What to Pack for Cancun: Ultimate Packing List

I’m kind of obsessed with going to the Yucatan one (or twice!) a year to escape from reality. It’s the place I go to stay at my favorite resort, turn off my cell phone, and sit by the pool and read thousands of pages of my favorite books. And I love it that way. All to say Cancun is great but knowing what to pack can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve created your ultimate packing list. So you always know what to pack for Cancun.

Stay hydrated, enjoy the beautiful ocean, and have a fantastic trip.

Don’t forget to check out my helpful guide to getting through the Cancun airport immigration and customs quickly!

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Don’t forget these essentials

Passport | Be sure to double check you have your passport and any other necessary travel documents before leaving for the airport.

Travel card without foreign transaction fees | If you want to avoid fees on your transactions in Mexico you’ll need a credit card without foreign transaction fees. (This is a good one!)

Cash and debit card | Mexico is a tipping culture and bringing either US dollars or pesos is very important. Go to your local bank and take out smaller bills ($1, $5, $10s) to bring with you. It’s also smart to bring your debit card along just in case you need to take money out at an ATM.

Travel insurance | Something most people forget when traveling internationally is their travel insurance. Travel insurance ensures you’re covered medically and financially if something happens on your trip.

Medications | Outside of your everyday medications be sure to bring essentials for minor pain and stomach issues, too. (Try one of these kits with all the essentials in your toiletry bag!)

What to pack for Cancun

Cancun is a tropical climate year round. In the winter months temperatures can dip into the 60s in the evenings and might require a light sweater. But don’t let the daytime highs fool you the sun is hot and lightweight clothes are essential to staying cool here.

Don’t leave home without these items when packing for a trip to Cancun:

Bug Spray | Mosquitos and other small insects can be relentless and bug spray hard to come by. If you’re planning on a carry-on bag you could instead bring deet-free wipes.
Sun hat | Protecting your skin from the sun is essential in Cancun and a proper sun hat is a must to do so. Packable ones are great to fit into your luggage, too!
Sunscreen | Buying sunscreen in Mexico is hard to find and expensive to buy. It’s best to pack your own with enough to last the entire trip. And if you’re like me and burn on your face easily the added protection of a sun stick is super helpful.
Sunglasses | Probably the easiest thing to forget are your sunglasses, so be sure to pack them! I always bring a pair I’m okay losing just in case.
Swimsuits and a cover up | Cancun is made for the beach and the pool and bringing a swimsuit or two is necessary. I recommend 2 suits so one can always be dry.
Lightweight outfits | Cancun is hot during the day and it’s important to dress for the weather. Wearing lightweight linen and cotton will keep you cool in the tropical climate. Be sure to avoid polyester clothes, as they don’t wick moisture and you’ll be more prone to overheating.
Dinner clothes | Bringing a change of clothing for the evening is essential. And if you happen to be staying at a resort some require a certain dress code to eat at specific restaurants. I like to bring linen jumpsuits and longer dresses for the evenings while also packing a cardigan just in case it’s a bit cooler.
Sandals | It goes without saying but sandals in Cancun are a must. I like to bring a pair of pool sandals and a nicer pair for the evenings. If you plan on any outdoor excursions a more durable pair of outdoor sandals is a smart investment.
Travel shoes | You’ll likely be traveling to Cancun by plane. And if you’re anything like me you’ll want a comfortable pair of travel shoes. I’ve been traveling in my Allbirds more than 100 days annually and I love them on travel days!
Athleisure clothes | If you plan on working out or just want something else to wear, especially in the mornings, bringing a few sets of athleisure clothes can be a good addition to your packing list.
Pajamas | Though the outdoors is pretty warm your hotel room will likely be pretty frigid. I like to bring a pair or pajamas with pants and a sweatshirt for around the hotel room.

Having a long trip to Mexico? I use a Scrubba bag to wash my clothes and underwear when I travel. This is a great way to bring a carry-on even for extended trips.

Non-Essentials to also consider…

Outside of your must-haves there are some other items that are a good idea to bring to Cancun with you. Things like activities, towels, and water bottles can all help your travel experience. Look through this list and take what you think will enhance your trip!

Things to do | Bringing a kindle, books, or even small games, like a deck of cards or Bananagrams, are a great way to pass the time.
Towel | If you plan to stay at a resort your towels will be included with your stay. But, if you aren’t be sure to bring some towels for the pool and/or beach. Turkish towels are great because they pack small and dry quickly.
Cross body bag | A small bag is perfect for day trips around town to ensure all your essentials are with you and secure.
Beach/pool bag | I find this to be the item I forget most often but is the most helpful, even when staying at a resort. Having a small bag to put your phone, book, sunscreen, etc. in is super useful! I personally like to bring a small shopping tote since it’s so compact.
Beach activities | Things like footballs, frisbees, or building supplies can be helpful to pass the time.
Portable charger | I never travel without my portable charger and it’s come in handy so many times!
Snorkeling gear | If your hotel happens to be at a place with great snorkeling taking some gear to see it will be cheaper and easier than renting it.
Headphones | I never take a plane ride without my Bose QuietComfort headphones. It drowns out the crying babies and hum of the plane, too.
Filtering water bottle | You can’t drink the water in Mexico. I like to bring a Lifestraw water bottle to drink the water from the tap. But even bringing a larger water bottle to help keep your water cool is a good idea.