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Female packing list for California in Fall: California, the golden state, is world famous for the sights and stars its cites hold. San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego are the major cities in this region, and are all much less crowded and smoggy as Fall enters the region.
Weather in fall calls for slightly warmer clothes – jeans and long sleeved blouses will be your best friend here. With the state being quite fashion forward, especially California, now is the time to break out pieces that show off your individual style. Oh, and don’t forget to leave some space in your suitcase as California is a great spot to go clothes shopping.
Learn what to pack in California in fall to look stylish and travel light while visiting California’s national parks and spotting celebrities.
If you’re visiting NYC in the next few months, check out our winter New York City packing list as well.
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What to Wear in California in Fall?
1-2 x flats: While California is a fashionable state, remember that shoes can take up a bit of space in your luggage
1 pair of sneakers: Perfect if you plan on doing some hikes in the national parks, but choose ones that are stylish enough to wear in the cities
4-5 x socks – wash these in the sink
6-9 pairs of underwear
3-5 bras
Cardigan x 1-2
1-2 x jacket/ coats: These will be great for cooler days
Tops x 4-6: A good mix of long and short sleeves, make sure they all match the jacket and cardigans you bring
dresses x 1-3: Swap these for tops if you’re not a dress type of girl
Sleepwear
Bottoms x 2-4: Longer pants are your best option but skirts with stockings will also work
Leggings x 1-2: Great for hikes and lounging around your hotel room
Stockings x 1-2: Wear them underneath dresses and skirts
1x Scarf
1x beenie: For cooler evenings
What to Pack for California in Fall
Medical
- If you’re bringing prescribed medicine with you, be sure to also carry your prescription in case its asked for when going through customs.
- A basic first aid kit if you have space. Make sure it includes rehydration sachets, as well as headache and stomach medication. That said, you shouldn’t have a problem purchasing medicine here. Just expect to pay slightly more than you would back home.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera and lenses. If you plan to shoot a lot of scenery and beautiful buildings, I’d recommend a wide angle. That way you can get more in the shot. I normally take my Sony a6500 and 19mm 2.8 lens.
- Batteries and charger for your camera
- International adapter for power points
- Portable battery. This is great for charging your camera or phone when you don’t have access to a power point.
- 2-3 8GB memory cards. It’s better to spread out the storage of your photos in case of memory card failure. Just be sure to keep the cards in a safe spot.
Makeup & Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel sized)
- Your normal make up, but keep an eye on how much space you have. You could pack them in a makeup bag that is custom made for travellers, and pay attention to the USA’s strict carry on rules if they’re going in your carry on.
- Solid shampoo or travel sized shampoo and conditioner. Solid shampoo is better as it won’t leak through your bag if you knock the lid off accidentally. You can also use solid shampoo as soap and for hand washing your clothes.
- Deodorant
Everything Else
- 2 bank cards – Bring one Visa and one MasterCard as not all banks in California will accept your card. It’s also advisable to have two just in case one gets misplaced.
- 2 x photocopies of your passport – Leave one at home and the other in a different spot from where you keep your actual passport. This will come in handy should your passport get stolen.
- A lock for your bags in transit or for the lockers in dorm rooms.
Luggage
- Suitcase: You’ll be fine traveling with a suitcase as long as it meets your airline’s carry on limits. Be sure to check the dimensions if you don’t want to check a bag.
- Backpack: If you prefer, take a backpack which is equally suitable for traveling in California.
Seasonal Packing Tips for California
What to Pack for Spring in California (March, April, May): While California is a great place to visit year round, spring is when the state is at its most picturesque. After winter the city starts to warm back up to around 15-19 degrees C / low to mid 60’s F, with clear blue skies replacing rain clouds. As temperatures rise, the snow melts on higher ground revealing hiking trails, forest canopies and wonderful national parks.
If you plan to engage in outdoor activities, be sure to pack some light layers and a pair of sneakers. It generally gets cooler during the night time so don’t forget to include a jacket or cardigan in your luggage.
What to Pack for Summer in California (June, July, August): During summer in California, temperatures are at their highest, averaging about 21-24C / 70-76F degrees. In August, ocean temperatures average around 20 degrees (high 60’s F) making summer in California perfect at the beach. That said, smog is common during summer especially during the month of June. You’re likely to spend most of your time on a beach so pack shorts, t-shirts and light dresses. Don’t forget to include sunscreen, sandals, your swimsuit and a pair of shades in your luggage.
What to pack for Fall in California (September, October, November): Fall in California experiences ideal temperatures with days averaging between 17-23C / 62-75F degrees with a little chance of rain. Fall is when the festival fun comes to California. Night temperatures can get as low as 12C / 53F degrees, so you’ll want to pack a warm jacket to keep the chills at bay. Include in your luggage a number of layered clothing items that you can easily peel off should it get warm.
What to pack for Winter in California (December, January, February): While snow is quite rare in California, rain is rather common during the winter months. At this time, temperatures range at a mild 15C / 59F degrees, but can drop to the single digits at night. Most locals spend winter indoors shopping for Christmas, while others make the most of the chilly weather by heading out to the ice skating rink.
If you plan to enjoy some winter activities in California, pack layering clothes like jeans, a jumper and long-sleeved tops. Don’t forget to include a jacket, scarf and umbrella in your luggage. See the winter version of this Cali packing list on this page.
Popular day tours for Fall in California
Los Angeles
- Enjoy early access to Universal Studios in Hollywood before the main gates are opened. Go on thrilling theme park rides, see fun shows and tour a working movie studio. After that, visit the best restaurants and shops in Los Angeles. See the latest prices here.
- Escape the city and spend the day in a desert oasis at Palm Springs. Immediately you arrive, you will understand why Hollywood stars made it their playground. Ride a cable car 1,790 meters up to see the Living Desert Zoo. Conclude your day with a shopping trip at fashion outlets. Find more information here.
San Francisco
- Sail along the breathtaking waterfront of San Francisco, under the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and around the infamous Alcatraz Island. Learn the history of San Francisco through an award-winning audio commentary. Get more details and see prices here.
- The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are famous around the world for their exquisite wines and wonderful scenery. Learn more about wine from knowledgeable guides as you travel north towards California’s premiere wine country. See prices here.
- Experience the spectacular scenery at Yosemite National Park and a walk among the Giant Sequoia trees all in one day. You’ll have plenty of time to explore. Admire the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and incredible Giant Sequoias before your return to San Francisco.
See more information here.
San Diego
- Explore the natural scenic beauty of San Diego. Soak up panoramic views from the peak of Mount Soledad then tour La Jolla’s coastal region. Experience California’s southern coast as you walkalong its famous sandy, surfing beaches. Find more details on this tour here.
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