what to pack for a trip to cancun

THE PERFECT Luggage

When it comes to packing, it's all nearly the right bag for the right task. If you've been making do with a trounce upwards one-time duffle or an ancient behave-on with a sticky cycle, yous'll exist amazed at how a new bag makes travel so effortless. Every smart traveler should accept three key pieces of luggage: a weekender pocketbook for quickie getaways, a deport-on suitcase for calendar week-long trips, and a larger suitcase for longer stays or travelers that overdo information technology on souvenirs. (Guilty!) For a weekender, nosotros're fans of the Abroad Everywhere bag. This little dynamo has separate pockets for your laptop, pens, reading materials, and phone, plus a waterproof umbrella compartment—genius when you visit a rainy destination. For a 1-week trip, it'due south difficult to beat Abroad'south Carry-On—information technology changed the suitcase game with an ejectable battery for phone charging, smoothen spinner wheels, and a lifetime warranty. And for whatsoever trips lasting two weeks or longer, go for the Travelpro Platinum Elite. There's a reason flying crews swear by this luggage brand. This checked bag has gliding spinner wheels, a telescoped handle, and two-inches of zippered expansion.

THE PACKING GEAR

Every packing hurdle is made easier with this trio of travel gear. Got a hotel room or cruise ship cabin with piffling counter space? This hanging toiletry bag will give yous elbow room at the sink plus provide dedicated pockets for all your creams, gels, and sprays. Hang it on the bathroom door or over the towel rack to keep everything upright, protected, and in place. If you have an upshot with overpacking—who doesn't?—then packing cubes are a game-changer. This four-slice set volition keep all your things, from underpants to electronics, organized and condensed, saving you precious suitcase space. And rather than depend on the freebie toiletries at the hotel (that harsh hotel soap volition zap all the moisture from your skin), bring your own tried-and-true toiletries in these TSA-canonical squeeze bottles.

THE IN-Flying ESSENTIALS

Only travel amateurs get on a flying without bringing the essentials. A sleep mask not merely blocks out cabin lights—it provides the privacy you need to get some Zs. The Trtl travel pillow is a travel editors' favorite for keeping your neck and head comfy as you nod off. And Comrad pinch socks' moisture-wicking technology keeps feet comfy and protects you lot from deep vein thrombosis. (Yikes!) Wing like a pro with these packing essentials.

CANCUN OUTFIT INSPIRATION

Vibrant and versatile twenty-four hours-to-night looks—wide-leg palazzos and patterned maxi dresses for the gals, linen pants and hot-climate-friendly guayaberas (plumage-low-cal summer shirts popular in the tropics) for the guys—are the way to get in this coastal resort town. Locals proudly don embroidery and ruffles, so don't be agape to pay tribute to the regional style with bold, bright colors. Considering yous're going to spend a hefty chunk of your time in the sun, bring extra bathing suits (we recommend at least two to three for a week-long jaunt). And be aware that specialty restaurants at Cancun resorts frequently enforce wearing apparel codes, so exist sure to scope out the scene in accelerate.

Women'southward Outfits

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller's site. Things you buy may earn united states a committee.

Beach Women Print Maxi

Day in Cancun Younger Female

Younger Women's Night Outfit for Cancun

Summer Outfit with Shorts Female

Day in Cancun Female Older

Older Woman Dark Outfit for Cancun

Men'south Outfits

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller'south site. Things you purchase may earn usa a commission.

Mens Beach Accessories

Young Men's Day Outfit for Cancun

Younger Homo Cancun Nighttime Outfit

Older Men's Day Outfit for Cancun

Older Men'south Dinner Outfit for Cancun

United mexican states Golf

THE three PAIRS OF SHOES Yous'LL Need FOR EXPLORING CANCUN

Sure, it'due south tempting to catch a pair of flip-flops and call it a twenty-four hours. Simply to face Cancun's many sides—party paradise, seaside sanctuary, open-air Mayan museum—you'll need a versatile mix of footwear that tin can handle everything from hot sand to even hotter nightclubs. Nosotros've zeroed in on three cardinal styles, including a boat shoe that does double-duty, a much-loved wedge that'southward equally comfy as it is flattering, and sneakers that can handle spur-of-the-moment kayaking trips and jungle trails leading to cenotes—or the occasional atrophy.

Women'due south Shoes

Men's Shoes

A Packing Checklist for Cancun

Click items to view travel editor-approved options

WHAT NOT TO PACK FOR CANCUN

Cancun is hot and tropical year round, so yous'll never need a puffer coat, beefy sweaters, or even a pair of jeans, really. (That's not to say you can't bring a pair of pants—you should, particularly if you're a homo who wants to sample Cancun'south legendary nightlife. Just brand sure they're made of lightweight material, like linen or pure cotton fiber.) Temps may dip a bit after dark during the winter months, but fifty-fifty then, a lightweight cover-up should exercise the trick. Fellow tourists tend to apparel casually and colorfully, so even if you lot're hitting up CoCo Bongo, a flowy political party dress or 100 percent cotton, short-sleeve button-down should do. And word to the wise: Leave the pricey jewelry at home. Choice-pocketing is not uncommon exterior the Hotel Zone, and you shouldn't announce yourself as a well-to-practice tourist.

