High-Altitude Smart: What to Pack for Salt Lake City
From Wasatch trailheads to Temple Square dinners, pack UV sunglasses, SPF, a brimmed hat, mix-and-match layers, a windproof shell, cushioned trainers and grippy hikers, plus a warm midlayer for chilly nights.
Updated on October 16, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
Morning coffee on Main Street, a trailhead by lunchtime, dinner with mountain views after dark — Salt Lake City days stretch from pavement to peaks. You can’t pack for everything, but you can pack smart. Build a simple capsule that blends comfort with polish, layers with UV protection, and one weather-ready outer layer that works from downtown to the Wasatch.
The local read is casual and outdoorsy, tidy rather than flashy. Clean lines, quiet colors, and shoes that walk distance feel right at cafés, farmers markets, and casual dinners. When evening plans pop up, one sharper layer upgrades the look without fuss. Visiting Temple Square calls for modest coverage. Keep shoulders and hemlines respectful.
At 1,300 m the sun hits harder and the air is dry. Summer brings 77–95°F days with cooler nights, spring and fall swing quickly between 41–64°F, winter runs around 23–41°F in the valley with frequent mountain storms. Expect bigger drops as you gain elevation and occasional winter inversion haze in town. Carry sunscreen and a light shell year‑round.
To make it easy, the guide starts with altitude sun care and hydration essentials, then maps a layering system and footwear that handle valley streets and nearby trails. Next come seasonal tweaks for hikes and ski days, activity picks for downtown walks, Temple Square, and the Great Salt Lake, followed by what to skip, common mistakes, and key safety and transport notes.
Part 1: Packing Essentials
Packing List
Adults
Clothing
Footwear
Infant Clothing
Salt Lake City Day Bag Checklist
What you'll carry for a typical day exploring the city.
Part 2: Style & Weather
Salt Lake City Weather: Pack for Mountains & City
Salt Lake City sits at about 1,300 m elevation, so expect strong sun, low humidity and big day–night swings. Summers see warm 77–95°F days with cool nights, spring and fall vary 41–64°F, and winters bring snowy 23–41°F days. Pack layers, sun protection, and be ready for inversion air-quality days.
Monthly Temperature Guide
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 21°F |
| Feb | 43°F | 25°F |
| Mar | 52°F | 32°F |
| Apr | 61°F | 39°F |
| May | 72°F | 46°F |
| Jun | 82°F | 55°F |
| Jul | 91°F | 61°F |
| Aug | 93°F | 63°F |
| Sep | 84°F | 55°F |
| Oct | 68°F | 43°F |
| Nov | 50°F | 32°F |
| Dec | 39°F | 23°F |
Seasonal Insights
spring
Spring (41–64°F): pack 2 base layers, a light fleece midlayer and a wind/rain shell. Days can hit 59°F in valley but mountain trails stay cooler; bring sunscreen, quick-dry hiking pants, and check inversion advisories.
summer
Summer (77–95°F days): pack moisture-wicking tees, a long-sleeve sun shirt, shorts or trail runners, a wide-brim hat and sunscreen. Nights drop sharply—bring a light insulating layer. Hydration bladder and sunglasses essential on high-altitude hikes.
fall
Fall (41–64°F): favor modular layers—merino base, thin insulating midlayer and a windproof shell. Days can be mild but windy; pack waterproof shoes, a packable down vest, and a scarf for brisk evenings and valley–mountain transitions.
winter
Winter (23–41°F): merino base + insulating midlayer + waterproof down parka, warm hat, gloves and insulated boots. Carry microspikes for icy sidewalks/trails, pack lip balm for dry air, and monitor mountain storm and inversion alerts.
Salt Lake City Style: Mountain-to-City Packing
Salt Lake City's mountain backdrop and high altitude demand a practical, adaptable wardrobe. Pack modular layers, UV protection, and hydration solutions so you can go from valley streets to alpine trailheads without swapping bags. Favor merino and breathable synthetics, tidy city separates, and compact weatherproof shells to handle big day–night swings, dry air, and winter inversions.
