Austin is a very lively city all year round that welcomes people from different walks of life. It is usually a rendezvous for artists, musicians, professionals and people who enjoy traveling the world for vacation.
Are you planning to visit Austin any time soon? Then our Austin packing list is specifically made just for you. You’ll also find helpful sections on what to wear in Austin, what NOT to bring and answers to FAQs.
While going to Austin or during any trip whatsoever, you should consider having a power bank with you to charge your mobile phone. Anker PowerCore+ Mini lipstick-sized portable phone charger comes highly recommended due to its portability, pocket-friendliness, fitness for purpose and its classic style.
You should always keep in mind that you might need a power adapter in Austin if you're visiting from somewhere outside of North America. This is why you need to pack a universal power adapter in your luggage. We really like this one because it can be used in so many counties and it has two USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at the same time.
While paying bills online by connecting to public wi-fi networks of cafes and or hotels, you are prone to different forms of cyber-attacks such as the risk of card theft, downloading malicious files etc. You surely want to insulate yourself against cyber-attacks and unknown people putting surveillance on you. Then you should contemplate going to Austin with a virtual private network. In this regard, Nord VPN comes highly recommended.
“…But with summer comes bugs. Lots of bugs.” Well, you should know by now that Austin may have a thing for insects such as ticks, mosquitoes, ants, scorpions etc. So, it will be wise for anyone visiting Austin, especially during the summer, to have with them a bug repellent on their trip. You really do not want to risk contracting the Zika virus or West Nile virus. You should have one with you!
Packing cubes are the best way to streamline packing and unpacking. You can divide your belongings into compartments and only open the cubes when you need them. They help you save space in your bag and shorten the process of packing and unpacking. You can account for your stuff better when you use packing cubes.
Austin is an awesome place to visit. However, the weather may be quite unpredictable (depending on the time of the year). In order to avoid missing awesome moments, we recommend that you bring along a windproof travel umbrella so that you can enjoy the fun without getting drenched.
Daypack is great for carrying few items during a full day of exploration. You have room for a camera, water bottle, sweater, snacks, portable Music Player and a few other small belongings. It is collapsible and doesn’t take up much space in the suitcase. It keeps the belongings compactly. It is very nice while going hiking or to the beach.
A travel towel is essential and unique for its multi-use capability. You can use it in your accommodation and also throw it in your bag for the beach. They are one of the essential items to carry when on a trip. Overall, it makes sense to have it with you since they're so versatile.
Austin is popular for its bubbly nightlife with events and festivities lined up. You should not miss out on these interesting events and parties on the account of not having suitable attire. You should really take a look at the collection of clothes to wear during such time before leaving for Austin.
A cooling towel is a must for Texas' hot and humid weather. They are compact and easy to bring along on any outing in a purse or day bag. To activate its cooling properties, simply wet the towel, wring out any excess water, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees cooler than the air temperature. These are real life-saver when you're outside all day and can't escape the Texas heat.
Stay hydrated and stay fine! You should consider having a water bottle with you while on any trip. LifeStraw water bottles are highly recommended. LifeStraw water bottle has got you covered for keeping you hydrated and keeping you fine. Like other filter bottles that remove dirt, LifeStraw Water bottle also does this and it does more. This water bottle also filters bacteria, parasites, chemicals and microplastics through its membrane microfilter and Activated Carbon Filter characteristics.
Liquids may be prohibited for passengers’ luggage. Well, solid shampoo bars are the most efficient alternatives for liquid shampoos. A solid shampoo bar can last up to 80 washes. You really want to take this along for the gorgeous hair throughout the trip especially while going out for parties, dates and festivals.
Travel like any other activity may not go as planned. You could miss your flight or really bad weather may stop you from getting on the road. When these things happen you may lose a bit of money. Travel insurance gets you covered if any of these things happen. For a trip to any destination, you should consider getting travel insurance in case of any emergencies. We like to use TravelInsurance.com to compare policies from the top companies to find one that best fits our needs.
