Packing guide for Texas and the South Central states
Summers here are long and very hot. Near the Gulf coast (Houston, New Orleans) the air is also very humid, while West Texas is drier. Winters are usually mild, but cold snaps and rare winter storms can bring ice and freezing temperatures, even in Texas. The region also sees hurricanes on the Gulf coast and severe storms and tornadoes inland, especially in spring.
States in this guide: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
General information only. Weather varies a lot inside each region and from year to year. Check the forecast for your city on weather.gov before you pack, and follow the official travel rules linked below.
Your packing checklist
Tick items as you pack. Your ticks stay on this device only. Share the list, print it, or set reminders below.
Every day
- Light, loose, breathable clothes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Umbrella or rain jacket
- Light sweater for air conditioning
Winter
- Medium jacket
- One warm layer, hat and gloves for a hard freeze
Storm safety
- Flashlight and power bank
- 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, but keep one warm layer, a hat and gloves for the occasional hard freeze, which can also cause power outages.
Storms
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Coastal Texas and Louisiana are most at risk.
- Oklahoma and North Texas get strong spring thunderstorms and tornadoes.
- Flash floods can happen quickly. Never drive through a flooded road.
For documents, medicines, electronics, food and money, see our general packing guide for newcomers. It applies to every region.