**THE ONE Affair WTP EDITORS ALWAYS BRING TO CANCUN**

We dear sun-soaked days on the sand (bonus points if there'southward an icy pina colada involved), but not without full lord's day-protecting regalia—including lip lotion with SPF. That one may exist less obvious—yous already knew virtually the potent sunscreen and wide-skirt lid—but information technology's of import for preventing painful, throbbing sunburnt lips (and complimentary-radical damage and an increased run a risk of melanoma). Throw a tube of Coola Liplux SPF 30 in your beach tote and do quick touch-ups throughout the twenty-four hours. Not only does information technology provide broad-spectrum protection confronting UV rays, but its organic beeswax and aloe vera-based formula conditions and cools. Plus, information technology'south unscented, and then all you'll gustatory modality is that sweet, rummy coconut drink. —WTP Editors

CANCUN'S Atmospheric condition AND SEASONS

While sunshine is almost always on the calendar here—the peninsula boasts about 340 cloudless days a year—temperatures can range from the mid-50s (December, January) to the low-90s (July, August). Rainy season stretches from May to Oct, but all that really means is fleeting showers and thunderstorms. Pack lite layers for the cooler PM hours, and plenty of sunscreen and cover-up options to avert sunburn. June through November is hurricane season, only annotation that Cancun is very rarely hit past significant storms. Our advice? If y'all're booking this time of year, spring on trip insurance, simply in example.

JANUARY

Plan for 24-hour interval temps between 71° F and 78° F
Temps will drop virtually 53° F at night and into the early mornings
Expect 0.06 inches of precipitation in January

What to Clothing in Cancun in January:Layer up for the Yucatan's chilliest month—relatively speaking, of course—with lightweight layers.

FEBRUARY

Program for day temps betwixt 68°F and 77° F
Temps volition drop near 57° F at nighttime and into the early on mornings
Wait 0.02 inches of precipitation in February

What to Article of clothing in Cancun in February:Fix for heaps of sunshine—February is considered the peninsula's driest calendar month, so take your pool and embankment fourth dimension to the side by side level with water-friendly accessories.

MARCH

Plan for day temps between 68° F and 75° F
Temps will drib near 59° F at night and into the early mornings
Look 0.sixteen inches of precipitation in March

What to Wear in Cancun in March:Hello, spring equinox. March makes for something of a sweetness spot, with temps averaging in the low 70s and hardly whatsoever rain at all. Whether you're exploring Isla Mujeres or heading down to Chichen Itza to come across the "snake" dancing down the steps of the ancient temple, exist certain to clothing low-cal knits and cotton wool.

April

Plan for day temps betwixt 70° F and 78° F
Temps will driblet near 60° F at night and into the early mornings
Expect 0.04 inches of precipitation in April

What to Wear in Cancun in April:It'south not the heat, it's the humidity—Apr tin be specially muggy across Quintana Roo (Cancun's home country). Stay comfortable with loose-fitting habiliment and heat-busting accessories, like a travel fan and an insulated water bottle.

MAY

Plan for day temps between 75° F and 79° F
Temps will drop near 64° F at nighttime and into the early on mornings
Wait 0.13 inches of atmospheric precipitation in May

What to Wear in Cancun in May:May brings the kickoff of rainy season and steadily increasing daytime temps. Keep your face and body safe from UV radiations with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a floppy straw hat.

JUNE

Plan for day temps between 76° F and 81° F
Temps will drib near 71° F at night and into the early mornings
Expect 0.10 inches of precipitation in June

What to Habiliment in Cancun in June:The sea is peculiarly calm this time of year; it too happens to be when whale sharks and manta rays stop by the area'southward reefs to fuel upwards on plankton. Bring along snorkeling accessories to make your underwater excursion extra memorable.

JULY

Plan for twenty-four hours temps between 78° F and 82° F
Temps will drop near 71° F at night and into the early mornings
Expect 0.15 inches of precipitation in July

What to Habiliment in Cancun in July:It'south a scorcher. Though yous'll probable just be shuttling between the pool and your hotel room, stay covered with informal caftans, loose thin pants, and cotton tees to stave off an accidental sunshine overdose.

Baronial

Plan for day temps between eighty° F and 82° F
Temps will driblet near 73° F at night and into the early on mornings
Await 0.10 inches of precipitation in August

What to Wearable in Cancun in August:The sun continues to piece of work overtime. The adept news? The water is a balmy xc degrees, so count on quality beach lounging—our swimsuit picks will get you seaside prepare.