A neck wallet is a must-have for any trip. It should be worn beneath the clothes to keep valuables safe. This way, your keys, wallet, mobile phones, cards, etc. are properly organized and kept away from the reach of pickpockets. Another reason for having this item is to keep your cards and ID within your own reach so they can be retrieved when needed.
Carry an alcohol-based sanitizer with you at all times disinfecting your hands of germs that may be on your hands through touching of surfaces or handshakes with acquaintances!
Swimsuit cover ups are necessary when going out to the beach, on a cruise or even while at the pool. They offer extra coverage and protection from the sun while maintaining that flattering and seductive outlook. The best cover ups are perfect for any style, breathable, flowy, light and fit for packing.
On your way to Austin, take along with you rose water facial spray for use to maintain your skin pH balance, control excess oil and prevent skin damage while keeping the skin hydrated. By using this, your skin will thank you!
Smell nice and stay dry with deodorant wipes. These handy wipes are necessary and perfect for your trip to Austin to get rid of odours with just a swipe after you hit the gym or when you just want a quick cleaning cleanse.
When you’re making preparations for a trip to this famous Texan city, keep in mind that you may find yourself enjoying the world’s best music in an oven. Trust me, you would be needing light-material, loose-fitting gowns, as well as some life-saving cool shades, especially if you’re going close to the end of June. When temperatures go off-the-chart and you start sweating faster than you hydrate, you would realize the reason why you needed to pack a few nice shirts, a cozy ruffle dress, skinny jeans, some crop tops, etc.
We found items with warm-weather appeal that fit great with the laid-back Austin culture! Think black denim minis, stylish straw hats, and super cool black wedges. And when combined, these make for a phenomenal Austin summer travel wardrobe!
For your winter dressing, you cannot be wrong in a Dassy Austin winter jacket, a black midi dress, casual denim, rock your crossbody Bandolier Emma sling phone case for that totally daring southern girl vibe. Hop in your dashing V-neck casual sweater, strap on the Dr. Scholl's Mania Chelsea boots and you're so ready to rock and roll it.
As a guy, you don't need to sweat this out, literally. Light clothing like t-shirts, flip-flops, and slim denim. You'll not stand out as a tourist this way. Your daypack should include: a nice pair of travel pants, a pair of hybrid shorts/swimsuit, at least 2 pairs of socks, and at least, 2 sturdy travel underwear, a quick-dry towel, travel blazer and for music festivals, a fanny pack. Don't forget to pack a pair of comfy sneakers and for the Austin vibe, a pair of Tevas.
Denim, T-shirts, Light, Jacket, Sneakers, High Waist Skinny Jeans
Austin’s spring comes with a calm and soothing beauty. As the city hurtles towards its period of high sun and winds, flowers steal some early chances to display their astonishing beauty, the sky flashes with a blueness that darkens after twilight culminating in a cool night. The temperature in Spring ranges from its lowest peak of 11° degrees Celsius in March to its highest of 30° Celsius in May. It rains averagely for 5-6 days monthly.
You would get the best out of the experience if you went out with your leopard scarf at night, as you walked through the lights and music of the city into Austinites and enthusiastic Texans brimming with different hues of laughter and chatter. In spring, Austin is one of the best places to be, and even more so when you are appropriately dressed for the season and the place. The sublimity of this is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Temperatures average between 52°F to 86°F (11°C to 30°C)
This is why you need to come prepared for the heat. Austin has a humid subtropical climate, and during summer, this can go from merely a medium level of warmth to a high level of burning heat. There will be a lot of sweating and dehydration, and you will need a well-suited army of dresses and accessories to ward off this assault, or at the very least, hold your line of defense long enough for Winter to arrive.
The temperature rises steadily from June and peaks at 100 degrees in mid-July, not going any lower than 30 degrees celsius until the second half of September. Your primary defenses will have to include t-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, water bottles, and a host of other saviors because the only significant break you’ll be getting from the heat will be during the rainy days, which won’t make a visit quite often. Summer lasts for about 3 months and 15 days from June 2 through September 18 with the average daily temperature above 19° F and the lowest 75° F. August usually, is the hottest month.
