt is a very lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt that protects your skin from the sun. They don’t take up much space, and are nice for hiking, beach days, etc.
Bottoms
Casual Pants or Shorts
Comfortable pants are a must with all the walking and activities there are in Los Angeles. As the summer months are warm here, I recommend packing both a pair of shorts and a pair of pants for daily use.
Dressy Pants / Skirt
If you plan to dress up for a nice dinner, or just because, since you’ll be in LA, pack a dressy pair of pants, a skirt, or a dress. With warm temperatures, a skirt or dress will be nice to wear anytime if that’s your style.
Athletic Pants or Shorts
There are tons of hiking trails around the LA area, one of the best being the Griffith Observatory hike near the “Hollywood” sign. If you want to do any outdoor activities like hiking, pack a pair of more athletic shorts or pants. This can also be a pair of joggers that double as casual pants that you can wear multiple times.
Shoes
Tennis Shoes / Sneakers
Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring Los Angeles in the summer. There are a lot of walkable areas, and there’s so much to see and do, you’ll likely be on your feet a lot. Pack a pair of super comfortable tennis shoes/sneakers. My all-time favorite shoes for travel are Allbirds; they come in a variety of colors and styles, and they’re all so comfortable.
Keep in mind that if you plan to hike or horseback ride, etc., these shoes will likely be what you wear to do so. If you feel like you have room in your luggage, pack an extra pair of tennis shoes for this reason.
Sandals
A pair of sandals that you know are very comfortable will be nice to have in LA in the summer. There is plenty of coastline to enjoy, so plan a beach day, or just stay cool with sandals.
Accessories
Swimsuit
As LA is right on the coast, you should enjoy the beaches while you’re in town in the summer. Santa Monica has the famous pier, and you can rent bikes at the beach and bike to Venice Beach. Bring a travel towel and swimsuit if you want to have a beach day while in Los Angeles.
Beach Cover Up and Towel
These are necessary, but they make for a more comfortable beach day. A beach cover-up and towel come in handy when you’re by the water, but also know that the water here is freezing, even in the summer. Sunbathing and enjoying the waves might be more fun, but it’s up to you!
Cardigan
It’s always a good idea to pack a cardigan. They make for a cute lightweight jacket, spruce up an outfit, and can double as a warm top on cooler evenings in Southern California. It’s also really nice to have a cardigan on the plane as they often run cold.
Lightweight Jacket
While summer in Los Angeles is typically warm, a lightweight jacket is a good idea to have. Evenings by the ocean or spent on a restaurant patio might be chillier than you’re expecting, and a jacket is more convenient than a long-sleeve shirt or sweater.
Los Angeles Summer Essentials
Other Travel Essentials
These other packing essentials will help make your trip to LA the best possible experience. The right clothing is a must, but so is the right gear.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer (normal and SPF)
- Hairbrush + hairties
- Deodorant
- Makeup essentials
- Nailclippers
- Period essentials
- Travel shampoo
- Travel conditioner
- Bandana or headband
- Contacts (if needed)
- Medications
- Bandaids
- Ibuprofen
- Antidiarrheal meds
- Travel Laundry detergent sheets
- Razor
- Hand lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
These are the toiletries I recommend you travel to LA with this summer. You can likely skip the shampoo and conditioner if you’re staying at a hotel, as they generally supply both. If you use any other toiletries every day, don’t forget to pack them; you know what you need!
Electronics
- Chargers
- Camera if wanted
- Mini tripod
- RFID covers
- Headphones
- Portable charger
Don’t forget to pack any electronics you’ll need, as well as their corresponding chargers. A camera can be nice for capturing travel memories, and a tripod is great for getting the best photos. RFID covers are extra protection for your credit cards, helping prevent electronic theft of your information. Headphones and a portable charger will be nice to have on travel days and long adventures in sunny SoCal.
Day Bag
- Passport or ID
- Wallet
- Book or Kindle
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
- Sling bag or backpack
Having a day bag will make your daily outings more enjoyable. You can easily carry a water bottle, extra sunscreen, sunglasses, and a few other items in a small backpack or a sling bag. A book or Kindle is nice to have when you’re flying to/from Los Angeles.
Top Travel Essentials
Packing for Los Angeles in the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. With warm days, plenty of sunshine, and lots of time spent exploring on foot, focusing on breathable fabrics, light layers, and comfortable shoes will go a long way.
This Los Angeles summer packing list is designed to help you shop your own closet, stay cool in the heat, and be ready for everything from beach days in Santa Monica or Venice Beach to sightseeing around the city. Save this guide, and you’ll be set for a laid-back, urban beach getaway in Southern California.
