Countries / United States / Packing guides / Texas and the South Central states

Packing for the Texas and the South Central states

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Long, very hot summers. Near the Gulf coast (Houston, New Orleans) the air is very humid; West Texas is drier. Winters are usually mild, but cold snaps can bring ice and freezing temperatures, even in Texas. The Gulf coast sees hurricanes, and inland areas get severe storms and tornadoes, especially in spring.

States: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana

General information only. Weather varies a lot within each region and from year to year. Check your city’s forecast on weather.gov before you pack.

Your packing checklist

Tick items as you pack, then share, copy or print the list, or add reminders to your calendar.

Most of the year

Light, loose, breathable clothes
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Umbrella or rain jacket
Light sweater for cold air conditioning

Winter

Medium jacket
One warm layer, a hat and gloves for a hard freeze

Storms

Torch and power bank for power cuts
Weather alerts turned on for your city

Most of the year

Light, loose, breathable clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
A refillable water bottle. Drink often in the heat.
An umbrella or rain jacket for heavy downpours.
A light sweater for cold air conditioning indoors.

Winter (December to February)

A medium jacket is usually enough.
Keep one warm layer, a hat and gloves for the occasional hard freeze, which can also cause power cuts.

Storms and floods

Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Coastal Texas and Louisiana are most at risk.
Oklahoma and North Texas get strong spring thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Flash floods can happen fast. Never drive through a flooded road.

Documents, medicines, electronics, food and cash rules are the same everywhere: see the newcomer basics. For a tick-off list for a trip, try the packing list maker.

Other regions

Official sources

Last checked October 2026.