What to Pack for Mexico in December: Complete List for a Fun, Stress-Free Vacation

Patricia Themakeup Magazine
By Patricia Rios
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Planning a December getaway to Mexico? You’re in for sunshine, colorful culture, and delicious food. Whether you’re hitting Cancun’s beaches, strolling colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende, or exploring Mexico City, the weather stays fairly warmβ€”but regional variations matter.

You’ll need breezy outfits for beach towns and layers for cooler inland areas. Sunscreen is essential, as are a few smart layers for evenings. Comfort is keyβ€”especially if you’re planning active adventures, long walks, or festive nights out.

what to pack Mexico packing list DecemberPin

πŸ“Note: This article is all about Mexico packing list 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 🌦️

  • Cancun/Playa del Carmen: 20–28Β°C / 68–82Β°F β˜€οΈ
  • Mexico City: 7–22Β°C / 45–71Β°F 🌀️
  • Oaxaca: 10–25Β°C / 50–77Β°F 🌞
  • Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo): 18–29Β°C / 64–84Β°F πŸŒ…
  • Dry season: sunny, mild humidity, rare rain

What to Pack for Mexico 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.

Travel Must HavesPin

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.

Luggage & Packing Tools Must HavesPin

1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes

  • Light suitcase – Easy to roll through resorts or towns 🧳
  • Carry-on – Perfect for quick trips or budget airlines πŸŽ’
  • Packing cubes – Pack light, stay organized 🧩
  • Shoe bags – Protect clean clothes from beach sand πŸ‘Ÿ
  • Toiletry bag – Hot-weather ready liquids 🧼
  • Document organizer – Passport, health docs in one place πŸ“
  • Daypack – For ruins, beach, and tours 🏝️
  • Laundry kit – Great for longer stays or hikes 🧺
  • Luggage scale – Avoid return-flight stress βš–οΈ
  • Lock – Peace of mind at hostels or hotels πŸ”’
  • Dry bag or pouch – For cenotes or boat rides πŸ’¦
  • Towel – Lightweight, for beach or hostel use πŸ§–
  • Neck pillow – Comfort during flights or long buses πŸ’€
  • Sleep mask – Block light wherever you stay 😴

πŸ‘— Clothes

  • T-shirts/tops (4–6) – Light and breathable πŸ‘•
  • Tank tops – Great for beach or pool days 🌞
  • Dresses/rompers (2–3) – Easy outfits for day to night πŸ‘—
  • Shorts (2–3) – Cool and comfy 🩳
  • Light pants – For cities or modest visits πŸ‘–
  • Maxi dress or skirt – Breezy, stylish, temple-friendly πŸ‘š
  • Cardigan or hoodie – Nighttime chill layer πŸ§₯
  • Light rain jacket – Just in case β˜”
  • Activewear – Yoga, hikes, or cenote dips 🧘
  • Swimsuits (2–3) – Beach + pool-ready πŸ‘™
  • Cover-up – Resort or boat-friendly 🧣
  • Pajamas – Light and breathable πŸ›Œ
  • Underwear & bras – Comfy, breathable sets πŸ‘™
  • Socks – Minimal but useful 🧦

πŸ’† Skincare

  • Cleanser – Remove SPF and sweat 🧴
  • Toner – Refresh post-beach 🌊
  • Moisturizer – After-sun hydration πŸ’§
  • Sunscreen – Reef-safe SPF 30+ β˜€οΈ
  • Makeup remover – Wipes or micellar water 🧽
  • Exfoliator – Gentle beach skin renewal πŸ§–
  • Eye cream – Prevent puffiness after long flights πŸ‘οΈ
  • Hydrating mist – Instant refresh πŸ’¦
  • Face masks – Relax and recover 😌
  • Lip balm w/SPF – Beachside lips need love πŸ’‹
  • Spot treatment – Fight sudden breakouts 🚫

πŸ’„ Makeup

  • Tinted moisturizer or BB cream – Lightweight base πŸ’„
  • Concealer – Quick fixes 🎯
  • Blush/bronzer – Add glow in tropical light πŸŒ…
  • Eyeshadow – Tropical tones or minimal kit 🎨
  • Waterproof mascara – Pool-proof πŸ‘οΈ
  • Lip tint or gloss – Easy day glam πŸ’„
  • Setting spray – Humidity helper πŸ’¨
  • Makeup brushes – Compact kit πŸ–ŒοΈ

πŸ’‡ Hair Care

  • Wide-tooth comb – Post-beach detangler πŸ’†
  • Hair ties/scrunchies – Must for pool and humidity 🧡
  • Shampoo/conditioner – Moisture-rich minis 🧴
  • Dry shampoo – Quick refresh in heat πŸ’¨
  • UV hair spray – Protect from sun β˜€οΈ
  • Mini dryer – Optional unless needed πŸ’β€β™€οΈ
  • Serum/oil – Tame frizz 🌴
  • Clips/headbands – Stylish control πŸŽ€

