What to Wear on Vacation in Cancun?


What to wear in Cancun

Living in the area for many years I could be considered an expert on how to dress in Cancun according to the weather … However, it is very unpredictable, but for sure it will never snow. Bringing a little bit of everything does not hurt, and the people tend to dress comfortable and ad hoc.

So, What to wear on vacation in Cancun? At any time of the year, you should bring to this tropical paradise light clothes, a poncho or light raincoat for unexpected rain showers.  Also always bring a light sweatshirt if you are sensitive to cold mostly to use at night and don`t forget a hat and sunglasses.   

What to pack when traveling to Cancun Mexico.

Packing when traveling to Cancun

In general wear in the Caribbean light colors for tops,  neutral for the bottoms, cotton and light material that way you can mix and match your outfits, and it will make your packing very easy on a carry-on.  You really do not need to bring a huge suitcase, if you are vacationing for a week in Cancun and another thing you should take into account is the nightlife of this place.

You can fit everything in a Carry-on, and here are some tips for you to take in consideration when packing.

Packing list for a week vacation in Cancun on carry-on for men

For men, the list to pack could be simpler, but if you do not know what to bring is a bit difficult when packing your bags when visiting an unknown city.  Do not get too complicated, if you think you will be spending most of your vacations on the beach, then with a pair of comfortable beach shorts and a couple of t-shirts you`ll do great.   For the day time with short sleeve shirts can be enough and at night you can wear linen pants and a pair of jeans.  Just bring casual clothes. 

4 T-Shirt1 JeanFlipflopHat
1 Tank Top1 Linen PantWalking SandalsSunglasses
2 cotton shirt1 Cargo shortTennis shoes or Moccasin
2 Shorts

Packing list for a week vacation in Cancun on carry-on for women

While personal options may vary depending on your style, age, your level of activities and the time of the year you are visiting.   The ideal for women are dresses, reversible skirts, basic blouses to make combinations, or jeans, it is not advisable to wear thick clothes that cover your entire body. There are many types of swimsuits, and you can take a sarong those are very handy and very cool to take to the beach.

For the women at night, it is nice to wear a cute short or maxi dress with Sandals, you will be very comfortable will, look casual and well dress.

This useful list will give you the basics of what you need to remember to take to this attractive part of Mexico

TopsbottomshoesOther
3 Tops1 Jean1 Flip Flop1 Pijama
1 Blouse1 Skirt1 Walking Sandal2 Bathing Suit
1 T-Shirt2 Shorts1 Wedge Heels1 Hat & Sunglasses
1 Light Sweater1 Maxidress1 Saron
1 rashguard1 Swimsuit cover-up

What type of shoes to wear in Cancun

Flips flop on the beach
  • High Heels:  If you are the once that love high heels and you can`t live without them, then bring some wedge heels summer shoes this type are the perfect one for you to wear in Cancun.  
  • Flip flops:  This is a most when traveling to a beach destination, easy to carry, get the light once
  • Walking Sandals:  It took me a long time to get the right walking shoes, needed to be comfortable and cute. Well, you can`t have it all.  But finally, I did… find a nice one that I can sightsee all day and at the end of the day have not wrecked my feet.  I love the Teva women`s W Ysidro Universal, I found them in Amazon in various colors.   And for men the Teva men´s Hurricane.
  • Water Shoes:  Vifur water sports barefoot quick dry for men, women, and kids are recommended, they are light, various colors and designs, they are comfortable, fit great and easy to pack.  Order one size bigger otherwise the would fit tight

What you need for the beach and  water activities in Cancun

Cancun Beach Accessories

Choose clothes for the activities you have planned, so in this way you can reduce and only bring what is necessary and often if you need something, there are many shops where you can get whatever it is required to stock up on something new!

For most of the events and activities, the dress code in Cancun is casual.

So in the Caribbean try to bring clothes with natural fibers, cotton, linen, rayon. Definitely where you should not save space is for your bathing suits, and it is advisable to bring two.

A large percentage of the activities in Cancun are outdoors, are related to water and natural, so regardless of the season you visit this area of the Caribbean your best options should be light and comfortable.

