What to Pack for Los Cabos: Your Complete Packing List
If there's one thing I've learned from multiple trips to Los Cabos across different seasons — as both a traveler and a travel advisor — it's that packing for Baja is both easier and trickier than people expect. I've been there in the peak heat of summer and in the cool, crystal-clear days of February, and those two trips required almost entirely different bags.
A week in Cabo might include lounging on beautiful beaches, sailing on a private catamaran for whale watching during humpback season, hiking around the Baja California Sur peninsula, snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, and dressing up for upscale dinners along the tourist corridor — all requiring wildly different attire.
This packing list is built on what I've actually used, tested, and wished I had brought. It covers everything you need to stay comfortable no matter what season you're visiting or how you're spending your time in Cabo.
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What to Expect from Los Cabos Weather
Before we get into the list, let's talk about what you're actually packing for. Los Cabos sits at the very southern tip of the Baja California peninsula — where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez — and the weather here is one of the best arguments for the destination. That said, the time of year matters more than people realize.
Summer & Early Fall (June–October) — This is high heat season, and it's no joke. Temperatures regularly hit the high 90s°F and can climb above 100°F, with significant humidity as you move through August and September. This is also technically hurricane season on the southern Baja California peninsula — storms are infrequent but possible. Pack accordingly: lightweight fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and a lot of it.
Winter & Spring (November–May) — This is the best time to visit Los Cabos for most travelers. Temperatures are warm and sunny, hovering in the low-to-mid 80s°F during the day with noticeably colder temperatures at night — especially December through February, when evenings in the 60s are common. Pack a light jacket for dinners and evening events. The winter months and summer months feel like completely different destinations, which is worth knowing before you start building your list.
One more thing worth calling out: the water temperature. The Pacific side (Cabo San Lucas) is considerably rougher and cooler than the Sea of Cortez side (San José del Cabo). If you're planning to swim, snorkel, or get on a private catamaran, this affects what you'll want to bring.
The Non-Negotiables (Bring These No Matter What)
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
This is the single most important thing you will pack. Full stop.
Mexico has banned non-reef-safe sunscreens in many protected marine areas, and the enforcement is real. Beyond the legal aspect, the Sea of Cortez and the marine ecosystem around Los Cabos are spectacular — this is the kind of place you show up to protect, not damage. A reef-safe sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 is ideal - bring more than you think you need. You will use it. I like Badger and Blue Lizard for full days outdoors and minimal white cast.
A Good-Quality Rash Guard or Sun Shirt
The sun in Los Cabos is intense, and the best sun protection you can wear is fabric. A lightweight rash guard is essential for boat days, water activities, snorkeling, and even just long beach days when you don't want to reapply sunscreen every 45 minutes. Look for something UPF 50+ rated. I personally wear mine more than I wear a regular swimsuit coverup in Cabo. Your dermatologist will love you for this.
A Waterproof Phone Pouch
Between boat trips, pool days, and the occasional water taxi, your phone will be near water often. A waterproof phone pouch is a small investment that protects an expensive device. Throw it in your bag before you leave — you'll use it. For snorkeling, I love the Booé pouch that can be worn as a fanny pack.
Refillable Water Bottle
The heat in Cabo is deceptive. You will be thirstier than you realize, especially if you're doing any water activities or outdoor exploration. Bring a good insulated water bottle and refill it. I've been a fan of the Owala FreeSip for travel — it keeps drinks cold and is easy to drink from one-handed. Tap water is not safe to drink in Los Cabos, so you'll be filling up from filtered sources at your hotel or bottled water.
What to Pack for Los Cabos: Clothing
Here's how I think about packing clothing for a Cabo trip: everything should be lightweight, mix-and-match, and able to go from the beach to a nice dinner with minimal effort. Leave anything heavy or structured at home.
Swimwear
You will likely be in or near the water every single day, but unlike in tropical destinations - I have found that swim wear dries especially fast here. Two to three swimsuit options is a good baseline — and if you're planning any boat days or water activities, a one-piece or bikini with a rash guard is the smarter move over a string bikini.
Beach Cover-Ups & Tank Tops
Lightweight tank tops, linen tops, and beach cover-ups are the workhorses of a Cabo packing list. They go over your swimsuit, work for lunch, and can be dressed up slightly for casual beachside dinners. Think: 3–4 options that all work together.
Comfortable T-Shirts & Linen Shirts
For days spent exploring, doing water activities, or taking a day trip up toward Todos Santos, comfortable t-shirts and breathable linen shirts are your best friends. Avoid anything that traps heat.
Maxi Dress or Casual Dress Options
Los Cabos has a real range of vibe depending on where you're eating and what you're doing. A maxi dress checks almost every box: it's comfortable in the heat, works for nicer restaurants, and transitions easily from day to evening. Bring two.
