Do I need a heavy coat for LA winter? (Los Angeles: parks, buildings)

[Count David]

No. If you are at all acclimated to anywhere it gets below freezing/snows, you won't need one until you're used to LA's climate.

If I ever move back to So. Cal, all of my cold weather stuff isn't coming with.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by hiigara

Or warm sweaters are enough?

If you plan to stay in the flatlands and not too far from the beach you won't need one.

If you plan to hit the high country, the desert or even certain valleys well inland, you may actually need one.

[Voyageuse]

Not really. You could get away with a wind resistant trench coat/jacket over a sweater to fend off winter's chill. I'm always cold and this is enough for me.

[SandyCo]

I went to an outdoor concert on New Year's Eve a few years ago, and I wore a heavy coat and gloves because temps were in the 40s, so it can get chilly here. It depends on your tolerance level, of course, and how long you'll be outside.

[thelopez2]

You can alway beg, borrow, or buy one here. If you plan to sleep on the street or have no heating to save money, a good heavy coat would be useful.

[theraven24]

A heavy coat isn't needed, in my opinion.

[hiigara]

I like to carry as little as possible. Not packing my coat means 1kg less of luggage, and a lot more space in my suitcase.

[brrabbit]

It depends.

Normally, and during the day, you'd be all right wearing nothing but a t-shirt.
If you want to go outside after sunset, I'd suggest a sweater, or a light jacket.

Now, if you venture (or happen to live) in the mountains, there's snow there sometimes.
But 360 days in a year during my years in LA it was just all right for t-shirt for the day or t-shirt+light jacket (or sweater) for nights. For other 5 days - claim a seek day and stay indoors.

[JohnG72]

This is SoCal for you....I was in big bear one year and it was VERY cold(for SoCal)...17 degrees at about 9 at night. I went outside in jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and nothing else, and was there for about 15 minutes. And that's the very coldest temperatures I've ever been in.

[reen79]

im still wearing shorts..lol I have never worn or needed a heavy jacket in cali....it doesn't get that cold