Mexico packing list for families
Mexico can be an easy beach week or a mix of beaches and colonial cities. The coasts are hot almost all year, while Mexico City, Oaxaca, and San Miguel sit high in the mountains and cool off fast at night, so pick your stops and the list adjusts.
Photo by Jan Bachor on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Mexico
- The Caribbean coast (Cancún, Riviera Maya, Tulum) and the Pacific coast (Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita) are a flight apart. For a first trip with kids, I pick one coast and add a city only if it's a short hop.
- Mexico City, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende are all over 5,000 feet. Days are sunny and warm, but mornings and evenings are cool, so pack a sweater and long pants even when the beach part of your trip is hot.
- Many cenotes and eco-parks ask for biodegradable sunscreen or none at all, and the sun is strong everywhere. I pack mineral sunscreen and UPF swim shirts so kids need less of it.
Where to go in Mexico
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
Beaches & IslandsCancún
Turquoise water, easy flights, and big family resorts.
Beaches & IslandsRiviera Maya
Easy flights, cenotes, and all-inclusive ease.
Beaches & IslandsTulum
Clifftop Maya ruins, cenotes, and a jungle beach road.
Beaches & IslandsLos Cabos
Desert meets sea: whales, resort pools, and swimmable coves.
Beaches & IslandsPuerto Vallarta
Banderas Bay whales, a seaside Malecón, and jungle hills.
Beaches & IslandsPunta Mita
Calm bay beaches, surf lessons, and humpback season.
Latin AmericaMexico City
World-class museums, parks, food, and colorful neighborhoods.
Latin AmericaOaxaca
Colorful markets, ancient ruins, and Mexico's best food festivals.
Latin AmericaSan Miguel de Allende
Cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and rooftop sunsets.
Mexico
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Clothing14
Shoes4
Beach & pool13
Little ones12
Little things20
Health & toiletries21
Documents & tech17
Family basics14
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Mexico weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83°F 28°C | Dry, sunny, and the most comfortable stretch on both coasts | Whale watching on the Pacific coast in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta |
| February | 84°F 29°C | Dry, sunny, and the most comfortable stretch on both coasts | Whale watching on the Pacific coast in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta |
| March | 86°F 30°C | Dry, sunny, and the most comfortable stretch on both coasts | Whale watching on the Pacific coast in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta Spring break and Semana Santa, the busiest weeks to book |
| April | 88°F 31°C | Dry, sunny, and the most comfortable stretch on both coasts | Spring break and Semana Santa, the busiest weeks to book |
| May | 90°F 32°C | Hot and humid, with seaweed possible on the Caribbean side | |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid, with seaweed possible on the Caribbean side | |
| July | 91°F 33°C | Rainy season, with short afternoon storms and hurricane risk | Sea turtle hatching season along the Riviera Maya |
| August | 91°F 33°C | Rainy season, with short afternoon storms and hurricane risk | Sea turtle hatching season along the Riviera Maya |
| September | 90°F 32°C | Rainy season, with short afternoon storms and hurricane risk | Sea turtle hatching season along the Riviera Maya |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Rainy season, with short afternoon storms and hurricane risk | Día de Muertos celebrations, especially in Oaxaca and Mexico City Sea turtle hatching season along the Riviera Maya |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Rains ending, warm and quieter before the holidays | Día de Muertos celebrations, especially in Oaxaca and Mexico City |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Dry, sunny, and the most comfortable stretch on both coasts | Whale watching on the Pacific coast in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta |
Mexico with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Mexico with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry, sunny, and the most comfortable stretch on both coasts
What's the weather like in Mexico?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 91°F (33°C) in June. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Mexico?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Mexico?
None. US plugs, no adapter needed.
What's your top tip for Mexico with kids?
The Caribbean coast (Cancún, Riviera Maya, Tulum) and the Pacific coast (Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita) are a flight apart. For a first trip with kids, I pick one coast and add a city only if it's a short hop.
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Beaches & IslandsCuraçao
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Beaches & IslandsFrench Riviera
Nice, Cannes, and Monaco on one glittering coast.
Kristina's edits for this trip
Hand-picked collections to shop alongside this list, so you're not hunting for each piece.
Travel Essentials
The small things that make every trip run smoother.
Shop the edit 5 picksLuggage
The bags I'd actually buy for a family trip.
Shop the edit 7 picksThe Luxury Travel Edit
What I'd pack for a five-star stay.
Shop the editShopping through these links may earn Linen & Luggage a small commission at no extra cost to you. How that works.
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.