Puerto Rico Packing List: What to Wear and Pack
Planning a vacation to the tropical island of Puerto Rico? Besides booking and planning your Puerto Rico itinerary, your next important step is figuring out what to pack! Therefore, I have put together this ultimate Puerto Rico packing list to have you covered on your vacation!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Weather in Puerto Rico
Since Puerto Rico is a part of the Caribbean, you will generally find warm temperatures all year. On average, the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect to pack for a warm and humid climate.
The hottest months in Puerto Rico are from May – September. The average temperature will be around 80-90’s with very high humidity.
We were in Puerto Rico at the end of August and some nights, the humidity was insanely high. During the days, we could just be sitting in the shade and sweating.
The cooler and most popular months to visit Puerto Rico are between the months of November through March.
If you are visiting Puerto Rico during the winter months, you might even want to consider a light jacket, especially in the mountain area.
Keep in mind that June through November is hurricane season in Puerto Rico. Plan to have a more flexible schedule, and I’d highly recommend getting travel insurance, just in case.
Essential things to Pack for Puerto Rico
How much you pack really depends on how many days you are staying, so we are going to start with the essential things you should consider packing for your Puerto Rico vacation.
Quick Dry Towel
Quick-dry towels are one of my go-to items on any trip. They are compact, act as a squeegee, and are basically sand-proof.
For this beach vacation, you will definitely want to pack one in your bag. These are my favorite quick-dry towels.
Coral-Reef Safe Sunscreen
Since you are vacationing in Puerto Rico, a beach destination, you need sunscreen. I always recommend wearing reef-safe sunscreen since you will be spending time in the water.
My go-to is Juice Beauty (I prefer this one more) or Blue Lizzard. I also have very sensitive skin, and both work well.
Bug Repellant
This tropical island has its bugs. So I would definitely add bug spray to your Puerto Rico packing list. You can also purchase this while you’re in Puerto Rico. I’d highly recommend it for visiting El Yunque Rainforest.
Waterproof Phone Case
I always add a waterproof phone case to my packing list when my trip involves a beach or lake. I plan on taking lots of photos on my phone, so I can’t have anything happen to it!
Underwater Camera
If you love snorkeling, I’d recommend getting a GoPro. I especially use my GoPro for underwater photography.
To get even cooler photos, you can also use dome casing for half under-the-water and half over-the-water shots.
Interested in more of my favorite camera gear? See what’s in my camera bag.
You can also fly drones in Puerto Rico recreationally. I have the DJI Air 2 and love it!
Dry Bag
I usually also add a dry bag to my packing list and Puerto Rico is one place I wish I actually brought it. Specifically when we were kayaking to the bioluminescent bay.
We had to leave our valuables in a locker instead of being able to bring them. So I’d recommend a dry bag!
Battery Pack
A battery pack is one of my favorite travel accessories. Mainly because, as a content creator, I use my phone a lot, therefore, having this battery is a life-saver!
Reusable Water bottle
I always pack my Lifestraw water bottle no matter where I go, however, any reusable water bottle will work. The water is technically safe to drink in Puerto Rico, but I still prefer having the Lifestraw filter.
Solid Shampoo and Soap
If you dislike dealing with liquids when traveling, consider getting bar shampoo and soap. I use both the Lush Shampoo (Jumping Juniper) and conditioner (American Cream) bars. They make traveling so much easier.
I’ve also been using their solid face wash (Herbalism) for years and still love it. I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin.
If you want to go with liquid shampoos and conditioner, I would recommend getting electric tape and wrapping it around the lid and opening, to prevent leaking further.
Other Toiletries to Pack
Here are some of your other basic Toiletries to pack for your Puerto Rico vacation.
- Razor
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Electrical tape to wrap liquid bottles from spilling.
- Nail clipper and file. Nothing drives me crazier than a hangnail on vacation.
- Liquid travel bottles
- Deodorant
- Little first aid kit
- Shower cap and wet brush.
- Mini blow dryer (this is the one I use)
- Curling iron
- Make-up bag
- Medications
- Chapstick
- Luggage Scale (if you are checking a bag – comes in handy!)
