Ultimate Packing List for Cabo: 40 Things You Need in Your Suitcase
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Not sure what to pack for Cabo?
This article will help you out! I’ve been to Cabo many times, and have made my fair share of packing mistakes, and in this article, I will share them with you.
Cabo is a beach town along the southern tip of Baja California, that boasts over 300 days of sunshine ☀️ water activities 🤿 and a big party scene 🎉 It’s one of those destinations where you can go hiking or boating by day and enjoy a lavish party scene by night. That’s why having the right clothing is so important.
While shorts and flip-flops are a common attire in Cabo by day, by night the city transforms into a popular nightlife destination with neon lights and loud music. Many people wear fancy outfits at rooftop bars, nightclubs, and fancy restaurants along the water.
What to wear in Cabo
If you plan to spend a day outside, wear casual clothing like t-shirts, beach dresses, and shorts, but if you are going out for dinner or to a nightclub, put on more fancy clothing. Although Cabo is a relaxed town, some restaurants and lounges have a more formal dress code.
What to pack for Cabo depending on the season
Cabo San Lucas has a an arid, desert climate, which affects your packing in several ways depending on the season. While the area rarely gets cold, it can get chilly in winter, so if you plan to visit Cabo from December through March, you should pack some layers. Having a hoodie or jacket is a good idea if you plan to take a food tour of Cabo, go for a hike, or ride an ATV along the coast of Baja.
What weather to expect in Cabo:
Dry season – November to April:
During the dry winter season, Cabo has comfortable temperatures ranging from 60°F (16°C) at night to 80°F (27°C) during the day. These months have little to no rain and are ideal for outdoor activities. But it’s also not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 60’s at night, so the best thing to do is to pack layers.
Wet season – June to October:
The wet season also known as the low season in Cabo, has hotter, more humid weather, with daytime temperatures often reaching 90°F (32°C) or higher. Fewer visitors come to Cabo during this time because of higher chances of rain and tropical rainstorms.
Cabo Packing List: 40 Items you can’t leave without
Beach clubs in Cabo
If you want to one of Cabo’s beach clubs, you will need to pack all the beach essentials that will help you enjoy your time.
1. Sunscreen
You can’t go to Cabo without sunscreen. I recommend buying reef-safe sunscreen 🪸 to protect you from the harmful sun and also save marine animals from the chemicals that regular sunscreens usually contain. Coral bleaching has become a big issue in many warm countries that are grappling with the effects of climate change, and chemicals in sunscreens are a big factor that makes it worse.
2. A hat
You NEED to put a hat 👒 in your suitcase when packing for Cabo! The sun in Baja Sur can be brutal, so you will need to bring a hat to protect your face from the sunburn. Pack a wide-brimmed hat that will protect your shoulders, if you plan to spend a couple of hours at the beach.
3. An anti-theft bag
Although not the most obvious item to bring, an anti-theft bag could come in handy, if you want to visit busy areas like bars and beach clubs and where pickpockets like to hang out. An anti-theft bag 👜 is less noticeable and will help you minimize the chance of theft if someone tries to steal your belongings, becayse it’s more difficult to open.
4. Swimsuits
Cabo is all about the beach, so you should have at least a few swimsuits 🩱 in your bag if you want to go to beach clubs, have a lazy beach day, and enjoy water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.
Bring a one-piece swimsuit for water activities that will feel comfortable, and a one-piece swimsuit for a lazy day at the beach.
5. Swimsuit cover
A swimsuit cover is an excellent idea if you want to spend time in Cabo beach clubs or enjoy a day at the pool. Every time you need to walk around, you can wrap a swimsuit cover around, without having to put on your shorts.
A NIGHT OUT IN CABO
6. A casual maxi dress
A maxi dress 👗 is the perfect attire for a beach party or brunch when you need more coverage. You can pair a maxi dress with a denim jacket and a hat to give it a more polished look.