The Local Dress Code
SLC is casual and outdoorsy; residents wear functional layers, jeans, and clean technical pieces. Dress modestly for religious sites like Temple Square—avoid revealing outfits when visiting. For evenings keep it smart-casual: tidy knit layers, well-fit denim, and a sleek shell or light blazer.
Layer-forward, sun-smart style for high-altitude days: blend technical outdoor pieces with tidy city-casual separates for skiing, hiking, and downtown life in SLC.
Style at a Glance
- • Layer smart: slim base, trim mid, shell on top
- • Prioritize UV: hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+
- • Mix merino and synthetics for moisture control
- • Two versatile bottoms: denim + softshell pant
- • Pack one compact insulating jacket
Color Palette
Shopping in the City
Focus on local outdoor specialists and small retailers for layering gear and sun protection; combine technical pieces with a few tidy city staples to minimize packing. Prioritize multi-use items and try gear on for fit at altitude.
Brands to Look For
KÜHL: Utah-founded technical-meets-streetwear brand known for trim-fit outdoor pants and versatile layers that transition easily from trail to downtown. ($$ - $$$)
Cotopaxi: Colorful, durable packable outerwear and daypacks with recycled fabrics—good for lightweight travel shells and hydration-ready packs. ($$ - $$$)
Backcountry: Park-City-rooted retailer offering a broad selection of technical apparel, insulated layers, and footwear for skiing, hiking, and trail running. ($$ - $$$)
Wasatch Outfitters: Local shop focusing on trail-ready footwear, repair-friendly gear, and pragmatic layering solutions tailored to Wasatch conditions. ($ - $$)
Where to Shop
City Creek & Main St: Urban boutiques and tidy casualwear for evenings.
9th & 9th / Sugar House: Independent shops and locally made pieces.
Neighborhood Vibes
Downtown: City-casual with clean lines: slim base layers, tidy denim, minimal technical outerwear and comfortable sneakers for walking between galleries and bars.
Sugar House & 9th & 9th: Laid-back, indie boutiques and cafes favor relaxed layers, mixed fabrics, and practical boots—think durable denim, merino tees, and a lightweight insulating midlayer.
Seasonal Outfit Formulas
spring
Foothill Morning Hike — Cool spring hike to Donut Falls; variable 5–15°C mornings and sunny afternoons.
- • Merino long-sleeve base: Slim merino layer for moisture control and odor resistance
- • Softshell hiking pants
- • Light trail runners
- • Packable wind shell
Temple Square Visit — Modest, tidy outfit for daytime visits and museum stops in downtown SLC.
- • Breathable cotton-blend blouse
- • Dark denim slim jeans
- • Comfortable leather sneakers: Clean sneakers that work for city walking
- • Wide brim sun hat
summer
Great Salt Lake Day Trip — Hot summer day around 25–35°C; sun, wind, and salt spray on Antelope Island.
Alpine Morning Trail Run — Early run on higher trails where mornings are cool; expect sun and rapid heating to warm 20–30°C.
fall
Peak-Foliage Ridge Walk — Crisp fall days 5–15°C with gusty winds; layers for quick temperature swings.
Coffee Run & Market Stroll — Layered city look for farmers markets and crisp afternoons in neighborhoods.
winter
Ski Day at Snowbird — Full ski day in resort conditions around -5–0°C; layered warmth and technical outerwear required.
City Winter Errands — Cold downtown day with possible inversion haze; wear layers and use a compact mask if needed.
Footwear Guidelines
- • Bring sturdy hiking shoes for trails and light traction on rocky terrain.
- • Pack waterproof boots for snow and muddy spring trailheads.
- • Include comfortable city sneakers for walking and TRAX rides.
- • Add insulated winter boots for cold days around -5–5°C and after-ski warmth.
Accessory Guidelines
- • Broad-brim sun hat or cap and UV sunglasses for high-altitude sun.
- • High SPF lip balm and facial sunscreen in travel sizes.
- • Hydration solution: reusable bottle or 1–2L bladder for day hikes.
- • Compact neck gaiter or buff for dust, wind, and smoke protection.
- • Small daypack with rain cover for sudden mountain showers.
