What to Wear in America: The Complete Seasonal Packing Guide

Essentials for every trip

Bring comfortable shoes you can walk in for several hours, a light day bag, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Cities are casual, but smart-casual clothing works well for restaurants and shows.

Keep a thin insulating layer in your cabin bag. Air conditioning can feel cold even in hot destinations, and mountain temperatures drop sharply after sunset.

Spring: March to May

Choose a light waterproof jacket, T-shirts or long-sleeve tops, a mid-layer such as a cardigan or fleece, jeans or chinos, and closed walking shoes. Spring rain is common in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast, while desert days can be warm and evenings cool.

Summer: June to August

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and technical activewear. Include shorts, loose trousers, a sun hat, swimwear and sandals, but do not skip a light sweater for evenings, coastal California and air-conditioned interiors.

For parks and hiking, wear moisture-wicking socks, sturdy shoes and sun-protective clothing. Desert visitors should avoid relying on sandals alone.

Autumn: September to November

A light jacket, knitwear, long-sleeve tops and waterproof shoes cover most autumn itineraries. New England and mountain towns can feel cold in the morning and mild by afternoon, so layering matters more than packing a thick coat too early.

Winter: December to February

For cold cities and ski regions, pack a warm insulated coat, thermal base layers, waterproof boots with grip, a hat, gloves and a scarf. For Hawaii, Florida and the Southwest, daytime clothing can be light, but evenings may still call for a jacket.