Table of Contents

17 Top St. Lucia Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to pack for st lucia
By
Updated on

The island of St. Lucia appears toward the southeastern end of the Caribbean island chain. The breathtaking waterfalls, Piton Mountains, volcanos, beaches, and friendly people are some of the reasons to visit St. Lucia.

The best time to visit St. Lucia is during high season, or tourist season, between December through April. If you don’t mind the rain and like less crowds, you may want to visit during the wet season, between June and November.

No matter when you visit, St. Lucia is beautiful year-round. The weather is consistent, tropical, and beautiful.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for St. Lucia – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing Cubes

    Do your clothes arrive wrinkled and disorganized? Try a trip with packing cubes. You can organize and keep your clothes neat and together both on your trip and when you arrive. The best part is being able to separate your dirty laundry from the clean on your way back home!

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    Keeping your cell phone safe near the sand and water can be difficult. Using a universal waterproof phone case makes it a breeze. You can still use your phone through the case so it can remain protected at all times. It fits XL phones and also comes with a wrist strap for better transport.

    Universa Waterproof

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. VPN for Internet Safety

    Be sure to invest in a good VPN before your trip. Sometimes the dangers unseen are the biggest and having to deal with a stolen identity on vacation is easily avoidable with a VPN. Be sure to sign in whenever you use an internet source, even at your local hotel.

    vpn

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Neck Wallet

    No need to worry about pickpockets as long as you have this neck wallet. Tuck your passport, money, and even your cell phone away in this handy case. There are multiple pockets to keep everything separated. Enjoy peace of mind as you tour the town. It’s even RFID-enabled to protect you from electronic scanners.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Insect Repellent

    If you plan to hit the beach, hike the mountain, or visit the volcano, the Repel Insect Repellent should be on your packing list. Enjoy your vacation more with fewer bugs and bug bites. This repellent is natural so relax knowing that you are safe swimming and living without chemicals.

    Insect Repellent

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Cooling Towel

    It can get hot and humid on a tropical island, especially in the sunshine on the beach or on a walking tour. Make sure to come prepared with a cooling towel. The small towel is easy to pack and packs a cool punch for those hot sunny days. You’ll enjoy your trip on another level with the cooling towel in your arsenal!

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Floating Wrist Strap

    Don’t risk sinking your phone or camera to the bottom of the sea. Attach one of these floating wrist straps to your phone’s waterproof case so that in case you drop it while paddle boarding, kayaking, or boating, it stays afloat! They make it easy to have your phone or camera on hand whenever you need it, but they also let you easily be hands-free.

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Gone are the bulky and fluffy beach towels. Bring along a quick-dry travel towel. Not only will you love it at the beach or gym, but you can take it with you whenever you go out to waterfalls or jungle hikes too. It’s ultra-compact for packing and can absorb any wet situation.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

    Be sure to pack this portable charger. It fits in the neck wallet and portable safe so you’ll never have to worry about bringing it along. This portable charger will keep you worry-free so if your phone or tablet dies, you can completely recharge it at least once throughout your day. Don’t lose out on making photos or getting lost when you pack this charger.

    Lipstick-sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Especially if you plan your vacation during the wet season, you will want to be absolutely sure to pack this windproof travel umbrella. It’s sturdy and compact; exactly what you need for a vacation on a tropical island. And if you are traveling with company, this compact umbrella is larger than most so you can pack less.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    Instead of buying plastic water bottles along the way, pack this water bottle with a built-in filter will help you stay hydrated and free of water-born bacteria. Fill it up, filter as you drink, and stay hydrated and cool all day long!

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Your trip to St. Lucia should be relaxing. The last thing you want to worry about is someone stealing your belongings out of your luggage. Luggage locks will keep your things safe from theft if you plan on checking your bags. They are also useful to secure day bags so pickpockets can’t snatch things when you’re not looking.