Since you’ll be sweating more often than you usually do, you’ll need a few more t-shirts than normal for ease of frequent replacement in order to maintain the weather requirement for light-weight and loose-fitting clothing. Your shorts will help you to take in even the lowest streams of coolness available to you, and your body won’t have to trap too much heat for its own good. And, since it’s a dry heat, always having a bottle of water as an intimate partner will help with periodic rehydration and prevent thirst from burning you out at moments you least expected.
All these, without forgetting your sunglasses, and your sundress too, for the ladies especially. Topless sandals will be just as cool, and you should try to wear skirts that aren’t too long. Summer in Austin can be very hot, but if you’re well-prepared for the occasion, you can rock the heat with a great deal of convenience. Temperatures average between 72°F to 97°F (22°C to 36°C)
Sweaters, Wool Beanie, Denims, Socks, Loafers
Just like the spring is the propeller that prepares Austin’s launch towards the searing flames of its violent summer, the fall is the slippery slope through which the city advances towards the winter. And it is a beautiful transitional phase between hot and cold, though closer to the latter than to the former. The temperature in Fall ranges between its lowest at 10° Celsius in November to its highest of 33° degrees in September. The rain probability is at about 24%.
Interestingly, you could “easily” call it the frozen summer, but there is barely any ice to see (and that’s the problem with “easy” things), so it would be more accurate to call it a diluted winter, almost similar to a chunk of ice dangling in a bowl of water. Your preparation for fall doesn’t need to be too dramatic, since there are no extremes to deal with. Having a pair of gloves, sweaters, and probably a winter coat should do.
You can put on your wooly clothing and your fashionable jeans as well. And, since it is “diluted winter”, you have more outdoor activities to enjoy without a need to worry about freezing. So, while the fall will come with some cold, you can have enough fun to make it warm. Temperatures average between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C)
Blazer, Button-down shirt, Beanie cap, Winter boots
Winter in Austin can be as extreme as things tend to be during summer. But, not always. Nevertheless, you need to prepare your mind, dresses, and accessories for this, if you want to enjoy your stay. From December to February, it can be pure, frigid cold, and this can go from brutal to benign, depending on whether or not you are used to a chilly climate.
It might not snow often, but there can be occasional freezing rains that can leave a quarter-inch of ice that even cars will be afraid to touch. This is not to scare you by making Austin in Winter look like hell, because it isn’t and can be just as enjoyable as the beautiful spring, and that’s why you need to take note of these things that, if not well prepared for are likely to spoil your fun. The temperature in winter ranges between 5° C in January to the highest of 19° tail February. Winter is usually mild and though it might go below freezing on some days, it occasionally snows.
I believe, hearing of Winter, you must already have guessed that you will need your sweaters, and you are very correct. But, that’s not all. It is even better if you make them well-layered, with a good level of thickness. And, there will be rains, so don’t forget your raincoats too! You’ll need gloves to save your finger bones from their merciless freeze, especially at night when the breeze of the season fully invades.
Your winter coats will be of great help in case things turn a bit white and you want to go hiking in the snow. With all these assembled for your trip, Austin in winter should be hassle-free for you. Temperatures average between 41°F to 66°F (5°C to 19°C)
Several districts have their varieties of fun, some a bit similar, others a bit different. But from Rainey Street to Warehouse District, Second Street, South Congress, and “West Sixth”, the nightly fun and beauty are archetypally Austinian. Even the music scene at Red River, where Austin reminds the world of its position as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, is not exempted.
Music festivals: Light Colored T-shirt, Board Shorts, Maxi dress, Flipflop, Sneakers.
From the Martin Luther King March and festival in January to the Armadillo Christmas bazaar in December, Austin is habitually a nest of music festivities and parties you don't want to miss out on while you're around. And your appearance as you hit them up is as important as the experience you want. I'll give you your choice of sleeveless vintage shirt, dresses, shorts, Tevas or flip flops. Especially in the Summer. You might wanna bring along your sweater or light jackets, in case the temperature dips lower than usual.
