Packing guide for the Southeast: Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and nearby
The Southeast is 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 in this guide: Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
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
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Every day
- Light, breathable clothes
- Sandals or breathable shoes
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Insect repellent
- Light sweater for air conditioning
Winter
- Medium jacket (a warmer coat for the mountains)
Hurricane kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Power bank
- Waterproof bag for document copies
Most of the year
- Light, breathable clothes (cotton and linen) and comfortable 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 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 (June 1 to November 30)
- 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: flashlight, batteries, a power bank, water and copies of your documents in a waterproof bag.
- Know your evacuation zone and follow local official instructions.
For documents, medicines, electronics, food and money, see our general packing guide for newcomers. It applies to every region.