The ultimate Mexico packing list that you MUST see (2024)

Dreaming of a sun-soaked vacation in Mexico this year? Whether you’re hitting the Cancun coast, sunning yourself in Cabo or planning an urban adventure in Mexico City, you’ll need to know what to pack.

We’re here to help, as we’ve put together the ultimate packing list for Mexico. We’ll look at what to take for different times of the year, and for some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

One item to include on your must-pack list for sure is the Wise card. It lets you spend in Mexican pesos for low fees and great rates across the whole country - and wherever else your travels take you.

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Your Mexico vacation packing list - the essentials

No two trips are the same, and what you pack will depend on which city and region in Mexico you’ll be heading to. Plus, the time of year, how long you’re staying and what activities you have on your itinerary.

So, your packing list for a cruise to Mexico won’t be quite the same as that for an all-inclusive beachside break. And you’ll need different things for exploring cities compared to snorkeling in a coastal resort.

But let’s start with the basics that every traveler will need, whatever Mexican destination they’re heading to.

Here’s a rundown of what you simply can’t travel to Mexico without:

• Valid passport, visa, and travel documents. You can find details of Mexico entry requirements here on the U.S. Department of State website. The good news is that for stays of less than 180 days, US citizens don’t need a tourist visa.¹ You’ll just need a valid passport.
• Spending money. You can take cash in the local currency (Mexican pesos or MXN), credit or debit cards, or a combination of both. It’s also useful to know that dollars are accepted in Mexico in many tourist resorts. Find out more in our guide to money and banks in Mexico, and what you need to know about using Mexican ATMs.
• Travel insurance documents. This includes phone numbers to call in case of a claim or emergency.
• Prescription medications and basic first aid supplies.
• Travel-sized toiletries. For example, shampoo, toothpaste and sunscreen lotion. You can of course buy these in Mexico, but it’s always good to have a few basic supplies to start off with.
• A travel lock for securing your luggage. Make sure you have one for every zippable bag or suitcase.
• A translation app, guide book or phrasebook if your Spanish is a little rusty.
• Extra space for shopping! If you plan to shop up a storm in the fantastic markets of Mexico City, don’t forget to leave some space for your purchases (or take an extra bag). Just remember to check customs rules on what you’re allowed to take out of Mexico and back into the US, as well as the baggage allowance for your flights.

💡 Useful to know: Mexico uses the same plug power outlets as in the US and Canada, so you don’t need to pack a universal plug adaptor. You can just plug in your phone chargers, hair dryers and other electrical devices as normal.

Safe, convenient and low-cost spending in Mexico with the Wise card

The Wise card is a fantastic solution to cover your needs when traveling to Mexico. It’s contactless and works in 150+ countries, including Mexico.

Order your Wise card for a one-time fee of $9 and you’ll get:

• Your dollars automatically converted to Mexican pesos at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. There’s just a small conversion fee, or there’s no charge if you already have the currency in your Wise account. You can also use your Wise card to spend in USD where accepted.
• Fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals up to $100 a month (remember though that ATM operators may charge their own fee).
• A powerful online Wise account which lets you send money to and from Mexico for low, transparent fees.

Wise is a money service business, offering a multi-currency account, international money transfer services and a debit card.

See how much you can save with Wise:

Get a Wise Account today

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

A Mexico packing list for every season

What time of year are you visiting Mexico? This, along with where in the country you’re traveling to, will determine what you’ll need to pack.

To help you prepare for whatever the weather throws at you, we’ve come up with a useful packing list for Mexico vacations in every season.

We’ll also give you some useful info on the climate in Mexico at different times of the year.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Mexico brings warm temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore most parts of the country. Coastal areas and beach destinations become particularly inviting as the ocean waters warm up.

Although be aware that from May onwards, the rainy season starts - so don’t forget your waterproofs!

What to pack:

• Lightweight clothing, such as T-shirts, shorts and sundresses.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat for sun protection.
• Swimwear for beach visits or lounging around the hotel pool
• A lightweight raincoat or poncho just in case of unexpected showers.
• A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Mexico is hot and humid, particularly in coastal regions. It's also the rainy season in some areas, with tropical downpours that are usually short-lived.

Your packing list for Mexico resort vacations in summer should include:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as shorts, tank tops and summer dresses.
• A raincoat or poncho in case of showers.
• Sandals or comfortable walking shoes.
• Insect repellent for protection against mosquitos.
• Swimwear for beach activities and swimming.
• Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Portable fan, misting spray or cooling towel for extra comfort.

Fall (September to November)

Fall in Mexico usually signals the end of the rainy season in most areas, with more pleasant temperatures. It's a great time to explore cities and attractions. In fact, this season is when many of Mexico’s festivals and cultural events take place, so there’s always something going on.