Casual sightseeing: Denim, T-shirt, Hat, Sunglasses, Sneakers
You should check out Barton Springs with its super cool lawns that attract visitors from all over the world. The Zilker park is amazing for you if you're more of the outwardly t type. You have enough space to jog around, kayaking, hiking, rock- climbing and if you only want to sit under the shade and read a book, you'll only be needing your polo shirt, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and your comfy sneakers.
Horse riding: Denim, Button-down shirt, Riding boots, Wide-brimmed hat
As for horseback riding, your dressing is far more important than how you look on the horse. Wearing the proper attire and equipment affects how effectively and safely you ride.
With your long denim pants, long sleeved shirt, leather knee-high riding boots and a sombrero hat.
The weather in Austin is often described as subtropical humid. The Summers are usually very hot, reaching as high as 100 degrees celsius in mid July, and can be as low as 30 degrees celsius on non-rainy days. As for the Winter, the cold is typically of medium level, although it can be occasionally harsh. But the hot weather is the main thing to watch out for!
Austin is at its most accommodating for unaccustomed visitors March to May or September to November. Around these times, the temperature hovers around 70 and 80 degrees celsius, not too cold and not too hot, and quite perfect for anyone coming from any part of the world. At the high or midpoints of summer and winter, things will no longer be as convenient for tourists.
Getting around Austin is easier and less costly by traveling by bus or by rail. The Capital Metro, which is the city’s public transit, takes you through the best bus routes around Austin and does not come with the expenses of going around in a car, as well as the inconvenience that comes with it, in the form of terrible traffic.
Austin is known for a good number of good and beautiful things, but apart from the dazzling glow of the diversity of its nightlife, Austin is best known for its Live music and its status as the foodie’s paradise. In addition to these, it is known for its Franklin BBQ and is also home to many of the newest and fastest-growing tech startups in the USA.
The pool at Barton Springs has a strict no dog policy, however, if you go beyond the fencing at Barton Springs Pool, you'll find Barton Springs Creek. The locals have affectionately named this place "Barking Springs" as it’s very dog-friendly. One thing though, we believe it’s always a great idea to have insurance for your pup. See our research on pet insurance costs in Texas here. It’s more affordable than you might think.
Austin has a good number of tourist attractions, all of which are fun and fascinating places to pay visits to. The best of these include the Cathedral of Junk, an eccentric clubhouse built by Vince Hanneman, the TDS landfill near Creedmoor where there is a massive exotic wildlife preserve, and LCRA’s main office on Lake Austin, with its various surreal views.
You could go see the state capitol itself, visit Mount Bonnell for its astonishing view, the SoCo District, the Blanton Museum of Art, the Sixth District, the Moody theater, the LBJ Presidential Library, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, The bat colony, the Metric-Arte museum among others.
Austin has some great ski resorts with awesome grounds and very good food. These include Lake Austin Spa Resort, an upscale all-inclusive resort, set on a lake with an offer of two pools, plus posh dining and a spa, Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, offering luxe dining and two pools with a full-service spa, and Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, with golf courses and tennis courts.
There are many national parks in Austin, notably Sculpture Falls in Barton Creek Greenbelt, Mount Bonell, McKinney Falls State Park, Hamilton Pool Preserve, Amazon Adventures, River Place Nature Trail, and Central Texas Gun Works, reflecting the diverse interests, preoccupations, and diverse options for fun and recreation present in the general population of Austin. It is a place of culture and beauty.
Whether you’re in the mood for an old-world lager or an experimental wild ale, you’re sure to discover your new favorite beer by visiting some of Austin’s top breweries. From the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co to Lazarus Brewing Company, St. Elmo Brewing Company, Jester Brewing Company, Live Oak Brewing company, etc.
Know that every purchase is a choice. For a lot of people, this self-discipline isn’t easy. Compounding the issue of spending is Austin’s affordability. As much as local politicians talk about affordability, you’d think it’d be cheap to live in Austin. But it isn’t, so making your budget stretch can be difficult but not impossible.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
