Countries / United States / Packing guides / Southeast
Packing for the Southeast
Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and nearby. Warm for much of the year. Summers are long, hot and very humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild near the coast and in Florida, and colder in the mountains and the northern states of the region, where snow is possible.
- States
- Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi
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, breathable clothes
- Sandals or breathable shoes
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Insect repellent
- Light sweater for cold air conditioning
Winter
- Medium jacket (a warmer coat for the mountains)
Hurricane kit
- Torch and spare batteries
- Power bank
- Waterproof bag for copies of your documents
Most of the year
- Light, breathable clothes such as cotton and linen, and sandals or breathable shoes.
- A compact umbrella or light rain jacket for sudden storms.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Insect repellent: mosquitoes are common in the warm, wet months.
- A light sweater for strong indoor air conditioning.
Winter (December to February)
- A medium jacket is usually enough near the coast.
- In the mountains of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina, bring a warmer coat.
Hurricane season (1 June to 30 November)
- Coastal areas, especially Florida and the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, can be hit by hurricanes and tropical storms, most often from August to October.
- Keep a small emergency kit: torch, batteries, power bank, water, and copies of your documents in a waterproof bag.
- Find out your evacuation zone and follow official local instructions.
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
- Ready.gov: Hurricanes
- NOAA National Hurricane Center
- Ready.gov: Extreme heat
- National Weather Service: forecasts and warnings
Last checked October 2026.