Heading to Puerto Rico in December? You’re in for warm breezes, blue waters, and festive holiday energy! December is one of the best months to visit this Caribbean gem—low humidity, less rain, and plenty of sunshine.
Expect daytime highs around 28°C (83°F), with cooler breezy evenings in the mountains. While the beach calls daily, you’ll also want to explore the rainforest, vibrant Old San Juan, and holiday events like Nochebuena.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Puerto Rico 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 🌦️
- 🌡️ San Juan: 23–29°C (73–84°F)
- ⛰️ Mountain areas: cooler in the evenings
- 🌤️ Mostly sunny with occasional light rain
- 🏖️ Peak beach season, pack for sun & surf
What to Pack for Puerto Rico 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
- Carry-on roller bag – 🧳 practical for island hopping
- Beach tote or backpack – 🎒 day trips & beach use
- Packing cubes – 🧩 compact and tropical-friendly
- Toiletry bag – 🧴 for your humidity-resistant items
- Travel laundry soap – 🧼 especially for swimsuits
- Luggage lock – 🔐 security for hostels/rentals
- Digital luggage scale – ⚖️ for shopping returns
- Neck pillow + eye mask – 💤 great for red-eyes
👗 Clothes
- Light tops & tanks (4–5) – 👕 for humid weather
- Shorts & skirts (3–4) – 🩳 casual and breathable
- Dresses (2–3) – 👗 great for evenings and fiestas
- Activewear – 🏃 hiking El Yunque needs comfy gear
- Swimsuits (2–3) – 👙 lots of beach time
- Swim cover-up – 🧣 for lounging or lunch breaks
- Pajamas – 🛌 light sets for warm nights
- Underwear & bras (5–7) – 🩲 moisture-wicking is best
- Light sweater or shawl – 🧥 evening breezes
- Rain jacket or poncho – 🌦️ pop-up showers
💆 Skincare
- Sunscreen (reef-safe) – ☀️ protect that tropical glow
- Aloe vera – 🌿 soothe post-sun exposure
- Lip balm with SPF – 💄 salty air dries lips
- Facial wipes – 🧻 for sweaty days
- Moisturizer – 💧 hydrate after salty water
💄 Makeup
- Tinted SPF – 🧴 skip foundation in the heat
- Waterproof mascara – 💦 for beach and humidity
- Bronzer & blush – 🌞 get that tropical glow
- Setting spray – 🧊 helps fight the melt
💇 Hair Care
- Sea salt spray – 🌊 enhance natural waves
- Hair ties & clips – 🧷 keep cool and styled
- Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 travel-size bottles
- Mini straightener or curler – 💇 for festive nights
- Detangler – 🌺 especially after beach days
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Flip flops – 🩴 easy beach transitions
- Water shoes – 🛶 for kayaking or waterfalls
- Dress sandals – 👡 for dinners or events
- Sneakers – 👟 for walking cobbled streets
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ essential UV protection
- Sunhat or cap – 🧢 for beach + hikes
- Light scarf – 🧣 adds flair or coverage
- Crossbody bag – 👜 anti-theft and secure
📑 Documents & Essentials
- ID (no passport for US citizens) – 🪪 quick domestic travel
- Health insurance card – 🏥 just in case
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 card-friendly island
- Itinerary & confirmations – 📄 offline versions too
- Local maps – 🗺️ for beach or hiking areas
🚑 First Aid
- Bug bite cream – 🦟 common in coastal areas
- Band-aids – 🩹 for minor cuts/blisters
- Motion sickness tabs – 🚤 for boat tours
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush/paste – 🪥 basics for the tropics
- Deodorant – 🧴 long days = sweat management
- Feminine care – 🩸 carry your preferred brand
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ quick cleanup after street food
- Insect repellent – 🐜 for evenings near water
- Toilet wipes – 🚽 always good for remote beaches
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 always ready
- Portable battery – 🔋 day trips need backup
- Headphones – 🎧 beach chill or flights
- Waterproof phone pouch – 📸 for island adventures
- e-Reader or Kindle – 📚 for poolside reads
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 beach reads always win
- Offline playlists – 🎵 salsa, reggae & more
- Travel journal – ✍️ capture the island stories
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 for day trips or hikes
- Refillable water bottle – 🚰 stay hydrated in heat
- Beach towel – 🏖️ quick-dry version best
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ support local artisans
🌍 Travel Tips
- 📱 Use Google Maps offline for remote beaches
- 💳 Alert your bank before using cards abroad
- 🧺 Use mesh laundry bag for wet items
🛂 Visa Tips
- ✅ No visa needed for US citizens
- 📷 Bring copies of ID in case of emergency
- 🧾 Check for travel insurance coverage
⭐ Must-Haves
- ID – 🪪 required for car rentals & tours
- Sunscreen – 🌞 top travel essential
- Swimsuit & towel – 🏖️ daily beachwear
- Water bottle – 💧 dehydration is sneaky
- Cash – 💵 for food trucks & tips
👍 Good-to-Have
- Bug spray – 🦟 humid areas = bites
- Cooling towel – ❄️ great for hiking
- Sleep mask – 😴 for flights or naps
- Spare SIM or Wi-Fi device – 📶 helpful in remote areas