Among the clothes that you must bring are a long sleeve rashguard /wetshirt this way you do not have to use as much sunscreen as they protect you very well from UV and the mosquitoes. I especially have a collection of wet-shirts because I always forget to take them to the parks and I end up buying one of the brands of the place that I visit. 😉

These water shoes are a super useful and good option when you visit parks such as Selvatica, Xenses, Xelha, Xplor, Xcaret, Selvatica, sailboat ride, boats, walk on the beach, etc. They are really very convenient and extremely handy! For men and women and will protect your feet in and out of the water.

SunGlasses:  This is one of the most essential items that you have to bring for your vacations in Cancun,   and would be your best allies.  If you are in the city or on the beach, it is important that you use them to protect your eyes from the harmful radiation of the sun and possible discomforts such as wind and sand.  You really would need them with the white sand of Cancun and the hot sun….ohhh believe me you will need them.

Hats: A good hat will protect your head and your face to be exposed directly to the sun because the heat on the beach in Cancun can be oppressive and we do not realize the head can suffer the rigors of high temperatures.   There are many types of hats in the market right now, so get a packable one, it won`t crash or misshapen when packing it on your suitcase.

Sunscreen:  This is another important item you have to have on your Cancun beach vacation, try to get biodegradable sunscreen to protect not only your skin but the ocean and coral reef.  Apply it before getting out of your hotel or at least 30 minutes before getting into the sea. There is also another great option if you are going to the jungle, clothing that provide specific protection from sun and insect repellent.  There are many companies making Shirts, pants, socks and more and you can find for men and women

Day Bag:  A bag is useful when you visit other places a little removed from your hotel, it is very comfortable to have your stuff with you. A backpack also serves super well for these occasions, try to choose a lighter one.

Essentials

Most of the resorts and hotels include in their amenities, soap, body wash, shampoo, hair conditioning, and some aftersun gel, however economic hotels some times don`t offer them.  So, ask to your hotel before your trip so you can consider what to bring or not to bring, take this into consideration if you are traveling on carry-on.

I always travel with my Travel Aid Kit, and you should too, but especially if you are taking specific medications, or the usual seasick reliever if you are going on a boat ride.    Include with you, some basic options to protect you from stomach pains, headaches, most of all because you are not used to eating spicy foods like the typical  Mexican food, spices can make you sick. Also, It’s too easy to get an infection from a minor cut or abrasion, so having a way to treat primary wounds immediately is crucial. However, all hotels would supply you with that.  

Make sure you follow the airport regulations regarding your luggage items.

What electronics device to bring: Nowadays, electronics become more efficient and necessary, and if you want to travel light, a smartphone makes your life easier because you use it as a camera, GPS, music, emails and much more.  Do not forget your electronic `s cables chargers, if you are trying to work a bit during your vacation, then bring your Tablet or laptop. Oh and for your chargers, the standard voltage in Cancun / Mexico is 127 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz, the power plugs and sockets are A and B type, so if you are coming from USA or Canada you do not need an adapter plug.

  • Camera
  • Phone
  • Weatherproof phone case
  • Headphones
  • Tablet
  • Cables and chargers
  • Plug adaptor if you are coming from Brazil, Europe or Asia
  • Kindle reader
  • Car charger if you are renting a car
  • Power bank

What not to bring to your vacations in Cancun:

  • Expensive Jewelry
  • Fruits
  • Heavy Books, I recommend to travel with  kindle, safe space and is very light
  • Lots of cash
  • avoid heavy clothing and synthetic fabrics
  • Dark clothes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Hairdryer (Usually it`s  offered as one of  the hotels/resorts amenities, ask before your trip)

Other things to consider to pack when traveling to the beach in Cancun.

  • Snorkeling equipment, (mask and fins) but there are so many places where you can rent them if you do not want to carry them.

What to pack in the rainy season:

  • Light Rain Jacket or a poncho
  • Umbrella if you do not want to pack one for space there are available in the room at your hotel or at the reception, ask for one.

Related Questions

How is the beach in Cancun Mexico? The beach in Cancun is soft with white sand and picturesque gorgeous turquoise water, the beaches in Cancun are the main attractions for visitors.  The beach on the north side of the hotel zone is calm and shallow and the beach on the Caribbean side, the water is more turquoise.

How is the weather in Cancun? The weather in Cancun and its surroundings are always beautiful.  The climate is tropical, an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24°C), which can rise to 84°F (29°C) in summer.



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