When it comes to a tropical location, Cancún has it all! Beaches, reefs, hiking, caves, ancient ruins, nightlife, shopping, and the best tacos of your life! It’s impossible to get bored here.
With so many things to do, you’ll need to be careful about how you pack. I’ve put together some tips for what to wear in Cancún, plus must-have items to pack, what NOT to bring, and some FAQs for your convenience.
Anyone visiting Mexico is advised to drink bottled water because the tap purification system is not up to standard in most areas. While resorts will offer bottled water, you will likely spend long days at archeological sites, snorkeling, or exploring the city where clean water may not be as readily available. Come prepared with a self-filtering bottle – this Grayl option is a little pricey but necessary for a destination like Mexico where people commonly get sick from the tap water. It will filter out harmful bacteria (E. coli, salmonella), viruses (hepatitis), chlorine, microplastics, sand, and other contaminants.
The Mexican sun is close to the equator and Cancún reaches temperatures of 105+°F (40°C). The heat can be fierce, especially during the summer months, so pack wisely with a cooling towel! Simply wet this magical cloth and it will drop to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperature for up to an hour. Then re-wet it again for more frosty relief. We never travel to tropical destinations without them.
A Virtual Private Network is a smart way to achieve two crucial goals. First – your passwords, financial information, social security number, and personal data will be protected against cyber-thieves. Secondly – you can access the internet freely without any country-specific censorship or restrictions. NordVPN is what we highly recommend – it’s affordable and popular amongst many other experienced travelers.
This “one-size-fits-all” phone case is waterproof, dust-proof, shock-resistant, and all-around awesome! It protects your phone from water damage and scratches from sand while still allowing you to use the touchscreen and camera so you can get that selfie in the shore-breakers, and the inexpensive price tag makes it a no-brainer.
Food poisoning in Mexico is a real thing (known locally as ‘Montezuma’s revenge’), and a sensitive tummy may not be ready for foreign cuisine. Activated charcoal is one of the coolest products I’ve come across for traveling because it makes that adjustment period so much smoother. It’s a safe and effective way to rid your body of any toxins that may be causing your traveler’s diarrhea or stomach upset. These little miracle workers are useful to have on hand!
Emergencies happen when you least expect them and having a good plan can ensure that incidents do not become catastrophic. Protect yourself against theft, baggage loss, flight cancellations, evacuations, and medical trouble (since you’re typically not covered by your domestic provider once across the border). We use Faye Travel Insurance because they custom create a travel plan based on your unique details. You’ll even find the option to ‘cancel for any reason,’ which is rarely offered by most low-cost providers.
When traveling internationally, we like to keep our valuables such as credit cards, passports, phones, cash, and plane tickets securely stored in a neck wallet. This means that you’ll be super organized at customs and won’t be an easy target for pickpockets. This one is made of RFID-blocking material to prevent e-thieves from stealing your credit card details from afar. You’ll never misplace your passport again!
These packing cubes are a genius invention. They take a chaotic suitcase and transform it into an organized heaven. Simply put all your shorts in one cube and all your shirts in another etc., and then you’ll stay organized for the duration of your trip. They even have an index card on the back so you can write exactly what’s inside.
Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.
You’ll be out at sea snorkeling or deep in the jungle for most of your time in Cancún, so you can’t expect your devices to stay charged that long if you’re looking up maps or taking pictures. This portable charger will ensure that you can recharge your devices on-the-go, so you won’t have to worry about being cut off from your travel group or stranded hours away from the resort with no way to reach anyone. I throw it in my purse and it charges our electronics while we explore!
You don’t want to be lugging around big bulky hotel towels on hikes and excursions. This microfiber towel is perfect for travel because it’s compact, super absorbent, and dries 10x faster than cotton. We use ours for beaches, hikes, seat covers, etc. When you’re finished, just hang it up and watch as it dries almost instantly, then roll it up to be used again.
Only the unimaginative could get bored in a place with as much vibrancy as Cancún! Sail into the sunset on a catamaran, savor the sights of the cotton-candy daydream of Las Coloradas, unlock the mysteries of the Mayan at Chichén Itzá, and reserve a day for a city and tequila tasting tour.
We use Get Your Guide for the lowest prices and best-rated tours and excursions. Save some time for day trips to the lagoon sinkholes known as cenotes and archeological sites in Cancún’s neighboring cities, Tulum and Coba.
While the sun shines almost year-round in Cancun, there is still plenty of rain. Hurricane season stretches through the summer and autumn months (May to November), when the weather is particularly unpredictable. Regardless of the season, bringing this windproof umbrella is a safe bet. It comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee and the compact carrying case is a nice touch too!
