Countries / United States / Packing guides / Southwest
Packing for the Southwest
Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. Mostly desert. In low cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, summer days are extremely hot, often above 100°F (38°C), the air is very dry, and nights can be much cooler. From about July to September the monsoon brings sudden thunderstorms, dust storms and flash floods. Higher towns such as Flagstaff and Santa Fe have cold, snowy winters.
- States
- Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada
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.
Summer
- Light, loose, light-coloured clothes
- Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Large refillable water bottle
- Breathable shoes, plus closed shoes for hikes
Winter
- Warm jacket for cold desert nights
- Proper winter gear if you live high up
Every day
- Lip balm and moisturiser
Summer (May to September)
- Light, loose, light-coloured clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- A large refillable water bottle. Carry water whenever you go out, and stay out of the midday heat.
- Sandals or breathable shoes, and closed shoes for hikes.
Winter (December to February)
- Days are mild in the low deserts, but nights can be close to freezing, so bring a warm jacket.
- In high towns, pack proper winter gear.
Local tips
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the very dry air.
- In monsoon storms, never drive into flooded roads or dry riverbeds (washes).
- Cars get dangerously hot. Never leave children, pets or medicines in a parked car.
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.