SEPTEMBER

Program for day temps between 76° F and 81° F
Temps will drib near 71° F at nighttime and into the early on mornings
Expect 0.13 inches of precipitation in September

What to Wear in Cancun in September:Increasingly wetter atmospheric condition comes with a slap-up in creepy crawlies—stay dry and bite-free with a travel umbrella and plenty of repellent. On the clothing front, stay cool with loose-fitting, breathable garments.

OCTOBER

Plan for day temps between 76° F and 80° F
Temps volition driblet near 68° F at dark and into the early mornings
Expect 0.28 inches of atmospheric precipitation in Oct

What to Clothing in Cancun in October:October may be the area's wettest month, but with the right gear in tow—like a handy pocket-sized rain poncho—even a downpour won't dampen your plans.

Nov

Plan for day temps between 70° F and 77° F
Temps volition drop near 64° F at night and into the early on mornings
Expect 0.04 inches of precipitation in Nov

What to Wear in Cancun in Nov: Come November, the slightly libation air brings relief from summer'due south scorch and autumn's intense humidity. It's however moisture season in Cancun, simply the raininess tapers off this time of year.

DECEMBER

Plan for day temps betwixt 78° F and 82° F
Temps will drib about 71° F at nighttime and into the early mornings
Expect 0.15 inches of atmospheric precipitation in December

What to Wear in Cancun in Dec:Cooler daytime temps and very little chance of pelting make for optimal hiking weather condition—explore the area'due south inland jungles and caves with these outdoor essentials.

Note: Below is a packing forecast, not a traditional forecast. A packing forecast focuses on how common cold it's likely to be in the early mornings and evenings based on historical data. We recommend using this together with a traditional forecast every bit you become closer to your departure appointment. This data comes from our friends at Weather Secret.

Oftentimes ASKED QUESTIONS Well-nigh PACKING FOR CANCUN

What travel documents do I need to travel to Cancun?

If you're a U.S. citizen, y'all won't crave a special visa to travel to Mexico (as long every bit your trip length doesn't exceed half-dozen months). But be sure your passport has at least six months of validity when traveling internationally, or else yous may exist denied entry.

What'south the ideal matter to wear for a 24-hour interval at the embankment or by the pool?

Women can't go wrong with a boldly hued one-slice (don't forget a flowy boho clothes to top it off!). Combine it with some sunnies with 100 pct UV protection and a floppy hat, and you're armed for the blazing sun—and a killer selfie. For men, you won't need much more than a pair of quick-drying lath-shorts in blues and greens that take color cues from the Caribbean area Sea itself. Throw on a breathable tank and cushioned flip-flops for trips to the pool bar, and a hat and shades for long strolls along the beach.

Can I drink the water in Cancun?

No. Stick to bottled and filtered h2o if y'all want to bypass tummy troubles. If you're staying at a large resort, pack a stainless steel water canteen to fill with filtered h2o from the buffet eatery or water stations throughout the grounds. SteriPen, a battery-powered device that kills bacteria with UV light, is a expert option for purifying water. If your hotel room has an electrical kettle, you tin can use it to boil tap water for brushing your teeth.

What should I pack if I'yard going Snorkeling?

Of course you'll need a swimsuit for exploring your underwater surroundings, simply ladies could besides bring along a skid-on cotton wool caftan and floppy hat for the boat ride at that place. Fellows should opt for mid-length swim shorts and a beachy cotton T-shirt. Toss in additional gear similar sunscreen and sunglasses, and if you're worried about your smartphone getting wet, think virtually getting a protective plastic case.

Do I need to bring a travel plug adapter?

The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60HZ. Every bit long as your device has a two-pronged cord, you won't need one. Simply devices with three-pronged cords (like laptops) may require an adapter. Many of the area'south higher-stop resorts are outfitted with three-hole outlets;some properties volition also let you rent adapters. But it's always appropriate to bring your own.

Ziplining is on my itinerary—what should I wearable?

Opt for a pair of longer denim shorts for your slide down the wire, in addition to a top that can be tucked in. Feel free to vesture your swimsuit underneath for a spontaneous cenote swim.

Can I bring medications?

No. Co-ordinate to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico website, travelers are prohibited from bringing certain over-the-counter medicines and devices—similar inhalers and some sinus/allergy medications—into Mexico. If you need Sudafed or Vicks, you'll have to buy it from a pharmacy in Cancun.

How should I dress to visit Chichen Itza Ruins?

Comfort is key when exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For navigating the grounds, crowds, and craft stalls in the heat, we advise a pair of well-ventilated linen shorts, a breathable pinnacle and cover-up, and sturdy sandals for exploring this archeological wonder. Don't forget a hat to ward off the rays.

I'm heading out dancing! What's the dress lawmaking?

For the ladies, Cancun's salsa clubs and confetti-filled dance floors are great places to have fun with assuming lipstick and statement-making accessories. Zilch says bailamos like a fluttery floral frock and strappy stacked heels. For men, leave the cutting-offs and tees for the embankment and stick to dapper staples like slim-fit chinos, short-sleeve button-downs, and casual suede shoes.