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Travel Insurance

    Just because you don’t physically pack it, don’t forget to plan your travel insurance. It’s one of the most important parts of traveling and can make or break your entire vacation. Give yourself peace of mind while you are relaxing on vacation. Start the habit today and worry less tomorrow. We use TravelInsurance.com to compare policies from top companies to find the best option for our family and travel plans.

    Travel Insurance

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 14. Universal Travel Adapter

    A universal travel adapter should be in your luggage at all times. Just in case, having this handy adapter can save you from dead cell phones, laptops, and tablets. It’s small, portable, and a must for any traveler. Remember not to use it for high-power appliances such as hair dryers or straighteners.

    Peru power adapter

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Like packing cubes, a hanging toiletry bag is ideal for keeping all of your bathroom essentials organized and easy to find. This bag is roomy and has several compartments to organize all of your toiletries. It easily fits my toothbrush, sunscreen, makeup, and shower necessities, with room left for more!

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Affordable Underwater Action Camera

    There are so many beautiful fish and so much fun to be had underwater. Bring along this small underwater action cam and don’t miss out on a second of it. You can use any of the accessories to make sure you capture the memories exactly as you want them.

    Affordable Underwater Action Camera

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. After-Sun Cream

    Take care of your skin with an after-sun butter. Slather it on to hydrate your skin and keep it smooth after a long day in the sand and sun. It’s made with a blend of rich oils so your skin will feel rejuvenated and refreshed and you’ll smell fantastic!

    After-Sun Cream

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear in St. Lucia

There are lots of activities in St. Lucia. Bring your beach gear, hiking gear, and party gear. You will find mountains and volcanoes to explore, street parties to dance the night away, and more beaches than you can count.

The island is typically casual so don’t worry about fancy clothes or jewelry. Embrace the island time and relaxed vibe and dress comfy. Bring lightweight and breathable clothes and a jacket for those cool evening breezes

What Should WOMEN Wear in St. Lucia? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

If you’ve visited the Caribbean before, you know it is laid back and comfy is key. Bring cool and lightweight clothes for the daytime and a nice sweater or jacket for the evening. No need for dress clothes or fancy jewels. There are plenty of beautiful local jewels for sale to buy as a souvenir and wear while you’re there. Pack your cute flip-flops, comfy jersey dress, and infinity scarf and you’ll be set to enjoy the island, day after day!

What Should MEN Wear in St. Lucia? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

No need to stress about your wardrobe for St. Lucia. The weather is beautiful year-round so pack your shorts and polos and a comfy pair of walking shoes to tour the island. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, bring your hiking shoes along with the bug repellent, and cargo pants for a trek through the jungle. Pack a nice sweater for those chilly nights on the water or a sit-down dinner in town.

Packing for the Seasons in St. Lucia

Dry Season – January, February, March, April, May

Also known as the dry season, these months are the sunniest and typically most crowded with tourists. Bring your summer shorts and tops, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Dress down and lightweight. The island breezes will feel great through breathable fabric. Bring a light sweater or jacket for the evening ocean air or a nice dinner in town. St. Lucia has beautiful mountains and volcanoes to explore so if you want to get out in nature, don’t forget some hiking shoes and bug spray!

Rainy Season – June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Expect rain showers every day through the wet season. Later on in the season there may be flooding in some areas depending on the heaviness of the season. Be sure to bring an umbrella and a jacket. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy the sun and sand on the beaches so bring your swimsuit and coverup! St. Lucia has a beautiful, year-round tropical temperature of the 70’s and 80’s. The water is also warm year-round staying in the upper 70’s to the mid 80’s.
Dressing appropriately for the activity – (Click to expand)
Beaches: The gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean will invite and entice you to explore and enjoy. So pack a swimsuit or two, your coverup, underwater cam, and waterproof phone case, just to be safe!

Street Parties: St. Lucia has many street parties, which you are sure to encounter if you venture out after the sun goes down. You’ll find benches filling the streets with food and drink vendors galore. Be smart and wear comfy (but not flashy) clothes: flip-flops and a comfy t-shirt.