7. A dress for a night out
One thing that you need to pack for your trip to Cabo is a fancy dress 💃🏽 that you can wear at upscale restaurants or nightclubs. Cabo is known for its fancy nightlife scene, and you don’t want to be underdressed when you arrive.
8. A pair of jeans and a cute top
If you’re going for a casual night, a pair of light jeans 👖or shorts 🩳 with a dressy top 👚works well.
9. A small purse (clutch)
A small purse 👛 is a necessary accessory for a fancy dinner at a restaurant or a night out with your friends. They are usually pretty small and don’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase.
10. Fancy shoes
Wedges 👡 or dressy flats 🥿 are great, as they’re comfortable yet stylish and will help you look the part. Avoid stilettos because of the cobblestone streets in some areas like downtown San Jose Del Cabo.
11. Light jewelry
A few pieces of jewelry like earrings or necklace will complete your outfit
OUTDOOR ACTIVITEIS IN CABO
12. Shorts
Casual shorts are a staple of your Cabo packing list. You can wear them at the beach, on tours, and during outdoor activities like whale watching, zip-lining, and boating. Pack several pairs of comfortable casual shorts for your trip to Cabo, depending on how many days you plan to spend in town.
13. T-shirts
You will need at least a few T-shirts for your trip. Most of the days are sunny in Cabo, and you can pair your t-shirts with shorts when you are out and about, whether it’s grabbing coffee, joining a guided tour, or going for breakfast.
14. Sandals
A pair of comfortable sandals is a must in Cabo. This destination is all about adventure, so you will likely spend some time outdoors, and the last thing you want is to wear uncomfortable shoes, which will give you blisters and ruin your entire experience. I recommend Chacos, my favorite shoes that you can wear anywhere and still look fashionable.
15. Hiking pants
Hiking pants might not be necessary for everyone, but if you plan to explore hiking trails near Cabo and get off the beaten path, they are a good thing to have.
16. Hiking shoes
You will need good hiking shoes are perfect for exploring Cabo’s desert terrain away from resorts. Whether you want to hit the trails or zip-line, having proper footwear will protect your feet and reduce chances of slipping.
17. Layers
Winters have the coolest temperatures in Cabo, with an average high of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which still might feel warm, especially if you come to Cabo to escape the cold winter elsewhere.
However, when the sun goes down, it will quickly start to feel chilly, and by night temps can drop into 50’s. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring layers, so you can throw something over a T-shirt.
18. A jacket
Bringing a jacket is not a bad idea if you travel to Cabo in winter when there can be a big difference in temperatures between the day and night. A jacket will keep you nice and cozy and allow you to enjoy outdoor activities if you book your tour early.
19. Water bottle
You will need a stainless steel bottle to keep your water cool. You can’t drink water in Cabo San Lucas, and if you are staying in a resort, you can likely get filtered water for free, so having your water bottle is a good idea.
20. Hair tie
Cabo gets windy! The area has stronger winds in winter, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Winds are more noticeable along the Pacific coast, where they can feel cooler, especially after sunset. It can also get windy on many rooftops and areas with higher elevations, so definitely bring a hair tie.
21. Packing cubes
Packing cubes will help you to keep your suitcase organized. Instead of dealing with a hot mess in your suitcase, you should keep everything organized, so you can easily find your dresses, t-shirts, and other items without ruining what you’ve been packing for hours at home.
ELECTRONICS:
22. Go Pro
Make sure to bring your GoPro to Cabo, especially if you plan to enjoy outdoor adventures like snorkeling, diving, whale watching, or kayaking. A GoPro is a perfect tool to capture some of the most memorable parts of your trip without carrying a heavy camera.
23. Power bank (portable)
A power bank is a good thing for those who plan on taking road trips from Cabo and spending time in nature. Use your power bank to keep your phone and other devices charged, so you can always access offline maps and other files on your phone while you are away from your hotel.
