What Should You Pack for Dallas?
Dallas’s weather varies throughout the year, but it’s warm most of the time! In spring and fall, pack light layers like short sleeve shirts with a sweater or light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Summer is hot and sunny, so bring breathable fabrics like tank tops and shorts to stay cool. Winter is generally mild, but a sweater and casual jacket will keep you comfortable. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around outdoor attractions like the Dallas Arboretum and Klyde Warren Park.
Make sure you’re prepared for: Visiting the Dallas Arboretum, exploring the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, touring the Sixth Floor Museum, walking around Klyde Warren Park, and attending a Dallas Cowboys game.
Dress Code
Dallas is a stylish city with a mix of casual and trendy fashion. For daytime activities like visiting museums or parks, casual yet polished outfits like jeans or sundresses work well. If you’re planning to dine at a nice restaurant or go to an evening event, dress up a bit more—think a chic dress or a stylish top with slacks. In summer, light fabrics and hats are a must for staying cool during outdoor festivals and concerts. Cowboy boots and western-style clothing are always a fun option for rodeo events!
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Spring
55 – 80°F
(13 – 27°C
)
Summer
75 – 95°F
(24 – 35°C
)
Fall
60 – 85°F
(15 – 29°C
)
Winter
35 – 60°F
(2 – 16°C
)
Spring: Warm with occasional thunderstorms and breezy days
Summer: Hot, sunny, humid
Fall: Warm days with cooler evenings, less humidity
Winter: Cool with occasional rain and mild winds
Spring
3.5 inches of rain
Summer
2.4 inches of rain
Fall
2.9 inches of rain
Winter
2.3 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Great for warm Dallas days, perfect for walking around the city.
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Ideal for cooler spring and fall mornings.
3. Sweaters: Perfect for layering when it cools down in the evenings.
4. Tank Tops: A must for summer, especially when attending outdoor events.
5. Casual Jacket: Handy for chilly winter days or windy evenings.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Comfortable and practical for cooler weather and casual outings—I loved these for exploring Dallas’s museums.
2. Shorts: Ideal for hot summer days in the city’s outdoor spaces.
3. Skirt: Great for stylish daytime outings or evening dinners.
4. Dresses: Perfect for summer days or dressing up for evening events in Dallas.
5. Jumpsuit: A stylish and comfortable option for both casual and formal outings.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable shoes are key for walking in Dallas’s parks and museums.
2. Sandals: Perfect for summer days spent exploring outdoor spaces like the Dallas Arboretum.
3. Sunglasses: Dallas is sunny most of the year, so these are essential.
4. Hat: Great for keeping cool in the Texas sun during outdoor events.
5. Swimsuit: Perfect if you plan to visit nearby lakes or hotel pools.
6. Beach Coverup: A stylish and practical option for lounging by the pool or visiting lakeside spots.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for a weekend trip, keeping essentials handy.
2. Daypack: Great for carrying your camera and snacks while exploring Dallas’s outdoor attractions.
3. Purse: A stylish yet practical option for evenings out or walking through Dallas’s shopping areas.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Light fabrics: The heat in Dallas can be intense, especially in summer, so breathable clothes are essential.
- Comfortable shoes: Walking around outdoor sites like Klyde Warren Park requires comfy shoes.
- Swimsuit: Dallas has plenty of hotel pools, and nearby lakes are great for swimming in the warmer months.
- Sunglasses and hat: The sun can be strong year-round, so these are essential for exploring the city.
Dallas Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DALLAS?
The best time to visit Dallas is in April or October. April brings pleasant temperatures and outdoor events like the Dallas Arts Fair. October’s also great because the weather cools down, and there are plenty of festivals, such as the Texas State Fair, without the summer heat.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN DALLAS?
Texas State Fair (October): A huge event with rides, food, and live entertainment, perfect for families and friends.
Dallas Arts Fair (April): A large tourist attraction featuring contemporary art exhibitions, ideal for solo travelers or couples.
Dallas International Film Festival (April): A celebration of independent cinema, great for film enthusiasts.
Lights All Night (December): A lively electronic music festival, perfect for friends and groups.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN DALLAS?
Dallas has a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. One of my favorite spots is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, perfect for enjoying nature and peaceful walks. If you love art and science, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a must-visit. For a glimpse into history, visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Don’t miss Klyde Warren Park, which connects the Arts District and Uptown, offering food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT DALLAS?
A 3-4 day trip is ideal to see Dallas’s top attractions like the Sixth Floor Museum, Perot Museum, and the Dallas Arboretum. A weekend trip works for the major highlights.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, visit the Sixth Floor Museum, explore Klyde Warren Park, and spend the afternoon at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. On day two, visit the Dallas Arboretum, then shop and dine in Uptown.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, explore the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. On day four, visit the Dallas Zoo and spend the evening at Deep Ellum for live music. On day five, visit the Reunion Tower for skyline views and take a day trip to the Stockyards in Fort Worth.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, visit the Bishop Arts District for shopping and dining, and on day seven, relax at White Rock Lake and explore the trails or rent a kayak.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, explore the Dallas Heritage Village for a taste of local history. On day nine, visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. On day ten, take a trip to Grapevine for a wine tasting and to explore historic downtown.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, visit the Dallas World Aquarium and explore the marine life. On day twelve, spend time at the Dallas Farmers Market. On days thirteen and fourteen, take a trip to the Texas Hill Country to experience scenic landscapes and charming towns.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN DALLAS?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Dress
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 4 Dresses
- 4 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR DALLAS?
Heavy winter coats: Dallas winters are mild, so bulky coats aren’t necessary.
High heels: Comfortable shoes are better for exploring Dallas’s outdoor attractions and historic districts.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO DALLAS ?
Airfare: $150-$400 depending on your starting location and season.
Accommodation: $100-$300 per night, depending on location and season.
Transportation: $20-$50 per day for rental cars or rideshares, depending on your itinerary.
Meals: $30-$80 per day depending on where you dine.
Activities: $30-$100 per day for museum tickets, zoo entry, or tours.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN DALLAS? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Yes, tipping is standard in Dallas. It’s customary to tip 20% at restaurants and $1-3 per drink. Hotel services, including housekeeping, typically receive $1-2 per bag and $2-5 per night for housekeeping.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DALLAS BEFORE I VISIT?
- Prepare for the heat: Dallas can get very hot in summer, so stay hydrated and wear light clothing.
- Take advantage of public transportation: Dallas has a good light rail system for getting around the city.
- Visit museums early: Popular attractions like the Perot Museum can get crowded, so plan to visit early in the day.
- Explore local neighborhoods: Don’t just stick to downtown—neighborhoods like Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts District have great food, shops, and local culture.