What to Pack for Los Angeles in December: All You Need for Warm Days & Cool Nights

Heading to Los Angeles in December? You’re in for sun-drenched days, cool evenings, and plenty of holiday sparkle without the frost. LA winter is mild compared to most cities, but you’ll still need layers—especially after sundown.

Expect breezy beach walks, rooftop dining, festive theme parks, and shopping in style. December is also prime time for exploring nearby mountains or catching a glimpse of snow on distant peaks. That means versatile outfits for city, coast, and casual chic.

Here’s your full December packing list for Los Angeles—perfect for street style, light layering, and California-cool confidence.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Los Angeles in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

LA in December = sunny days, chilly nights, and occasional rain.

• 🌡️ Average high: 20°C / 68°F
• 🌡️ Average low: 10°C / 50°F
• 🌞 Mostly sunny with a few rainy days
• 🌬️ Cool ocean breeze in coastal areas
• 🎄 Holiday events, film screenings, theme parks & hiking

What to Pack for Los Angeles in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Light layers pack easily.
• 🧳 Checked bag – For longer stays or shopping hauls.
• 🎒 Duffle bag – Great for road trips to Joshua Tree or Malibu.
• 🎒 Daypack – Ideal for sightseeing or museum hopping.
• 🧺 Packing cubes – Separate layers, gymwear, and beach stuff.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Keep sneakers and boots separate.
• 🧴 Toiletry bag – Airport-friendly and leakproof.
• 📂 Document holder – ID, confirmations, park tickets.
• 👜 Tote – Stylish enough for shopping in Silver Lake or West Hollywood.
• 🧺 Laundry bag – For separating worn layers.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Helpful after outlet shopping.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Secure luggage between hotels or Airbnbs.
• 🫙 Accessory pouch – Sunglasses, jewelry, lip balm.
• 🧼 Microfiber towel – Handy for beach yoga or hikes.
• 💤 Neck pillow – For flights or SoCal road trips.
• 😎 Sleep mask – Catch zzz’s in bright hotel rooms.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 T-shirts (3–4) – Perfect base layer for sunny days.
• 👚 Long sleeves (2–3) – Ideal for layering or dinner outings.
• 👗 Dresses (2–3) – Midi or maxi for city strolls or nights out.
• 🧥 Light jacket – Bomber, denim, or utility for daywear.
• 🧥 Warm sweater or cardigan – For chillier evenings.
• 🧥 Leather or blazer – Adds a polished layer for indoor/outdoor venues.
• 👖 Jeans – Go for dark or distressed styles for city looks.
• 🧘 Leggings – Essential for hikes, workouts, or comfy airport fits.
• 🩳 Shorts – One pair for daytime or gym.
• 🧣 Light scarf – Adds warmth without bulk.
• 🩲 Undergarments – Breathable and quick-dry styles.
• 🧦 Ankle socks – For sneakers or booties.
• 🩴 Pajamas – Cotton or lightweight sets for mild nights.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Gentle cleanser – Rinse away smog and SPF.
• 💧 Toner – Hydrating formula for dry air.
• 🧴 Moisturizer – Lightweight with a rich feel.
• 🌞 SPF 50 – You’ll need it even in December.
• 🧽 Makeup remover – Micellar water or wipes.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Great for smoothing post-travel skin.
• 👁️ Eye cream – For late-night events or jet lag.
• 💦 Face mist – Refresh between sightseeing spots.
• 😴 Night mask – Lock in hydration after hikes or wind.
• 💋 Lip balm with SPF – SoCal sun is sneaky.
• 🩹 Spot treatment – Breakouts happen on the go.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Tinted SPF moisturizer – 2-in-1 for fresh skin days.
• 🖌️ Concealer – For brightening or blemishes.
• 💨 Setting powder – Keep shine at bay outdoors.
• 🌸 Cream blush – Blends naturally in daylight.
• 🌞 Highlighter – Glowy skin is LA-approved.
• 🟫 Bronzer – Sun-kissed look without the burn.
• 🎨 Neutrals palette – Perfect for casual glam.
• ✏️ Eyeliner – Winged or smudgy for evening style.
• 👁️ Waterproof mascara – For beach walks or sweat.
• 🪞 Brow gel – Define and tame brows on the go.
• 💄 Lip balm, gloss or tint – Moisture + color in one.
• 💧 Setting spray – Set and forget all day.
• 🖌️ Travel brushes – Keep it minimal and clean.

