Are you planning a trip to Salt Lake City? Knowing what to pack for the time of year you are visiting will help you stay comfortable and enjoy your trip more.
After living short term in Utah’s capital, I learned what to wear and how to stay comfortable with the various weather changes.
There are many fun things to do in Salt Lake. Learn what to pack so you can make the most of your trip and check out these fun sights and activities!
Keep reading for the ultimate Salt Lake City packing list.
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Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is located in north central Utah. The state of Utah is in the middle of the western United States making it a great place to road trip to for those driving from other western states like California, Colorado, and Arizona.
Salt Lake City is just under 6 hours from Las Vegas, Nevada, and about 8 hours from Denver, Colorado.
The best time to visit Salt Lake City depends on what you want to do.
Winter, December through February, in Salt Lake City is cold and snowy. Temperatures average between 27 and 45°F (-3 to 7°C). If you want to enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, winter is the best time to go.
Head to Park City for the best skiing opportunities in the Salt Lake area! Park City Mountain is great for all levels of skiers and snowboarders; there are over 300 ski runs from beginner to expert level.
Spring, March through May, is cool and sometimes rainy. Temperatures in spring average between 38 and 72°F (3 to 22°C).
Summer, June through August, in Salt Lake City is warm and sunny. The temperature averages between 61 and 90°F (16 to 32°F). Generally, it stays more in the 80s.
Fall, September through November, is cool and sometimes snowy at the end of the season. Fall temperatures average between 36 to 79°F (2 to 26°C).
If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, spring and fall are the best times to visit Salt Lake City. Summer is busier than spring and fall, and sometimes summer temperatures are too hot for hiking comfortably.
What to Wear in Salt Lake City
Get ready for your trip to Salt Lake City! Packing doesn’t need to be the most stressful part of your trip planning. Read my five tips for minimalist packing for travel as you prepare.
Here’s what to wear in Salt Lake City in every season. Below you’ll find clothes recommendations. You don’t need to bring everything listed, but these are my top picks.
Always check the weather before your trip. It might still be quite cold if you’re visiting Salt Lake in spring for example. For colder weather months, I recommend packing layers to stay warm and adjust to changing temperatures.
Start with your thinnest layer, like a tank top. Add a t-shirt or sweater on colder days. Then put on a jacket and a coat for outdoor adventures in a wintery Salt Lake City.
★ Read Next: The Ultimate Fall Boston Packing List
What to Wear in Salt Lake City in Summer
With low temperatures dipping down to the 60s and high temperatures reaching 90°F, summer in Salt Lake City is generally mild. Layers are best so you can adjust your outfit throughout the day.
Start with a summer base, like a long dress, a maxi skirt, or even shorts. Wear a cardigan or a lightweight jacket on top; this way, you’ll be warm if it’s breezy, etc., but you can take it off if it warms up in the middle of the day.
Tops:
Tank Tops
Short Sleeve Shirts
Dresses (the best athletic dress)
Cardigan
Light Jacket
Bottoms:
Shorts
Joggers
Skirts
Pants
Shoes:
Sneakers
Sandals
Hiking Boots (if applicable)
What to Wear in Salt Lake City in Fall
With temperatures possibly dropping to the 30s (°F), prepare with warm clothes if visiting Salt Lake City in the fall months (September, October, and November).
Again layers are best so you can adjust to the temperature throughout the day. You will want a warm coat; down is best as it’s the warmest. Sweaters, long pants, and boots are a must this time of year.
Tops:
Short Sleeve Shirts
Long Sleeve Shirts
Sweaters
Cardigan
Bottoms:
Long Pants
Joggers
Jeans
Shoes:
Sneakers
Snow Boots
Ankle Boots
Thermal socks
Hiking Boots (if applicable)
What to Wear in Salt Lake City Winter
You will need to dress very warmly in the winter in Salt Lake City. Start with a base layer, either a thermal set or a t-shirt. Layer a sweater or a long-sleeve shirt on top, and a down winter coat on top of that.
It snows in the winter here, so on very cold days, you will likely want to wear thermal leggings under your jeans or pants. Make sure you wear warm socks too!
Tops:
Long Sleeve Shirts
Sweaters
Cardigan
Thick Jacket
Winter Coat
Bottoms:
Long Pants
Jeans
Shoes:
Sneakers
Ankle Boots
Hiking Boots (if applicable)
What to Wear in Salt Lake City in Spring
Spring in Salt Lake City is generally still cold, and it’s the rainiest season with an average of seven days of rain per month (March, April, and May).
Dress in layers to stay the most comfortable in the cold. A lined rain jacket can come in very handy this time of year. It will keep you warm and dry whether it’s raining or snowing.
Tops:
Short Sleeve Shirts
Long Sleeve Shirts
Dress
Rain Jacket
Cardigan
Warm Jacket or Coat
Bottoms:
Long Pants
Joggers
Jeans
Shorts or skirt
Shoes:
Sneakers or flats
Hiking Boots (if applicable)
Other Essentials: Salt Lake City Packing List
As well as packing the right clothes, you’ll want to bring these travel essentials on your trip to Salt Lake City. Stay organized, get ready to take lots of photos, and grab your day bag. It’s time to head out into Salt Lake!
Sunglasses
Toiletry Bag
Sunscreen
Camera
Salt Lake City is a fun city to visit any time of year. Plan a winter getaway and ski in Park City. Enjoy the sunshine and hike during the summer. Or avoid the crowds and explore the city in spring or fall.
Whatever time of year you plan on visiting Salt Lake City, make the most of your trip with this ultimate Salt Lake City packing list.
Now you know what to wear in Salt Lake City, stay comfortable, and stylish, while exploring Utah’s capital. There are many fun things to do in Salt Lake City, go explore for yourself!
