🇲🇽 Mexico Packing List
Complete packing list for Mexico based on its tropical to desert climate.
Climate & weather
Mexico varies widely. Coastal beach areas (Cancun, Cabo): 20-30°C year-round. Mexico City (high elevation): 10-25°C, cool nights. North Mexico (Monterrey): hot summers 30-40°C, mild winters. Rainy season: May-October.
Must-have items
Sunscreen SPF 30+
High UV index, especially Yucatan + Pacific coast.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Required at Cenotes and marine parks.
Modest dress for churches
Cover shoulders and knees.
Hand sanitizer + tissues
Public restrooms basic.
Mosquito repellent
Dengue + zika risk in tropical areas.
Spanish phrasebook or app
Many service workers don’t speak English outside resorts.
Light walking shoes
Cobblestones common in colonial cities (Oaxaca, San Miguel).
Reusable water bottle
Tap water unsafe — bottled or filtered.
Cash (Mexican Pesos)
Cash king at small restaurants and markets.
Light long pants
For evenings and air-conditioned restaurants.
Travel tips
- Tipping (propina) is 10-15% at restaurants. Always check if it’s included.
- Negotiate at markets — asking price is usually 2-3x what locals pay.
- Don’t bring expensive jewelry to beaches. Petty theft is common.
- Carry small bills for taxis and street food vendors.
- For Mexico City: altitude 2,250m can cause shortness of breath. Hydrate.
Mexico Packing List FAQ
What should I pack for Mexico?
Light clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and a layer for cool inland evenings.
Do I need warm clothes for Mexico?
A light layer for highland cities (Mexico City, Oaxaca), which get cool in the evenings.