From hiking the steep Mayan ruins to slippery cenotes, Mexico has very diverse terrains. These amphibious shoes will protect your feet both in and out of the water. This is extremely handy when you’ll be traversing land and sea areas frequently, rather than carrying an extra pair of shoes all day. Regular hiking shoes will get soggy and heavy, leading to blisters anyway. Opt for a breathable water shoe that does it all!
These versatile locks will be useful in so many ways during your trip to Cancún. First of all, you’ll want to use them to secure your checked bags (I’ve had things stolen out of checked luggage before). Once you arrive at your hotel, it’s not a bad idea to leave your luggage locked while you are away and the staff cleans your room. It’s also nice to have a lock for any lockers at tourist sites or waterparks so you don’t have to carry around your belongings all day.
Resort-life attire is laid back and casual, which means a swimsuit cover-up will do if you’re hanging poolside or beachside. I love that you can easily mosey over to breakfast and lunch without a change of clothes. This lacey crochet one is a fan-favorite and I receive tons of compliments on it. Plus, it’s always more fun to look especially good while you’re on vacation!
Mosquito season is year-round in Mexico but predominantly in the wet season (May to September). You’ll find these thirsty vampires descending heavily at dawn and dusk. Protect yourself with these mosquito-repellent bracelets, perfect for travel or any outdoor activity. Made with natural ingredients, they are safe for children and have been a game-changer for our family!
You’ll want to seriously consider bringing a waterproof camera like this one on your trip to Mexico. Most activities you do will involve water, and you don’t want to risk damaging your regular digital camera or cell phone. This one is lightweight, versatile, and pretty hardy, so you won’t have to worry about damaging it while adventuring. Plus, it’s a less expensive option if you don’t want to go all-in for a GoPro or DSLR camera.
Cancún transit can include bumpy ferry boats, speeding taxis, crowded metros, zip-line swinging across the rainforest, and everything in between! If you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness – this remedy will be your new go-to. These small but mighty patches worked for me when nothing else would. Stick one behind your ear 10 minutes before you travel and you will find everything more balanced, easy, and peaceful.
Waterproof material will always be the best move for tropical environments. You’ll need a backpack to carry your water bottle, phone, change of clothes, umbrella, and other essentials. This one is actually waterproof (unlike some products that claim to be!) It’s also lightweight for travel and holds more than expected. We use ours for beach excursions, boat rides, and rainy hikes. It keeps everything 100% dry.
Mexican sun and heat can take quite a toll on your hair. I recommend using a leave-in hair conditioner to protect your hair each day, especially if you’ve been in the water. This natural formula smells great and will reinvigorate your locks with plant-based protein so you don’t end up with long-term sun and salt damage when you head home.
Hotels in Mexico don’t always offer much counter space for your self-care routine. We bring these toiletry bags for our hygiene products because they easily hang on any door or hook. This one is TSA-approved and you can add these 2-ounce silicon travel bottles to ensure TSA doesn’t throw away your favorite products.
Between dancing in Punta Cancún (the Party Zone) and dinners along the Boulevard Kukulcan, you will need a sexy evening dress! Paint the town red and look effortless in this off-the-shoulder fit. It accentuates your curves and is complimentary to many body types, plus the material covers the stomach area so you can feast to your heart’s content! Rock your full confidence and salsa the night away, dancing queen.
Mexico has fantastic, authentic treats you may want to bring home, like Mexican chocolate, crocheted blankets, pottery, jewelry, art, tequila, mezcal, coffee beans, sauces, etc.
A ‘just in case bag’ is a thoughtful precaution for any shopping you may do. When empty, it’s more lightweight than a feather, but it expands to hold anything you need for day trips, souvenirs, or gift shopping. Bonus points: It counts as your carry-on item for the return flight home!
Related read: What to Pack for Mexico + What to Wear ➜
It’s no secret that Cancún is a beach lover’s paradise, but there is much more to it than that! When you’re not soaking up the sun, you could be dining in 5-star restaurants, eating from taco stands, scaling Mayan ruins, snorkeling with whale sharks, or partying the night away.
Needless to say, you’ll probably want to pack more than just swimwear for your trip. Of course, casual dress is suitable almost anywhere in Cancún, but you’ll also want to pack some slightly dressier pieces. The weather is reliably warm year-round, but the temperature can sometimes dip down a little in the winter, so it’s worth bringing a light jacket just in case of emergency.
When visiting Cancún, women will feel most comfortable in clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Mexican women typically wear linen or cotton dresses or pants. High heels and makeup are commonly worn by local women day to day. Additionally, local Mexicans tend to dress on the conservative side, if only to protect their skin from the sun. However, visitors shouldn’t feel out of place in shorts and tank tops. Classic resort wear like maxi dresses with sandals or espadrilles are perfect for a “dressed up” look, but visitors will feel right at home in shorts and flip-flops as well! Sandals are essential for any trip to Cancún, but be sure to pack sneakers for active days.
