Cancun in December is paradise: warm weather, turquoise waters, and festive energy. It’s peak tourist season, so beaches are buzzing, resorts are lively, and the climate is perfect for outdoor adventures—from cenotes to snorkeling.
Expect hot, humid days with cooler breezes in the evenings. Whether you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort, visiting Tulum or Playa del Carmen, or planning excursions, your Cancun packing list should be light, breezy, and sun-proof.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Cancun in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- ☀️ Daytime temps: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), sunny and humid.
- 🌙 Evening temps: 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F), breezy and pleasant.
- 🌧️ Rain possible in short bursts, especially early in the month.
- 🌴 Ideal for beach days, nightlife, tours, and water activities.
What to Pack for Cancun in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Spinner suitcase – Light and durable for resort travel.
- 🎒 Beach daypack – Carry towels, water, and essentials.
- 🧩 Packing cubes – Organize resortwear and swim gear.
- 👟 Shoe bags – Keep sand out of your clothes.
- 🧼 Toiletry bag – Heatproof, with room for sunscreen.
- 📂 Document organizer – Passport, hotel, and tour info.
- 👜 Foldable tote – Great for souvenirs or beach snacks.
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Store sweaty or sandy items separately.
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Resorts = shopping temptation!
- 🔒 TSA lock – Extra security for your belongings.
- 🎒 Waterproof pouch – For boat trips or cenotes.
- 🧻 Quick-dry towel – Useful for non-resort beach days.
- 💤 Neck pillow – If flying or taking longer transfers.
- 😴 Eye mask – For light hotel curtains or afternoon naps.
👗 Clothes
- 👚 Tank tops (3–5) – Breathable and cute for beach or city.
- 👕 Lightweight t-shirts – For casual wear or travel days.
- 👗 Sundresses (2–3) – Perfect for dinner or walking around.
- 🩱 Swimsuits (2–4) – Mix of sporty and stylish options.
- 🧣 Cover-ups or kaftans – Lounge-ready and chic.
- 🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Linen or quick-dry are best.
- 🧥 Light cardigan or wrap – Evenings can be breezy.
- 👖 Linen pants or maxi skirt – Resort-elegant + bug protection.
- 🧦 Thin socks – For the plane or sneakers.
- 🩲 Underwear (5–7) – Breathable and quick-dry preferred.
- 🧴 Bras – Include a strapless or swim-friendly one.
- 👘 Pajamas – Cotton or lightweight sets.
💆 Skincare
- 🧴 Broad-spectrum SPF 50 – Reapply constantly.
- 💦 Aloe or after-sun gel – Skin-saver post-beach.
- 🧼 Light gel cleanser – Remove sweat and SPF buildup.
- 🧴 Oil-free moisturizer – Keep your skin happy in humidity.
- 🧽 Micellar water or wipes – Easy beach cleanup.
- 🎭 Cooling sheet masks – Perfect after sun exposure.
- 💄 Lip balm with SPF – Prevent sunburned lips.
- 👁️ Eye cream – For tired, squinting eyes.
- 🌫️ Hydrating spray – Midday refresh for your face.
- 💊 Spot corrector – Breakouts happen in heat.
- 🧴 Gentle exfoliator – 2x a week to stay smooth.
💄 Makeup
- 🧴 Tinted SPF or BB cream – Light + protective.
- 🖌️ Concealer – For any heat bumps or dark circles.
- 🧼 Mattifying powder – Combat shine.
- 💗 Cream blush – Beachy glow without powder.
- ✨ Highlighter – Golden hour in a bottle.
- 🟤 Bronzer – Adds warmth for photos.
- 🎨 Compact palette – Coral, bronze, and shimmer shades.
- ✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – Must-have for humidity.
- 👁️ Waterproof mascara – Pool-proof and party-proof.
- 🧴 Brow gel – Heat-proof shaping.
- 💄 Lip tint – Lightweight and colorful.
- 💦 Setting spray – Locks it all in place.
- 🖌️ Travel makeup brushes – Just your basics.
💇 Hair Care
- 💇 Wide-tooth comb – Post-beach hair fixer.
- 🧷 Hair ties + headbands – Humidity defense.
