Arizona Packing List Essentials For Every Time of Year
Arizona Packing List— Everything You Need To Pack For Your Trip to Arizona
Use this Arizona packing list to make sure you never forget an item for your trip to Arizona, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.
There is a lot to keep in mind when packing for a trip. You’re managing flight details, hotel reservations, itinerary plans, finances, and so much more. With so much on your mind, it can be super easy to forget to pack an important item or even several. That’s why I created this Arizona packing list to help you out.
Until I recently started traveling full time, I lived in Arizona for 9 years. Before that, I partially grew up in Arizona since I had one parent in Phoenix and one in Utah and split my time between both states. I’ve explored all the nooks and crannies of Arizona from the northern border to the southern. So you know your Arizona packing list is in safe hands since it was created by a local.
How to use this Arizona packing list guide
This Arizona packing list is broken up into different sections. There’s a section for all the essentials that you’ll need no matter what time of year you’re visiting, plus three additional sections for summer, winter, and spring/fall adjustments. I’ve also included a bonus section for camping and hiking additions since Arizona is such an outdoorsy state and there’s a high chance you’ll want to spend some time out in nature. To use this packing list, start with the Arizona Packing List— Year Round Essentials guide below, then scroll down to the time of year you’re visiting to make any suggested adjustments.
I also created a Pinterest pin for every section so you can save your packing list to your travel board and use it for an easy reference later when you’re packing. To save to your board, simply click on the pin and a red “P” will appear. When you click the “P”, it will take you straight to Pinterest for you to easily save the pin.
Packing rules of thumb for any trip
1. Use your common sense
So, as you can imagine, creating a packing list without knowing all the details can be a bit of a challenge. For instance, I have no idea how long you’re staying in Arizona, or which part of the state you’re visiting. So, use your common sense as you’re packing. If you’re only staying for a weekend, there is no way you’ll need four pairs of bottoms. And if you’re staying for a month, you might want to bring more than a couple of changes of underwear.
2. Do your homework ahead of time
Before you pack for your trip, call your hotel or look up the amenities in your vacation rental booking. Does your room include a hair dryer? How about a towel or bathrobe? Before you pack the bulky stuff that takes up space and adds weight to your bags, see if where you’re staying already supplies those items. You can also check and see if where you’re staying has a laundry room or laundry service. If they do and you’re planning a longer trip, you can pack half as much and plan a day to wash your clothes.
In addition to checking the amenities where you’re staying, it’s also a great idea to check the weather and pack accordingly.
3. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
If you’re like me and have a hard time narrowing down your packing list, use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule as a guide. No matter how long your trip is, you shouldn’t need more than…
5 tops
4 bottoms
3 accessories
2 pairs of shoes
1 swimsuit
This rule, at the very least, should get you through a week-long trip. If you’re vacationing for longer, you can always plan a laundry day in the middle of your trip so you can wear each outfit twice. As for socks and underwear, I always recommend packing one pair for each day you’re gone plus one extra pair just in case. If you’re planning a laundry day, then pack one pair for each day before you intend to do the laundry plus the extra pair.
4. Pack versatile outfits
To keep your suitcase light, I recommend laying out your outfits before you stuff them in your suitcase and making sure they can mix and match with each other. If you’re like me, you might not know what you’re going to feel like wearing on any particular day, so being able to mix and match any of the clothes I bring helps me keep my packing light but my options abundant. I also recommend packing in layers and always bring a jacket, just in case. Even if you’re visiting Arizona in the summer, the airport might be cold or we may get a freak monsoon storm and you’re going to wish you brought that jacket.
Arizona Packing List— Year Round Essentials
This section covers the essentials for your Arizona packing list. That means, no matter what time of year you’re visiting, these are the basics to pack for your trip. After you’ve checked off everything on this list, move on to the section that corresponds with the time of year you’re visiting Arizona so you can make any necessary seasonal adjustments.
Clothing
Remember the packing rules of thumb— use your common sense and the 5-4-3-2-1 rule for how many of each item to bring, and consider the weather during your vacation and the versatility of the clothing.