πŸ‘Ÿ Shoes & Accessories

  • Flip flops – Beach and pool go-to 🩴
  • Sandals – Walkable and cute πŸ‘‘
  • Sneakers – For cities or hikes πŸ‘Ÿ
  • Water shoes – Cenotes, rivers, or reef walks 🌊
  • Sunhat – Shade essential πŸ‘’
  • Sunglasses – Polarized = better 😎
  • Light scarf – Style or sun cover 🧣
  • Crossbody bag – Secure while sightseeing πŸ‘œ
  • Jewelry – Lightweight and beachy πŸ’
  • Travel belt – For safety in cities πŸ‘–

πŸ“‘ Documents & Essentials

  • Passport – Required for all entries πŸ›‚
  • Tourist card – Keep it safe in Mexico 🧾
  • ID – Driver’s license or similar πŸͺͺ
  • Travel insurance – Especially for adventure trips πŸ›Ÿ
  • Flight tickets & confirmations πŸ›«
  • Itinerary – Printed or digital πŸ—“οΈ
  • Cash & card – Pesos + credit πŸ’³
  • Maps/downloads – Offline Google Maps πŸ—ΊοΈ
  • Receipts – For VAT or expenses 🧾
  • Pen – Immigration forms ✍️
  • Wallet – Slim & secure πŸ‘›

πŸš‘ First Aid

  • Band-aids – Blisters from walking 🩹
  • Antiseptic wipes – Quick cleans 🧽
  • Painkillers – Sun headaches or long days πŸ€•
  • Allergy meds – New foods, plants 🀧
  • Bug bite cream – Just in case 🦟
  • Tweezers – For splinters or grooming πŸ—œοΈ

🧼 Health & Hygiene

  • Prescription meds – Full trip supply πŸ’Š
  • Motion sickness tabs – Road or boat 🌊
  • Vitamins – Keep healthy while indulging πŸ₯—
  • Hand sanitizer – Public surfaces πŸ‘
  • Toilet paper/tissues – Not always available 🧻
  • Deodorant – Bring your fave 🌸
  • Razor – Travel size πŸͺ’
  • Toothbrush/paste – Daily essential πŸͺ₯
  • Floss – Avoid dental issues 🦷
  • Perfume – Small rollerball πŸ’

πŸ“± Tech & Electronics

  • Phone – Unlocked, with charger πŸ“±
  • Power bank – Long excursion days ⚑
  • Adapter – Check if needed (most US plugs work) πŸ”Œ
  • Offline maps – For spotty service πŸ—ΊοΈ
  • SIM/eSIM – Optional for longer trips πŸ“Ά
  • Camera – Optional if phone suffices πŸ“Έ
  • Waterproof case – Cenotes and sea πŸ’¦
  • Bluetooth speaker – Hotel or beach 🎢

🎧 Entertainment

  • Books/e-reader – Relaxation mode πŸ“š
  • Music/podcasts – Travel vibes 🎧
  • Travel journal – Capture your days πŸ““
  • Card games – Fun with new friends πŸƒ

🎁 Extras

  • Reusable bottle – Stay hydrated πŸ’§
  • Shopping tote – Great for souvenirs πŸ›οΈ
  • Mini detergent – For hand-washing clothes 🧼
  • Lint roller – Especially for night looks πŸ‘”
  • Travel sewing kit – For small fixes 🧡
  • Sleep aid – Jetlag helper 😴

🌍 Travel Tips

  • Learn basic Spanish phrases πŸ‡²πŸ‡½
  • Stay hydrated with bottled water πŸ’¦
  • Use sunscreen often β˜€οΈ
  • Download local taxi or map apps πŸ—ΊοΈ
  • Photograph documents – Just in case πŸ“Έ

πŸ›‚ Visa Tips

  • US/Canadian tourists don’t need visa under 180 days πŸ›‚
  • Hold onto your immigration form πŸ“„
  • Bring passport copies πŸ“‹
  • Return ticket proof may be asked ✈️

⭐ Must-Haves

  • Passport & tourist card πŸ›‚
  • Sunscreen & bug spray β˜€οΈπŸ¦Ÿ
  • Travel insurance 🧾
  • Water bottle πŸ’§
  • Phone + charger πŸ“±

πŸ‘ Good-to-Have

  • Water shoes for cenotes 🌊
  • Sleep mask for hostels 😴
  • SIM card for connectivity πŸ“Ά
  • Toilet tissue pack 🧻
  • Dry bag for water fun πŸ’¦
Pat

Patricia Rios

I have been writing makeup and beauty content for more than ten years. My passion is to uplift you, my reader, to feel better about yourself.

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