National Park and Volcanic Tours: St. Lucia is known for its natural landmark, the Pitons, waterfalls, and national park. If you want to explore, remember to pack your hiking shoes, bug spray, and sun hat!

Sulphur Springs: You can take a tour of the natural Sulphur springs on St. Lucia and even take a mud bath. Bring your swimsuit to take full advantage of what the rejuvenating baths have to offer.

What NOT to Bring to St. Lucia

  • 1.DON’T Bring Fancy Clothes

    The island is low-key and friendly. You’ll find no need for formal clothes even at restaurants. Enjoy the calm and relaxing time in comfy and cool clothes.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Camo

    Don’t bring anything camo print to St. Lucia. It is illegal to wear camo and that includes bags, umbrellas, etc., in addition to clothing. Only the military is permitted to use the print, so leave any form of camo at home.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Extra Books

    If you wish to lay on the beach and read, bring a kindle or ebook, but no need to use the luggage weight with added books. Many small hotels also offer small libraries if you would like to read a physical book.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Coats

    There is no “winter” in St. Lucia, so no need to bring a coat. A jacket or sweater will suffice. If you get cold easily, bring an infinity scarf as well to keep the chill at bay.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Stilettos

    The streets are not necessarily as smooth and easy to walk in stilettos as you might be used to, even in the downtown area. If you want to wear heels, wedges or platforms might be a safer and easier bet for walking.

  • 6.DON’T Bring Water Sports Equipment

    There are many tours that include equipment as well as stand-alone rental shops. Save yourself space and weight and leave the bulky equipment at home.

What Not to Wear in St. Lucia – (Click to expand)
Remember, it is ILLEGAL to have any type of camo print on your body or belongings. Stay safe and if in doubt, leave it at home.

FAQs about Visiting St. Lucia

  • 1. What language do they speak in St. Lucia?

    What language do they speak in St. Lucia?

    The official language of the island is English, but you will find that most people speak a version of English local to the island. It’s called Patois and is a creole language, based on French. Although you will be able to get around by speaking English, it’s always courteous to learn a word or two in the native language of the country you are visiting.

  • 2. What currency do they use in St. Lucia?

    St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar. The exchange rate typically favors the US but remember that islands must bring everything in, so prices are naturally higher for that reason.

  • 3. Is it safe to visit during rainy season?

    Is it safe to visit during rainy season?

    The islands can be casualties of hurricanes so be prepared to evacuate should the need arise during your visit. The daily rains should not be a reason to cancel a visit to St. Lucia, however. Be sure to bring a travel umbrella and a rain jacket and be prepared for rain showers. Rainy season is a beautiful time to visit as everything is lush and green thanks to the abundance of water.

  • 4. Is there an airport on the island?

    Is there an airport on the island?

    Yes, there are actually two airports. The international airport, Hewanorra, is on the southern end of the island and the larger. The smaller, George F.L. Charles Airport, is on the outskirts of Castries on the northern part of the island. Since the Island isn’t that big, they both are convenient, it just depends on where you are staying or where you are coming from.

  • 5. What is the food like?

    The traditional dish of St. Lucia is green figs and saltfish. If that doesn’t suit you, there is a varying mix of European, Indian, and Caribbean flavors to choose from.

  • 6. How big is the island?

    How big is the island?

    St. Lucia is 27 miles long and at its widest point is 14 miles. It is easy to rent a car or get around the island using taxis since it’s not very large. This makes it an ideal destination for shorter holidays. You can really get to see the best of the entire island in a short period of time. However, don’t let its small size full you. There is a variety of stunning landscapes, beautiful towns, and tons to do.

  • 7. What country does St. Lucia belong to?

    St. Lucia gained its independence as a country in 1979 and maintains a constitutional monarchy as a member of the Commonwealth today.