What to Wear for Salt Lake City Adventures
Ski & Snowboard Day Trips
Quick drives to Park City or Snowbird mean swapping city layers for alpine kit—expect wind, cold and intense sun at ~1,300 m elevation.
Hiking Nearby Trails
Wasatch hikes are steep, exposed and high—plan for sun, quick weather swings and thinner air even on short climbs.
Downtown Stroll & Dining
SLC neighborhoods mix outdoorsy ease with tidy city style—comfortable shoes and a light layer keep you ready for patios, TRAX and evenings out.
Temple Square & Museums
Temple Square is a functioning religious site—modest dress and respectful behavior matter; museums nearby are casual but involve walking and security checks.
Mountain Biking & Trail Running
Ridgelines and singletrack near the city demand protection, traction and hydration—trails can vary from dusty to muddy across seasons.
Great Salt Lake & Antelope Island
Short drives lead to salty flats and shorebirds—sun and salt spray dominate, with limited island services and strong midday sun in summer.
Wasatch & Skyline Photography
Golden hour and fresh snow yield dramatic shots—plan for early starts, steep access and fast-changing light and temperatures.
Part 3: Expert Tips
What Not to Pack for Salt Lake City
Save luggage space and avoid common overpacking mistakes by leaving these items behind.
- • Stiletto heels: Stilettos sink on snowy streets, slip on icy sidewalks and are useless at rocky Wasatch trailheads; skip them and pack waterproof hiking shoes or low block-heel city shoes for evenings instead.
- • One single heavy parka for every season: A single heavy parka is bulky and overkill for warm 25–35°C summer days and layered mountain outings; bring a lightweight windproof shell plus a compressible insulating midlayer for flexibility.
- • Multiple bulky cotton sweaters: Cotton holds sweat and dries slowly on variable 5–18°C shoulder-season hikes; choose merino or synthetic base layers with one lightweight insulated midlayer to save space and stay dry.
- • Flip-flops as main footwear: Flip-flops give no ankle support on steep trailheads and are unsafe on icy sidewalks in winter; pack light trail runners or waterproof hiking boots and one pair of pool sandals instead.
- • Expensive visible jewelry: Precious jewelry attracts attention at busy markets or on active days and risks loss or damage; leave valuables in a hotel safe and wear inexpensive pieces or a durable smartwatch instead.
- • Full-length formal evening gown: A formal gown is seldom needed in SLC—dining and nightlife trend smart-casual and Temple Square calls for modesty; bring a wrinkle-resistant dress or layered separates for dinners.
- • Strong perfumes or heavy scents: Strong fragrances can irritate dry throats at 1,300 m altitude and may offend in religious sites like Temple Square; stick to unscented toiletries or light deodorant and moisturizer.
- • Full-size umbrella for mountain days: Umbrellas fail in gusty mountain winds and are awkward on trails; carry a breathable waterproof shell, a compact hooded rain jacket and waterproof shoes instead.
- • Lots of beachwear and towels: Packing many swimsuits wastes space—Antelope Island swims are occasional and the water is cold and salty; bring one swimsuit, a quick-dry towel and a UV sun shirt instead.
Salt Lake City Insider Tips
Local wisdom and practical advice gathered from seasoned travelers and residents.
- • Pack high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm: At 1,300 m elevation UV is intense—pack SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm. Reapply often on sunny 25–35°C summer days and on reflective snow during winter ski trips.
- • Hydration system and altitude acclimation: Bring a 1–2 L hydration bladder or bottles and drink proactively—high altitude (~1,300 m) plus dry air increases dehydration risk. Hydrate before hikes and sip during steep ascents to avoid altitude symptoms.
- • Layer smart for big day–night swings: Salt Lake City days warm 25–35°C in summer but nights cool quickly—pack merino base layers, a lightweight insulating jacket and a windproof shell so you can move between city and mountain with ease.
- • Bring trail-ready footwear and street sneakers: Mix sturdy hiking shoes with comfortable city sneakers. Downtown sidewalks and TRAX are easy, but trailheads are steep and rocky—waterproof boots for snow or mud prevent blisters and slips on mixed terrain.
