What Clothing Should I Pack for Phoenix, Northern Arizona & Southeast Utah in Mid to Late October?

[tarheelmjfan]

I know this often comes off like a dumb question to many people, but I live in an area where you could wear a white bathing suit, white shirt, white shorts/skirts & white shoes year-round. I'm not exactly up on fashion norms in most areas. Anything goes here.

I plan to take all pants & both short & long sleeve shirts. I'm taking some jackets that go with the outfits & a thick, comfortable sweater for times when just the jacket isn't enough. (If I get cold enough, I'm definitely going with warmth over fashion.) DH is taking a leather jacket & a hoodie. We're mostly taking jeans for touring, but I want some nicer clothes for the cities & a few of our dinners.

TL;DR.... My question is really more about material. Will fall/winter type material be okay there or are people still wearing summery fabrics? Also, will we need a warmer coat for places like Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, etc?

 

[StarCruzer]

If you're going farther north, you may need some warmer clothes. In my recollection October was still relatively warm during the day, bordering on hot--especially in areas like Phoenix. I think you'll likely end up needing more summer clothes than you'd think if you'll be spending a lot of time in central AZ.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

If you're going farther north, you may need some warmer clothes. In my recollection October was still relatively warm during the day, bordering on hot--especially in areas like Phoenix. I think you'll likely end up needing more summer clothes than you'd think if you'll be spending a lot of time in central AZ.

Thanks. We'll be visiting Phoenix & Sedona, plus traveling north to the National Parks & Monuments.

 

[vanillagirl]

We were there - all over AZ - mid October a few years ago and I wound up buying a pair of Ugg boots. It snowed in Flagstaff and we were stuck there a few days and had to cancel moving on to Santa Fe. I only had keens and sneakers and a pair of leather flats. We wore jeans and layers of tee or cami, flannel, sometimes a cashmere sweater, light windbreaker and polar fleece…sometimes all of that , other times combos. Grand Canyon was sunny 50s/60s. Sedona was cold blustery 50s. We also did wear down jackets a couple days in Flag. We took a 3 week rt 66 road trip in my husbands Z4 so we had to pack really light lol. Phoenix can be a totally different beast though. We were there mid October-mid November last year and it was very sunny and beautiful 80s/90s but jacket weather at night.

We love AZ.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We were there - all over AZ - mid October a few years ago and I wound up buying a pair of Ugg boots. It snowed in Flagstaff and we were stuck there a few days and had to cancel moving on to Santa Fe. I only had keens and sneakers and a pair of leather flats. We wore jeans and layers of tee or cami, flannel, sometimes a cashmere sweater, light windbreaker and polar fleece…sometimes all of that , other times combos. Grand Canyon was sunny 50s/60s. Sedona was cold blustery 50s. We also did wear down jackets a couple days in Flag. We took a 3 week rt 66 road trip in my husbands Z4 so we had to pack really light lol. Phoenix can be a totally different beast though. We were there mid October-mid November last year and it was very sunny and beautiful 80s/90s but jacket weather at night.

We love AZ.

It sounds like I may need to buy more clothes than I though. Like you, I'll probably wait until we get there to see, if I need warm boots.

We're really looking forward to the trip. We've never been to Arizona or Utah.

 

[vanillagirl]

Well layers for up north and even in Phoenix really. I am a terrible crazy overpacker and when we went to put the luggage into his trunk it was a joke. Had to go back in and redo everything and be very minimal. Ouch. I wound up with a few tank tops and tees and a couple flannels a sweater and a couple super pack able layerable jackets for a three week trip. We did laundry. But that was all more north.. Phoenix u can wear jeans and a light top/tee or dress….but u can also swim. The dry air really makes 80s/90s pretty comfortable. I’ve been when it was 116 and we were still ok. (AC and misters everywhere) But it is always cooler in the eves. Just do layers.

It’s beautiful. I hope u have a wonderful time.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

@vanillagirl, Fellow overpacker here. We're only going to be there 8 nights & I'm wondering how I'll get everything in two personal bags, 2 carry-ons & 2 checked bags. When we check into a hotel, our luggage cart always looks like the Beverly Hillbillies are moving in.

 

[vanillagirl]

Haha me too! We are going to Chicago this weekend (2 Nights) and my goal is one suitcase for both DH and me together. Ha who am I kidding….. it will be three bags when all is said and done We have to have day clothes and dressier stuff and I need my own shampoo/blowdryer toiletries etc. I always envy those who can travel with one carryon but I don’t know how they manage that. I like having my stuff with me lol.

To pack light just think layers and clothes that color coordinate. Somebody told me that once. Easier said than done but when I was forced to pack light that’s what I did and it worked out fine. And it actually felt good to be “light”. I bring shout wipes for any issues and I love wrinkle releaser and use it as a refresher too if I have to rewear.