- 🧴 Hydrating shampoo/conditioner – Salt and sun = dry hair.
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Refresh between washes.
- 🔥 Heat protectant – For styling after sun exposure.
- 🧴 Leave-in conditioner – Tame frizz and tangles.
- 💨 Hair dryer – Most resorts include one, but confirm.
- 🪞 Mini straightener or curler – Optional for dinners.
- 💧 Anti-frizz serum – Hair essential in the tropics.
- 🎀 Beach scarf or wrap – Style and sun protection.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- 🩴 Flip-flops – Daily wear for pools, beach, or rooms.
- 👟 Lightweight sneakers – For excursions or walking tours.
- 🥿 Sandals – Resort-ready and stylish.
- 🧢 Sun hat – Wide-brimmed = perfect protection.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Polarized if possible.
- 👜 Small beach bag or tote – Carry all your stuff in style.
- ⌚ Waterproof watch – Especially for water activities.
- 💍 Simple jewelry – Fun, not flashy.
- ☂️ Travel umbrella – Optional; showers pass fast.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + copies – Required for Mexico entry.
- 📄 Travel insurance – Always smart when abroad.
- 💳 Credit cards + some pesos – For markets or tipping.
- 🗺️ Hotel info + offline map – Internet can be spotty.
- 🎟️ Tour confirmations – Printed or saved offline.
- 📒 Emergency contacts – Local and international.
🚑 First Aid
- 🩹 Blister pads – Sandals + sweat = ouch.
- 🧻 Wipes – Useful anywhere, anytime.
- 💊 Motion sickness pills – For boat tours.
- 🌡️ Thermometer – Just in case.
- 🧽 Q-tips + cotton pads – Versatile and tiny.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Medications – Bring extras for extended stays.
- 🦟 Bug spray – Especially at night or in jungly areas.
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Use often.
- 🧻 Pocket tissues – Carry them at all times.
- 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Bring what you need.
- 🪥 Toothbrush + travel paste – Tropical fresh.
- 🧴 Deodorant – Humidity calls for the strong stuff.
- 🌬️ Body mist – Feel fresh even after excursions.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Smartphone – Load offline maps + WhatsApp.
- 🔌 Mexico adapter (Type A/B, 110V) – Same as US/Canada.
- 🔋 Power bank – Sun drains batteries fast.
- 📸 Waterproof camera – Great for snorkeling or beach days.
- 💻 Tablet or Kindle – Chill-time entertainment.
- 🎧 Headphones – Podcasts, playlists, and flights.
- 📶 eSIM or local SIM – Strong service in tourist zones.
🎧 Entertainment
- 📖 Beach book – Light and tropical-themed.
- 🎧 Latin playlists – Cancun vibes in your ears.
- 📝 Travel journal – Capture the memories.
- 🎲 Mini game or cards – Great for downtime or travel days.
🎁 Extras
- 🍫 Snacks – For tours or travel days.
- 💧 Water bottle – Stay hydrated in the heat.
- 🛍️ Tote – For markets or beach shopping.
- 🧺 Detergent sheet – Wash swimsuits if needed.
- 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Fix a strap, fast!
- 🧦 Cooling towel – Instant refreshment in the sun.
- 👃 Shoe spray – Warm weather + sandals = odor control.
🌍 Travel Tips
- 📲 Download Google Maps, WhatsApp, and translator.
- ☀️ Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- 💧 Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- 📸 Waterproof your phone before excursions.
- 🚐 Book airport transport in advance—it’s busy season.
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🛂 No visa needed for most US/EU travelers (tourist card on arrival).
- 📄 Keep your FMM/tourist card safe—needed to exit.
- 📸 Bring printed bookings for smooth immigration.
⭐ Must-Haves
- 🛂 Passport + tourist card (FMM).
- 🧴 Sunscreen + after-sun.
- 👙 Swimsuits + cover-ups.
- 🩴 Flip-flops + beach bag.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses + sunhat.
- 📱 Phone + waterproof pouch + charger.
👍 Good-to-Have
- 🔖 Foldable beach mat or blanket.
- 💤 Eye mask + travel pillow.
- 🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds.
- 🧤 Rash guard or UV shirt for snorkeling.