Here’s what you should pack:

• Light layers, such as T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts and light sweaters.
• Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration.
• Pants or jeans for cooler evenings.
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Camera or smartphone for capturing cultural sights.
• Daypack or tote bag for carrying essentials during day trips.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the ideal time to visit Mexico, as it generally offers warm to hot temperatures, lots of sunshine and not much chance of rain. Although of course, the weather varies between different parts of the country.

Here’s what to pack for Mexico in winter:

• A mix of lightweight clothing and layers, including some sweaters and a medium-weight jacket for evenings and cooler days.
• Sturdy walking shoes for urban and beach exploration.
• Scarves, gloves and a hat for colder regions.
• Swimwear if visiting warmer coastal areas and for the hotel pool.
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for sun protection.

Packing lists for popular Mexico destinations

As with any country as large as Mexico, the weather and climate can vary hugely from place to place. And what you’ll need to pack will also depend on the activities available in your chosen destination.

Take a look below for tips and considerations for putting together a one week in Mexico packing list for a range of vacation hotspots.

Cancun

This coastal resort is famous for its gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters and sunny weather. It’s the ultimate place to unwind, but it’s also a top vacation spot for thrillseekers, with a range of water activities available.

Here’s what you’ll need to pack:

• Beachwear: Swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops and sun hats.
• Beach bag for carrying essentials.
• Snorkeling gear for underwater adventures.
• Sunscreen
• Light and breathable clothing for daytime.

Mexico City

If you’re planning an urban adventure in the Mexican capital, get ready for a rich cultural experience - and perhaps some sore feet! There’s so much to see and do, from countless UNESCO sites and world-famous markets to delicious food and fascinating museums.

A good Mexico City packing list should ideally include:

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring museums and historical sites.
• Light layers and a few warmer items for varying temperatures - due to its high altitude, the climate in Mexico City can be a little cooler than other destinations.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for outdoor sightseeing.

Tulum

Laid-back Tulum is a popular tourist spot due to its combination of pretty beaches and fascinating ancient Mayan ruins. From wildlife spotting to wind sailing, this Riviera Maya destination has something for everyone.

Here’s what to pack (although you may want to adjust this list for the time of year you’ll be traveling):

• Casual clothing, including loose dresses, tops and shorts.
• Sandals and comfortable walking shoes for exploring ruins.
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Beachwear and towels
• Equipment and clothing for water activities
• Reusable water bottle for staying refreshed.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is one of the sunniest spots in Mexico and has some of the country’s best beaches. So it’s no surprise that it attracts sunseekers and beach lovers year-round.

If you’re planning a blissful vacation in Cabo San Lucas, here’s what to pack:

• Swimwear and beach essentials, including towels and cover-ups
• Light clothing, such as T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses and lightweight pants.
• Flip-flops, sandals, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
• Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to shield you from the strong sun.
• Reusable water bottle
• Snorkeling gear- if you enjoy snorkeling, consider bringing your own gear, otherwise you can hire it locally.
• Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Casual evening wear - Cabo has a casual vibe, so pack a few casual outfits for evenings out.

Guadalajara

The capital city of Jalisco is famous for its music, culture and nightlife. When you’re not touring tequila distilleries or catching a mariachi band performance, you’ll be marveling at the incredible architecture and exploring its many museums. The food in Guadalajara is also known to be excellent.

So, what to pack for a trip to Guadalajara? Here are some key things to remember when packing:

• Light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, such as T-shirts, blouses, shorts and lightweight pants.
• Walking shoes - comfortable shoes, walking boots or sneakers are essential for exploring the city's historic sites and neighborhoods.
• Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to shield you from the sun.
• Evening wear - Guadalajara nightlife is legendary, so pack a mix of casual and dressier outfits to suit your style for evenings out.
• Layering items, such as light jackets and sweaters for cooler evenings.
• Camera or smartphone - a must-have to capture the city's vibrant architecture and culture.

Bottom line

And there you go - a full rundown of everything you need to pack for a comfortable, safe and fabulous Mexican adventure.

Of course, you’ll need to tailor your packing list based on where you’re going and what you’re doing, as well as the time of year. You might want a few extra comforts, or prefer to travel light.

As a general rule, though, it’s usually better to over prepare. Pack a few essentials for every eventuality - whether it’s sun protection or a sturdy umbrella, a warm sweater or an emergency poncho. Then you’ll be covered and comfortable whatever happens. That’s the secret to a great vacation, whatever the weather.

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll be clued-up on the must-pack essentials you’ll need for travel to Mexico.

Just remember to pack your Wise card in your travel wallet. With this, you’ll be able to spend like a local, buying everything you need in Mexican pesos or U. S. dollars for low fees and great exchange rates. It’s the perfect travel companion.

Learn more about Wise

💡 Planning to stay in Mexico for longer? Read our guide to opening a bank account there.

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Sources used for this article:

1. U.S. Department of State - Mexico International Travel Information

Sources checked on 02-Aug-2023.