Mexican men tend to dress in clean-cut, casual clothing that errs on the dressy side. Like the women of Cancún, they too favor lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as linen and cotton. The most common ensemble of a man in Cancún would be jeans or khakis, paired with a guayabera shirt (a linen button shirt featuring rows of pleats sewn on either side of the buttons), along with leather shoes, sneakers, or sandals. Swim trunks and a tee shirt are acceptable attire, but the day to day look in Cancún tends to be a little bit more elevated than some of the more casual seaside towns (like Playa del Carmen or Tulum) on the Yucatán peninsula. Visiting men will feel most comfortable in chino shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt. Casual, yet well-composed outfits are ideal for Cancún.
Seasons in Cancún are fairly mild, though as mentioned above, winter can bring a little bit of a chill. Prep for heavy sun exposure and plenty of activity!
The wet season in Cancún is basically summer and fall combined, since temperatures don’t dip down much at all in what we normally think of as the fall months.
Temperatures are high, rain is frequent (between 10 and 15 rainy days per month), and the air tends to be a bit humid.
Rains don’t tend to last long when they do come – it may rain for a couple of hours and then clear up for the rest of your day.
This is the wet season, so of course you’ll need a rain jacket, and it should absolutely be the kind that allows vapor to escape from inside the jacket to prevent you from steaming inside it (like the one we’ve linked). There’s nothing worse than having to wear a jacket when it’s hot out and feeling like you’re wrapped in plastic wrap. You should also bring a travel umbrella to carry with you just in case. Shorts, tank tops, sundresses, and good sandals are perfect for this season. Water-resistant active shoes are a good idea if you’ll be doing anything active at all. Don’t forget a swimsuit cover-up and a fun sunhat and shades! Temperatures average between 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C).
The dry season in Cancún is essentially a combination of winter and spring. Dry, windy, but plenty warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities.
Rain still happens this time of year, but it’s much less frequent. Still, a rain jacket is a good idea.
Tourist high-season is from January through April, so expect higher prices and more crowds during this time.
We recommend bringing a pair of pants in case of a chill, but there’s really no need to bring more than that. Even the evenings don’t cool off too much. Active shoes, walking sandals, sundresses, and shorts are still a great idea. Don’t forget to bring a stylish swimsuit cover-up for days on the beach or poolside! A sunhat, cute shades, and quality sunscreen are a must. Temperatures average between 80°F to 88°F (27°C to 31°C) but can occasionally dip to as low as 65°F (18°C).
Aquatic Activities – The options for aquatic activities in Cancún are practically endless. You can do anything from snorkeling, jet skiing, scuba diving, parasailing, swimming in cenotes, and more! For days like this, where you’re bound to be in and out of the water regularly, you’ll be most comfortable wearing quick-dry clothing over your swimsuit. Bring a backpack to easily carry any extra items you may need – snacks, sunscreen, a mask and snorkel, and even a change of clothes, will likely come in handy. Sandals are the best footwear for days on the water because you won’t care if they get wet. Remember, the glare of the sun is amplified on the water; you won’t regret splurging for polarized sunnies.
Exploring the hotel zone – Cancún’s hotel zone is Mexico’s answer to the Las Vegas strip. You could spend hours wandering in and out of shops, restaurants, and hotel lobbies. If you plan to tackle the entire 15-mile stretch in one go, comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you’re just going for a quick stroll, sandals are just fine as the whole area is flat. Wear a comfortable sundress, or stylish shorts and a top for exploring to avoid feeling underdressed in the event you decide to pop into Cartier or another high-end boutique to browse!
Archaeological Sites – Chichén Itzá is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and lies just a couple of hours from Cancún. If you plan to explore this ancient Mayan site, you’re best to go prepared. There is no shade to be found at Chichén Itzá, so it is crucial to prepare for sun exposure. Wear lightweight clothing that covers your shoulders to avoid burning. Bringing a sunhat, sunglasses, and a water bottle will help you stay protected and hydrated as well. Comfortable (and lightweight) running shoes will keep your feet cool and supported as you explore the site. Because you’ll be doing a lot of walking, avoid carrying a heavy purse or backpack; a crossbody bag with room for a water bottle and a small camera is a sensible option.
Nightlife – Cancún’s nightlife is composed of everything from beach bars to nightclubs, such as the infamous Coco Bongo. If you’re headed to an actual nightclub formal attire is preferred, though the rules tend to be somewhat forgiving for women. A dress and heels are ideal for women, while men should plan to wear a collared shirt, slacks, and dress shoes.