Intimates
- Enough underwear for every day plus an extra pair
- Enough socks for every day plus an extra pair
- Bras (if you wear them)- the one you’re wearing, plus one spare
- Sports bra
- Pajamas
Outfits
- T-shirts
- Tank Tops
- Shorts
- Jeans (Even if you’re visiting in summer, I recommend bringing at least one pair of long pants, just in case)
- Jacket (Even if you’re visiting in summer, I recommend bringing a light jacket for the airport or for colder evenings if you’re visiting up north)
- Work out clothes
- One pair of tennis or hiking shoes
- One pair of sandals
- Swimsuit (if you plan on swimming more than once, I recommend bringing two suits so you can alternate while the other dries)
- Swimsuit cover
Accessories
- Belts
- Hats
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
Bonus Items Depending on Your Itinerary
- Blouses or Dress shirts
- Dresses, skirts, or slacks
- Dress shoes
- Ties (if you wear them)
ADVENTURER’S NOTE: Not all itineraries will require dress clothing. So, use your common sense and review your itinerary to see if you’re planning any fancy excursions. If you aren’t, then save the weight in your suitcase and leave the cocktail dress at home.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush & paste
- Dental Floss
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Body spray or perfume
- Contact Lenses, case, and solution
- Hairbrush
- Hair straightener, curler, or other tools
- Facial cleanser
- Facial lotion
- Octinoxate & oxybenzone free sunscreen
- Reusable cotton rounds
- Razor & shaving cream
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Feminine hygiene products
- Medication – including vitamin supplements, birth control, and pain relievers
- Nail care – including file, clippers, polish, and remover
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- First Aid travel kit
- Waterbottle
Adventurer’s Note: While packing, keep in mind that if you’re flying you can only bring a quart-sized bag of liquids and aerosols kept in bottles less than 3.4 ounces. So, unless you’re checking a bag, that doesn’t leave you a lot of space for all your toiletries. I highly recommend checking if the hotel, hostel, or vacation home you’re staying in offers any complimentary toiletries so you don’t have to waste space in your suitcase for bulky items like shampoo and conditioner.
Electronics
- Cell phone and charger
- Laptop or tablet and charger
- Camera, batteries, lenses, and charger
- Headphones
Optional Additional Items
- Passport/travel paperwork
- Book for the plane or car
- Journal
- Nintendo Switch or other entertainment of choice
- Selfie stick
- Portable battery charger
- Bluetooth Speaker
Adventurer’s Note: While these extra items may not be necessary for everyone if you’re visiting Arizona from out of the country, a passport is an essential item you have got to remember. And, if you have a long plane ride or road trip to get to State 48, then some entertainment like a book or a game is essential.
Arizona Packing List— Summer adjustments
If you’re visiting Arizona in the summer and are just visiting the city without any plans to camp or hike, then you can refer to the Arizona Packing List— Year Round Essentials listed above without any adjustment. However, if you do plan to hike or camp, then scroll down to the Arizona Packing List— Camping & Hiking Additions listed below. Whether you’re braving the outdoors for your whole trip or going on a few simple day hikes, this list will help guide you through your packing.
Arizona Packing List— Winter adjustments
If you are visiting Arizona in the winter and are staying in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, or another town south of the mountains then you don’t have to make many adjustments to the Arizona Packing List—Year Round Essentials listed above. A few minor adjustments I would recommend is that instead of bringing mostly shorts and one pair of pants, I would bring mostly pants and one pair of shorts. Also, swap out any tank tops for clothing you can layer like t-shirts, cardigans, and jackets. But don’t forget to check out the weather before you pack to make sure you pack accordingly!
If you are staying up north in Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, or any area of Arizona that tends to be colder than the big cities, I would recommend only bringing pants— you won’t have any need for shorts. And bring an assortment of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts. I also would recommend a coat if you’re visiting after the snow has fallen (usually late December through mid-February).
