With colour-drenched streets and lively landscapes, Mexico is guaranteed to impress. But what it’s also guaranteed to do is hit you with a vast range of climates. When deciding what to pack for Mexico, you’ll need to consider whether you’re visiting balmy forests, dry deserts, lush mountains or sunny coasts (or all of the above). With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of everything you might need for each spectacular region of the country.
Pacific Coast and Baja California
Holidays along Mexico’s Pacific coastline and in Baja California offer unspoiled beaches, surfing, fishing and relaxation. But, most importantly, this part of the country stays nice and toasty all year long. Seaside spots like Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco rarely fall below 20°C, and the lowest temperature Baja California sees is around 10°C during winter nights. Here’s what you may need during your trip to this sun-soaked haven:
- Suncream and sunglasses
- Bikini/swimsuit/trunks
- Beach towel
- Sarong (a perfect beach cover up)
- Lightweight t-shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses
- Warm layers for colder evenings
- Sandals or flipflops and shoes for the evening
Oaxaca and Chiapas
Knowing what to pack for Mexico can change from season to season, and adjoining states Oaxaca and Chiapas are no exceptions. The sub-tropical climate is pleasant throughout the year, but the changing of seasons brings fluctuations in weather. Rainy season falls in the months of May to October, while dry season lands between November and April. But no matter the season, the sunny weather is ideal for exploring beaches, mountains, towns and Mayan ruins, so consider this list when packing your bags:
- Suncream and sunglasses
- Bikini/swimsuit/trunks
- Beach towel
- Sarong
- Lightweight t-shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses
- Warm layers for colder evenings
- Breathable activewear and comfortable shoes for exploring mountains and ruins
- Durable raincoat for the rainy season: showers usually fall in the afternoon, but always keep it with you (we’re all used to unreliable rainclouds)
Yucatan Peninsula
Boasting a balmy tropical climate and temperatures soaring to 23-33°C year-round, the Yucatan Peninsula’s humidity can feel blisteringly hot. It also has monsoon-like downpours in the evenings from June to August, and the hurricane season from June to November sees wetter weather tackle this region. December to May has the driest (but still hot) weather, so you’ll want to pack to stay as cool as possible:
- Loose linen or clothes for the humid climate (avoid polyester – this blocks the outward flow of heat)
- Durable raincoat for the inevitable rainy season downpours
- Comfortable shoes for exploring (and a change of socks for soggy feet)
- Bikini/swimsuit/trunks
- Beach towel
- Sarong
- Suncream and sunglasses
High-altitude cities
Cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Oaxaca City don’t require a complex packing list, but it’s good to keep in mind that it can get quite chilly during the night in these high-altitude hubs. Locals tend to wear jeans and t-shirts during the day, and something warmer at night. Sturdy shoes are also good to pack, as there are plenty of day trips to be enjoyed from these cities.
General items for all regions
No matter where you’re travelling to, these items deserve a place in your bag when choosing what to pack for Mexico:
- Portable charger: ideal for long days exploring temples, ruins or stunning natural landscapes.
- Camera: a good quality camera will capture incredible photos of all the above.
- Insect repellent: mosquito numbers swell during the rainy season and are big fans of the southern tropical regions.
- Bite relief cream: because there’s always one mosquito that bypasses the repellent.
- Toiletries: simple things like toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant are some of the most easily forgotten items, and packing them will save you searching for them when you should be busy exploring places more interesting than shop aisles.
- Money belt: great for keeping your cash safe when visiting busy cities.
- Plug adapter: Mexico uses type A and type B sockets.