What to Wear in Puerto Rico
Since Puerto Rico is generally really hot, you will want to pack summer and beach clothes for the most part.
Believe it or not, I actually packed all of this into my carry-on suitcase and my LowePro Camera bag backpack.
Summer Dress
I would add at least 1-2 summer dresses to your Puerto Rico packing list. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may want to opt for a short summer dress as opposed to a maxi dress.
I also find cute (and very affordable) outfits at Shein. I’ve found they are also pretty well made and some of the best sweaters I have now.
Summer Skirts
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, know I love a twirly skirt. I actually always get questions about these skirts, and I get them mainly from Chicwish.
I usually pack 2-3 skirts with me to throw on over my shorts for a photo lol, but you can wear them all day! Both of the below skirts come from Chicwish. They are lightweight, which is great for Puerto Rico.
Denim Shorts
I really live in denim shorts, and I packed 2 pairs with me for Puerto Rico. They were a great addition to my Puerto Rico packing list on days I knew we were going to be a little more active, like when we visited El Yunque Rainforest.
Pair of Sandals
For this Puerto Rico Packing list, let’s include 2 pairs of sandals. I always bring my Birkenstock sandals because I find they are the most comfortable for a lot of walking.
Then bring one extra pair that may not be as bulky, and you don’t care if they get wet.
I usually don’t pack heels with me because there is just not enough room. Also, we tend to be very active travelers. However, feel free to add a wedge if you must!
For men, a pair of slides will do it for the beach. Alex has these slides.
Sneakers
If you plan on visiting El Yunque and hiking through the rainforest, I’d recommend a pair of sneakers that you won’t care if they get muddy.
Light Raincoat
Again, this one is mainly for El Yunque Rainforest. It rains a lot, so if you have room for it, I’d recommend a light rain jacket. This is the raincoat I have.
You could also bring one of those compactable umbrellas instead.
Fun Fact: El Yunque is the only Tropical Rainforest in the United States.
Light T-shirts & Tanktops
You will likely be sweating a lot, so I’d recommend packing a couple of very lightweight t-shirts and tank tops. For the most part, I live in a tank top.
For men, I’d recommend the same.
Bathing Suits
You can’t go to Puerto Rico without a swimsuit. I’d pack 2. Linking some of my favorites. You can also find some pretty cute beach cover-ups and sarongs on amazon.
Cute Cutout One Piece | Cute Bandeau Bikini | Ribbed Checky Two Piece | Bright Color Block One Piece | Cover-up
Sunglasses and Sunhats
You of course, can’t go to Puerto Rico without a pair of Sunglasses and a cute sunhat.
When packing a sunhat, I find it is best to either wear it on the plane. Or, when packing your clothes, leave a hold in the middle and turn the hat upside-down. Then fill the head part with smaller items. Two of my go-to hats are:
Oversized hat from Lulus | Floppy hat
Shoe bag or Reusable Bag
I always pack my shoes in a shoe bag, to not get my suitcase or clothes dirty, along with a reusable bag. I put all my dirty clothes in the re-usable bag to keep myself organized.
I have a handful of shoe dust bags that I use, but if you don’t have any, check out these shoe bags.
Small Day Bag
If you are more of an adventure traveler, I’d recommend a small backpack to carry your things.
Also not to be forgotten are your socks, undergarments, belt (My husband always forgets this), and Pjs.
Other Things You Might Want to add to Your Puerto Rico Packing List
Now that we have the main things to pack for Puerto Rico, here are some other things I pack or use for my trips.
Carry-on Suitcase ( I personally love Delsey) | Large Suitcase | Packing Cubes (makes it easier and more organized packing) | Noise Canceling Headphones (these are the ones I have)
Puerto Rico Packing List: Wrap-up
This concludes my Puerto Rico Packing list of what you should pack and wear on your trip! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below, and I will get back to you!
You may also be interested in: Instagram Worthy Places in Puerto Rico | Best things to do in Old San Juan | Fun things to do in Puerto Rico | Travel tips to know before visiting Puerto Rico | Ultimate Beach Packing List
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