24. A Kindle
Instead of carrying books around, bring a Kindle where you can download everything that you need. A Kindle is lightweight and easily fits in your purse or backpack.
BEACH DAY IN CABO:
25. Rash guard
A rash guard is a piece of clothing made from UV-protective fabric (often labeled as UPF 50+), which helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn. Take a rash guard if you want to surf, snorkel, or kayak in Cabo to protect your skin from harmful sun rays.
26. Flip flops
Flip flops are the best footwear around the beach and pool.
27. Sunglasses
The sun in Cabo can be intense, and high-quality sunglasses with UV protection help shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. The sunlight reflecting off the ocean, sand, and surrounding surfaces can create harsh glare. Polarized sunglasses help minimize this glare and save you from squinting.
28. Beach bag
A beach bag will fit your towel, sunscreen, kindle, and other beach staples, so you don’t have to carry it in your hands.
29. A beach dress
A beach dress is a necessity in Cabo because you will likely spend some time on one of Cabo’s beaches. While not all Cabo beaches are swimmable due to dangerous currents and huge waves, you can always just relax at the beach and enjoy the scenery.
30. Waterproof bag
Take a waterproof bag, if you plan to spend time on the water. This bag will keep your belongings safe from the water.
FIRST AID KIT
31. Bandaids
Bandaids come in handy if you cut yourself by accident or get a blister from walking too much.
32. Hand lotion
A hand lotion is a great thing to pack because Cabo has a desert climate and it’s not uncommon for your hands to feel dry.
33. Sea sickness pills
If you are prone to seasickness, take some medication. It will help you have a better experience on a sailing or whale-watching tour in Cabo.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A DAY AT THE GYM IN CABO
34. Workout top
A workout top will work well, for those who plan to keep their active lifestyle while vacationing in Cabo.
35. Leggings
Leggings are perfect for pilates or yoga in Cabo.
36. Workout shorts
A good alternative to leggings, workout shorts are perfect for exercising on a hot sunny day, when leggings could feel too hot.
37. Gym shoes
Working out might not be the most popular activity, as everyone wants to hit the beach and enjoy Mexican food, but for those who plan to exercise while on vacation, a pair of comfortable gym shoes is a necessity.
TOILETRIES:
38. Moisturizer
A good moisturizer will help to minimize the effect of the harsh sun on your skin
39. Lip balm with SPF
A lip balm with SPF is a good way to avoid cracked lips on your trip to Cabo. This happens to me all the time, because of the dry climate.
40. Insect repellent
Always carry an insect repellent with you, especially if you want to explore the backcountry.
Cabo packing list for a week:
Your packing list for a week should include basic things like layers, shorts and comfortable footwear, beach essentials, and more glamorous outfits like dresses, stilettos, and jewelry.
Cabo packing list: FAQ’s
What to wear in Cabo at night?
If you want to go out in Cabo, you’ll want to balance comfort with a touch of style. Cabo has a laid-back yet chic vibe, especially at night, whether you’re going out to dinner, bars, or beach clubs. Put on a casual maxi dress, and pair it with elegant shoes and accessories for a more fancy look.
What do locals wear in Cabo?
Cabo locals usually wear simple but practical outfits like shorts, t-shirts, and hoodies when the weather is cooler.
Should I bring cash or a card to Cabo?
Bring both cash and cards for your trip to Cabo. Most businesses in Cabo accept credit cards, but paying in cash can help you get better prices.
What to pack for a trip to Cabo?
Pack a mix of casual and elegant clothes for your trip to Cabo. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities in Cabo, don’t forget to pack comfortable clothing like hiking shoes, pants, and layers.
Cabo packing list: final word
Packing for Cabo requires planning for the sunny days, warm beaches, and relaxed yet stylish vibe of the town. Pack clothes made of linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking materials to stay cool in the warm weather. If you plan to visit Cabo in winter, don’t forget to bring some layers as temperatures can be more breezy at night.