Because Cancún offers such a wide range of visitor experiences, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to clothing. However, because locals tend to be a little on the dressy-side, you will fit in best when your outfits look composed, rather than thrown together. Cancún’s weather is consistently hot and humid, so it’s best to avoid heavy clothing and synthetic fabrics which will only make you sweat more. If your footwear requires socks, make sure they are breathable, cotton, or athletic socks that wick sweat and don’t trap odor; your friends and neighbors will thank you. Mexican women are notorious for wearing high heels at all times, but for the sake of your feet, save them just for nights out.
Books take up a lot of luggage space and are usually heavy. Consider how much you are going to read and if it justifies the space. Better yet, opt for a Kindle that will take up much less space, and can be protected with a waterproof case.
Cancún has many ATMs, so don’t risk taking lots of cash with you. There is no need to risk losing a large amount of money. Many shops, restaurants, and bars also take credit cards so you will be fine with smaller quantities of cash.
Expensive jewelry can make you a target for pickpockets and scammers. It can also very easily get lost, damaged, or broken. Leave these items at home so you won’t need to worry about them while you are on your trip.
The majority of the time in Cancún it’s hot. Even when it’s wet, it’s still warm. Pack for hot weather with a chance of rain – leave the cold weather gear at home! Go for lighter, quick-dry items instead.
It is illegal to bring many types of fruits into Mexico. If you are going to pack food for the flight, make sure you do not have any fruits when entering Mexico as you could face a large fine from customs. Besides, fresh fruit is pretty yummy in Cancún!
In this hot, humid climate, you don’t want to bring anything that won’t dry quickly or that will become burdensome once it’s wet. Leave heavy cotton items especially – think jeans, towels, sweaters – at home.
Many of the local people working in hotels, tour agencies, bars, and restaurants in the tourist area of Cancún will speak English.
It’s still very likely that you’ll run into people who do not speak English, so be prepared to use a Spanish/English dictionary and your patience. People are friendly and willing to help.
Also, many taxi drivers will only know basic English so knowing a little Spanish may help.
Many hotels or businesses will accept USD in Cancún, although it is not recommended to spend in USD. You will almost always get an unfavorable rate or simply be ripped off. Try to always deal in the local currency if you can help it, and familiarize yourself with the appropriate prices before making big purchases.
Tips are expected in Mexico, similar to the US. 15% is a good standard tip.
Many places add on the tip automatically so it’s best to check your bill – the Spanish word for tip is “propina.” If a tip has already been added, it is certainly not necessary to add more.
Baggers in supermarkets expect a small change tip, and musicians in bars usually walk around with a jar expecting a few pesos.
Most visitors to Cancún cannot handle the local water very well. It’s advised that you drink only bottled or filtered water. Bottled water can be purchased inexpensively, or you can bring your own filtered water bottle that can remove microbes and bacteria so you always have a safe supply of water on-hand. (Many filtered bottles do not remove certain contaminants – this one is a good option for Cancún)
Many people travel to Cancún and are unsure about leaving the resort. The tourist area is more than safe for visitors, although you should always be vigilant for pickpockets.
Cancún outside the tourist area is also relatively safe, though there’s not too much to see for tourists in the immediate vicinity – you have to travel a little to get to the attractions. If you are the more independent traveler type, you can save money on tours by going to places like Chichen Itza yourself from the bus station.
You can easily verify current travel warnings for your trip by visiting the US Department of State website (if you’re based in the US).
No specific vaccinations are typically required for Cancún, but check the CDC website to be sure. It is always a good idea to be up to date with all the standard travel vaccinations anyway. (MMR, Typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis A)
You won’t need an adapter for US two-pronged cords, but any electronics which have a grounding wire (US three-pronged cords) may need an adapter. Many outlets in Mexico are two-prong only, and an adapter is the only way to plug in, say, your laptop if you’re bringing it.
Travel to Cancún should be planned using many factors, but the two most important to most travelers are weather and prices. Prices peak during the winter months – December through March – and they fall again on the off- and shoulder-seasons.
Weather affects this drastically. May through November tends to be the off-season when prices are lowest, but that’s because it’s the rainiest time of year. Shoulder-seasons – the times when prices and weather balance out a bit – are early December and April.
There have been some recent crimes in Cancún which have sparked media coverage. These issues are nerve-wracking for any traveler. The best way to make an informed decision when traveling is to read up on government travel warnings for any destination you travel to. Otherwise, if you follow basic safety precautions and are cautious with your after-dark whereabouts, you’ll likely never run into any trouble.
Yes. You will need a passport of some sort – if you’re flying in, it’ll need to be a book-style passport (the standard option).
However, if you’re arriving from the US by boat or driving you can use a PASS passport card, which is a sophisticated wallet card that’s the size of your Driver’s License or ID.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months – the period that a US citizen can stay without a Visa.
