What to wear / pack

Question

I’m about to embark on a trip around San Fran, Vegas & the national parks & San Diego. I am also doing a day trip to Yosemite from SFO around mid March.

Can someone give me some advice on what kind of clothes to pack / how cold it’s likely to be in Yosemite? And how warm in vegas / San Diego. And what the vibe is for clothing in all destinations. I have read so much conflicting info online.

Answer

For a multi-destination trip in mid-March covering San Francisco, Las Vegas, Yosemite, and San Diego, packing requires a balance between layers for colder climates and lighter clothing for warmer areas. Temperatures and weather can vary significantly between these destinations, so flexibility is key.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

San Francisco: March is still cool and often windy, with daytime highs around 57–62°F (14–17°C) and evenings dropping to 46–50°F (8–10°C). Weather can be unpredictable, sometimes rainy, so layering is essential. Casual urban attire is standard, with practical walking shoes for hilly streets.
Yosemite (day trip from SFO): Mid-March in Yosemite can be quite cold, especially in higher elevations like Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point. Daytime highs may reach 45–55°F (7–13°C), with early mornings and evenings near or below freezing. Snow is still possible, so warm layers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Las Vegas: Expect mild to warm weather in March, with daytime highs around 65–75°F (18–24°C) and cooler evenings around 45–50°F (7–10°C). The city is casual, but slightly dressier clothing is common in restaurants, shows, or casinos. Comfortable walking shoes are useful for the Strip.
San Diego: Generally mild and pleasant in March, with highs around 65–70°F (18–21°C) and lows around 50–55°F (10–13°C). Casual, comfortable clothing works well, but bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, especially near the coast where it can be breezy.

Packing tips for all destinations:

Layering is essential: base layers, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket or coat.
Waterproof or windproof jacket for San Francisco and Yosemite.
Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration and light hiking; waterproof if you plan to hike in Yosemite.
Casual dresses or smart-casual outfits for Vegas shows or nicer restaurants.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun exposure in Las Vegas, San Diego, and Yosemite.
Optional light scarf or gloves for chilly mornings and evenings, especially in Yosemite and San Francisco.

Overall, plan to dress in layers that you can add or remove depending on the temperature and activity. March is transitional season for California, so mornings and evenings tend to be cooler even in warmer areas. Yosemite requires the warmest clothing, while San Diego and Las Vegas are relatively mild and comfortable for lighter attire.

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