Should I Travel Light When I Visit San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo is one of those travel destinations where you can arrive with just the clothes you have on and still enjoy your stay, but only if you don’t mind having to spend money on additional clothing, toiletries, and other essentials when you get here. This isn’t a very practical travel strategy, but it’s completely up to you. You can definitely pack a light travel bag or suitcase when visiting San Luis Obispo, but the essential items to bring should be appropriate to the seasonal climate conditions and the activities you plan on enjoying.
Keep in mind that SLO has distinct seasons. In general, the weather is always pleasant, but you may not be very comfortable wearing just shorts and a T-shirt during some times of the year. With this in mind, here are a few recommendations with regard to packing your bags before coming here, brought to you by the friendly staff at Sands Inn & Suites, a charming boutique hotel near San Luis Obispo visitors return to again and again for outstanding service and comfortable accommodations.
January through March
Some visitors from Southern California may think SLO is a dry region, but this isn’t the case during the first few months of the year. From about Christmas until late March, SLO visitors should pack at least a rain jacket. If you’re planning on hiking the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail, water-resistant shoes would be appropriate. At night, temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit aren’t uncommon, so you may want to pack a coat for going out at night. Since January is restaurant month, it would be a good idea to pack one formal outfit in case you plan to dine at an upscale SLO bistro.
April through June
Things get warmer during these months, and rain pretty much disappears by the final week of April. These are good months to hit the beach, so you won’t want to forget to pack swimming attire. A light jacket should be all you need at night. When exploring the outdoors, you should put on moisturizing sunscreen because the climate will be very dry and sunny during most of the daytime hours.
July through September
The days will get even warmer during these months, and chances of rain will hover around zero. Comfortable hiking shoes become essential because you won’t want to skip the trails. If you’re into photography, make sure to bring panoramic lenses to snap incredible shots of the Pacific Ocean from the hills.
October through December
You can still hit the beaches of SLO through November, and you won’t need to bring a heavy coat—a light fleece sweater or jacket will suffice even at night. The weather will start turning cooler and more humid just before Thanksgiving, which means you should pack a rain jacket if you’re staying through December.
San Luis Obispo, CA, is an unforgettable destination at any time of year. Start planning your vacation in “The Happiest City in America” by making your reservation today at Sands Inn & Suites, a premier local hotel. San Luis Obispo visitors choose us because we offer everything they need for a relaxing vacation, including soothing Spanish-inspired décor, a tranquil fountain area, a heated outdoor pool and spa, and amenities such as free WiFi, gym access, and parking. Call us at (800) 441-4657 to reserve your room or suite.