💇 Hair Care

• 🪮 Brush or comb – For post-wind touch-ups.
• 🌀 Hair ties & clips – For sporty or beachy days.
• 🧴 Shampoo & conditioner – Bring hydrating formulas.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Revive roots after hikes or flights.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – Style without the damage.
• 🧴 Anti-frizz serum – For beachy humidity.
• 💨 Blow dryer – Optional; most hotels provide.
• 🪞 Straightener/curler – For glam nights in West LA.
• 💧 Hair oil – Smooth ends and flyaways.
• 🎀 Headbands or scarf – Cute and practical in wind.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 👟 Fashion sneakers – Comfort + style for walking.
• 👢 Ankle boots – Day-to-night flexibility.
• 🥿 Flats or sandals – One stylish pair for going out.
• 🧢 Baseball cap or bucket hat – LA cool + sun shield.
• 🧣 Light scarf – Adds flair to any outfit.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – A non-negotiable in LA.
• 💍 Simple jewelry – Layered gold or silver looks.
• ⌚ Watch – Stylish and practical.
• 👜 Crossbody or belt bag – Security and style.
• 🌂 Compact umbrella – December has some surprise sprinkles.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 ID or passport – Needed for hotel check-ins or nightlife.
• 📃 Travel insurance – Always a good idea.
• 🎟️ Tickets/reservations – Museums, studios, theme parks.
• 📄 Paper itinerary – In case your phone dies mid-day.
• 💳 Credit/debit cards – Widely accepted everywhere.
• 💵 Some cash – For valet tips or local shops.
• 📍 Offline maps – Not all canyons have signal.
• 🧾 Receipt envelope – Organize purchases or returns.
• 🖊️ Pen & notebook – Jot down recs or sketch the scenery.
• 👛 RFID wallet – For peace of mind in crowds.
• 💎 Lockbox or pouch – For valuables in hotel.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Band-aids – For those new-sneaker blisters.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Wipe down hands or surfaces.
• 🩺 Gauze pads – For small scrapes.
• 🩸 Feminine products – Bring your go-to brand.
• 🧲 Tweezers – Useful for grooming or splinters.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Optional but smart to have.
• ✂️ Nail clippers/scissors – Travel-approved version.
• 💠 Cotton swabs – Multi-use in travel beauty.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescription meds – Bring enough for the full trip.
• 💊 Pain relievers – For long days or late nights.
• 🌸 Allergy pills – Pollen or dust in dry air.
• 🤢 Motion sickness tabs – For coastal drives or boat tours.
• 💊 Daily vitamins – Support your immune system.
• 🩲 Period products – Pack your favorites.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Must-have for the city.
• 🧻 Disinfectant wipes – For public surfaces.
• 🦟 Bug spray – Only needed for hikes.
• 🧼 Contraceptives – Always pack your own.
• 👁️ Eye drops – LA smog can irritate eyes.
• 🪞 Mirror – Touch-ups on the go.
• 🪥 Toothbrush & paste – Travel set preferred.
• 🧵 Floss – Keep those selfies smile-ready.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Go long-lasting for active days.
• 🪒 Razor – Travel-friendly size.
• 💅 Nail kit – Chips happen.
• 🌸 Light perfume – Roll-on for scent without drama.
• 🧻 Tissues – Always useful, especially outdoors.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone – GPS, camera, ride-share, everything.
• 💻 Tablet or laptop – Optional for work or entertainment.
• 📷 Camera – Great for capturing sunsets or skyline views.
• 🔌 Chargers – All your cords and power bricks.
• 🔋 Power bank – LA days = long days.
• 🧵 Cable organizer – Keep tech tidy in your tote.
• 🔌 U.S. plugs = Type A/B – No adapter needed for U.S. travelers.
• 💾 Memory card – For digital camera users.
• 🗺️ Offline apps/maps – For hiking or when data fails.
• 📶 SIM or roaming plan – For international travelers.
• 📖 Kindle or e-reader – For beach or airport downtime.
• 🎧 Headphones – Essential for planes, beaches, or Ubers.
• 📱 Waterproof phone case – Optional but helpful near the ocean.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📚 Book – LA is great for beach reading and cafés.
• 📺 Offline shows – Perfect for long flights or chill nights.
• 🎧 Playlists/podcasts – Soundtrack your Santa Monica strolls.
• 📓 Journal – For creative thoughts or sketches.
• 🎲 Games – Card games for groups or travel buddies.
• 📰 Magazines – Classic for flights and poolside.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Protein bars or local bites for exploring.
• 💧 Water bottle – Stay hydrated in the dry LA air.
• 🛍️ Shopping tote – Sustainable and useful in LA markets.
• 🧼 Travel detergent – Wash leggings or socks on the go.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – For fashion fixes or unexpected tears.
• 📢 Whistle – For solo adventurers and hikers.
• 🧼 Shoe spray – Keep kicks fresh in dry air.
• 🦶 Footrest – Makes flights way comfier.
• 💤 Sleep aid – Beat jet lag or street noise.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🧳 LA is casual but stylish—pack versatile, comfy pieces.
• 📲 Download parking, metro, and ride-share apps.
• 👚 Layer—it’s warm by day and cool by night.
• 💍 Keep valuables in your carry-on and secure in hotels.
• 📸 Snap a photo of your luggage before flights.
• 🏦 Notify your bank of travel to avoid card issues.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📅 U.S. citizens: ID required, passport for flights.
• 🛂 International travelers: Check ESTA/visa needs.
• 🖨️ Print booking confirmations for Airbnb or car rentals.
• 📷 Passport photos – Useful in case of ID loss.
• 🧾 Understand customs limits if shopping big.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 ID or passport
• 📱 Phone + charger
• 💧 Water bottle
• 🧥 Light jacket
• 👟 Sneakers
• 👜 Day bag
• 🌞 Sunscreen
• 🕶️ Sunglasses
• 💄 Lip balm
• 🧴 Moisturizer

👍 Good-to-Have

• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
• 🧼 Travel laundry kit
• 🧵 Mini steamer
• 🛍️ Extra tote for shopping
• 🌂 Umbrella (small)
• 💤 Blanket scarf
• 📱 Extra power bank
• 🧺 Compression cubes