- • Pack a compact mask and check air-quality alerts: Winter inversions and summer wildfire smoke can reduce air quality—pack a compact N95/FFP2 mask if sensitive, check AQI before outdoor plans and shift activities to lower elevation or indoor museums when needed.
- • Plan for winter driving and parking: If renting a car for ski resorts or Great Salt Lake trips, ensure rental has good tires; carry chains in winter or book transportation. Mountain roads can change quickly during storms—plan extra time.
- • Dress respectfully for Temple Square visits: Temple Square and religious sites expect modest attire—avoid revealing tops or short shorts. Bring a lightweight scarf or long-sleeve layer to cover shoulders; it's respectful and keeps you warm in cool 5–18°C shoulder seasons.
- • Carry a small first-aid and altitude kit: Include blister plasters, pain reliever, altitude meds if you're prone, and a compact first-aid kit. Quick fixes matter on remote trailheads where pharmacies are limited and trails climb steeply.
- • Bring portable power and charging options: Long mountain days and photography needs mean extra battery power—pack a USB-C power bank, spare camera batteries, and adapters for 120V outlets so you can stay charged on trail and in town.
- • Pack breathable fabrics, skip heavy cotton: Choose merino or synthetic wicking layers for hikes; skip cotton as it holds sweat and chills you on 5–18°C shoulder-season mornings. Quick-dry pieces speed comfort from trail to downtown cafes.
- • Sunscreen and sunglasses for snowy glare: Snow reflects UV—on ski days bring high-coverage sunglasses or goggles and SPF 30+ sunscreen. Even on -5–5°C winter days the sun can burn quickly at altitude; lip balm with SPF helps too.
- • Use a secure daypack for downtown and trails: Carry a slim, lockable daypack for TRAX rides and busy farmers markets—zip pockets protect against petty theft. Choose one that also fits a water bladder and extra midlayer for sudden 10–15°C drops.
Salt Lake City Traveler FAQs
Common questions from fellow travelers, answered with local insight and practical experience.
How should I dress for changing mountain-to-city days?
What sun protection and hydration items should I pack?
Which shoes cover both downtown walking and nearby trails?
How can I acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness on hikes?
Do I need a car to reach ski resorts, trailheads, or the Great Salt Lake?
How should I dress respectfully when visiting Temple Square and religious sites?
What gear helps on winter ski days and inversion air-quality alerts?
Common packing mistakes for Salt Lake City trips
Learn from others' experiences to avoid these common packing pitfalls and travel more comfortably.
Skipping strong sun protection
At 1,300 m UV is intense: skipping sunscreen and a wide-brim hat leads to burns. Pack SPF30+ broad-spectrum, UV sunglasses, lip balm and a water reservoir; reapply often on hikes.
Only packing city shoes
Packing only city sneakers leaves you stranded on rocky trailheads or icy sidewalks. Bring sturdy hiking shoes or waterproof boots, plus light trail runners for summer hikes and microspikes in winter.
Not packing modular layers
Skipping modular layers risks getting cold during sudden mountain swings. Pack a wicking base, insulating midlayer, lightweight wind/rain shell and a warm hat—mountain temps can drop 10–15°C from valley to summit.
Ignoring winter driving gear
Assuming roads are fine in winter is dangerous. Bring or rent winter tires/chains, allow extra drive time to resorts, carry warm layers and emergency kit in the car; check road reports for mountain passes.
Neglecting skin and lip care
Salt Lake City's dry, high-altitude air dries skin and lips quickly. Skip cotton-only clothes; pack moisturizer, SPF lip balm, hydrating face mist and a lightweight scarf to protect skin from wind and sun.
Ready for Salt Lake City
You're ready for Salt Lake City—where the Wasatch rise behind a lively, outdoorsy downtown. Pack broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), UV sunglasses and a hydration system for high‑altitude sun; plan modular layers for mountain days (summer 25–35°C, cool nights); bring sturdy hiking shoes and a lightweight shell. Respect Temple Square's modest dress. Travel confident: mountains, ski runs and desert hikes wait.