Arizona Packing List— Fall & Spring adjustments
If you’re visiting any part of Arizona in the spring or fall, you’re coming at the perfect time. The weather is either heating up or cooling down and it’s going to stay in the perfect 70s and 80s. Referring to the Arizona Packing List— Year Round Essentials listed above will cover pretty much everything you need for your trip. I would recommend packing a mix of both shorts and pants as well as tank tops, t-shirts, and maybe one long sleeve shirt in case there’s a really chilly day.
Arizona Packing List— Camping & Hiking Additions
If you’re visiting Arizona during any time of year and your intentions are to camp or hike during any part of your stay, then you’re going to need to pack a few extras. Keep in mind, this list only includes the few extras needed if you’re taking a day or two out in the wilderness. It is meant to supplement the above essentials list, not replace it and it is not a complete packing list for camping.
Clothing Extras for Camping and Hiking
- Moisture-wicking shirts and underwear
- Hat with a brim for sun protection
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Water shoes (if you’re camping or hiking near water)
- Foldable waterproof jacket that can easily stuff into your backpack
Gear Essentials for Camping or Hiking
Arizona Packing List— Bonus tips for packing
Whether you’re visiting Arizona for a week or three months, organization is the key to making sure you’re able to pack everything you want and still have room for souvenirs. The following packing organizers are the ones that I personally use and they have made a huge difference in my life. Not only am I able to fit everything into my suitcase, but my items stay neat and organized for the entirety of my trip.
Coolife 3 Piece Luggage Set
I love this suitcase set for three reasons. One, it’s hard-covered and durable. I made it on a 7-day cross-country road trip with these babies and they got nary a scratch. Two, they come in three sizes that Russian-doll into each other so they barely take up any space while storing. Three, they come in three perfect sizes to fit any trip. So whether you’re traveling for a weekend, a week, or a month, you can choose the case that works best for your voyage.
Travel cubes
It took me a long time to hop on the travel cube train. I’m not sure why, I guess they just didn’t seem like they’d make a big difference to me. But, I finally gave in and gave them a go and I am sooo glad I did. They seriously make such a big difference both in how much space in a suitcase they help save and in the organization of your stuff.
Toiletries holder
I love my clear, plastic toiletries holder. While the larger ones are not TSA compliant, they’re still great if you’re checking a bag. Plus they keep the rest of your stuff clean in case there’s a spill and they are easy to clean themselves.
Electronics backpack
About 10 years ago when I was a freshman in college, I won an electronics backpack in a raffle and I still use it on every single trip today. So, this isn’t the exact one that I use, but it’s very similar. I love having a specific backpack that has the extra padding in it to keep my electronics safe.
Best time of year to visit Arizona
We all know that Arizona is hot. It’s a state well-known for it, but despite all the hype about the heat, it isn’t exactly true. I mean, sure, it’s pretty dang hot here during the summer months, but what place isn’t? During the rest of the year, however, the weather is quite beautiful.
In the spring and fall, you can typically find the weather in most of the state to sit around the mid-70s to 80s in temperature. The sun is typically shining, as we don’t get a lot of rain. In the winter, the temps lower a bit to the 50s and 60s, and in the summer it can get as high as 115°.
If you go up to the mountains in the summer, you’re going to find beautiful weather in the 80s to 90s, and in the winter, you may find a little snow, but nothing too terrible to deal with.
Basically, any time of year is great to visit Arizona, depending on which part of the state you’re visiting, and what you’re coming for. For instance, if you’re camping in the mountains, then you’ll want to come between April and October when we still have warm nights. If you’re visiting Phoenix, then spring or fall (March/April and October/November) will be the most comfortable.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
Arizona Travel Guides:
If you’re visiting Phoenix, here’s my 5-Day Phoenix Travel Guide to help you plan your stay.
Only staying in Pheonix for a day? Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary.
Visiting Sedona? You might want to check out my Day Trip to Sedona Guide to help jumpstart your itinerary.
If you’re staying in Phoenix but want to spend a little time in the desert, these 9 Little-Known Hikes in Phoenix will help you get that nature connection.
Click Here to see more from the Adventuring Dreamers Resources.