Long Pants — One Pair
I know it feels counterintuitive to pack long pants for a warm destination, but one pair of lightweight long pants earns its place in your bag. You'll want them for cooler evenings in winter months, for travel days, and for any air-conditioned restaurants that go hard on the AC.
A Light Sweater or Layer
If you're visiting between November and April, don't underestimate how cold Los Cabos evenings get. A lightweight cardigan or a packable layer is worth the space, especially for dinners, resort evenings, or late nights on a boat. The temperature change from afternoon to evening can be a big swing. I found myself reaching for warmer options than I anticipated while visiting in February.
Casual Outfits for Evenings
The dress code in Los Cabos is generally resort casual — think neat, put-together, but nothing stuffy. Nice sandals and a sundress or a casual button-down covers most of what you'll encounter. If you're planning on visiting higher-end spots look ahead to confirm they do not have a strict dress code and plan accordingly.
Shoes: What to Actually Bring
This is where I see people overpack most consistently on warm-destination trips. You do not need five pairs of shoes.
A pair of comfortable walking shoes or comfortable sandals — For days spent exploring, or walking around San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.
Nicer sandals or dress shoes — For evenings out, nicer dinners, or any event. A clean pair of sandals handles this for most people. Ladies, stick to wedges and block heels if you must. Stilettos and the cobblestone streets are not a match made in heaven.
Flip-flops or slides — For the beach, pool, and anywhere you don't want to be in real shoes. I love Birkenstock EVAs because they can double as a casual sandal beyond the pool.
Three pairs maximum. You won't use more.
Gear & Accessories
Tote Bag
A lightweight, packable tote bag earns its place on every Cabo trip. It's your beach bag, your day bag, and your shopping bag when you want to wander the galleries and markets in San José del Cabo. Get one that can get sandy and wet without drama. This is also great for grocery shopping trips.
Packing Cubes
If you're not using packing cubes yet, a week in Cabo will convert you. Being able to pull out your swimwear cube instead of digging through your whole bag on the way to an early morning boat excursion is worth it.
Portable Charger / Power Bank
You're going to be taking a lot of photos. The views around the Sea of Cortez, the arch at Land's End, whale watching season — your phone battery will not survive on its own. A fully charged power bank is peace of mind, especially on boat days when you're away from outlets for hours.
Dry Bag
If you're doing any water activities — snorkeling, a private catamaran excursion, kayaking, paddleboarding — a dry bag is one of the most useful things you can pack. Keeps your phone, cash, towels, and cards safe when things get splashy. If you just plan to use this for your phone, wallet and room keys you can stick to the small side. If you want to fit resort towel, you’ll need a bigger bag like this one.
Motion Sickness Remedies
Worth calling out if you're prone to motion sickness, the boat excursions can be rough, particularly on the Pacific side. The water around Cabo San Lucas is notoriously choppy. Come prepared with Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or whatever works for you — and take it before you get on the boat, not after.
Toiletries & Health
Nothing wildly Cabo-specific here beyond a few important notes:
Reef-safe sunscreen — Already said it, saying it again. Pack more than you think you need.
Lip balm with SPF — The sun and wind in Los Cabos will absolutely destroy your lips without it.
After-sun lotion or aloe vera — You will probably catch some sun on day one. Be prepared.
Motion sickness remedies — See above. Don't skip this if you're doing boat trips.
Prescription medication — Bring more than you need. While Los Cabos has good medical facilities for a resort destination, and there are Farmacias on every corner, not all prescription meds are available. And, over the counter medications may not be 1:1 to what you're used to taking at home.
Miscellaneous
Travel insurance — As a travel advisor, I always recommend travel insurance for international trips. Medical care in Mexico is good but navigating it without coverage adds stress you don't need.
Mexican pesos — Many smaller vendors, taxis, and local restaurants prefer or only accept cash. Get some pesos before you go or at the ATM upon arrival.
A note on cash: Most places will accept USD, but will are going to give you change back in pesos - I highly recommend having small bills on hand ($1, $5, & $10's) to make this easier. They are great for tipping (porters, shuttle drivers, waitstaff, etc) and when shopping at local markets.
What NOT to Pack for Los Cabos
Heavy fabrics or anything that doesn't breathe — With exception of a warm layer for evenings in the winter months
Excessive shoes — Three pairs max, truly
Non-reef-safe sunscreen — Leave it at home
A full makeup bag — The heat will fight you. Pare it down to the essentials.
Formal wear — Los Cabos is resort casual at its dressiest.
Tap water assumptions — Tap water is not potable. Bring your reusable bottle and use it with filtered or bottled water.
A Few Final Tips
Check conditions before your boat day, not just your arrival day. The ocean can be glassy and calm, or it can be rough — especially on the Pacific side. Weather and wave conditions vary, and if whale watching or a catamaran excursion is on your list, keep an eye on conditions in the days leading up to it.
Leave room in your bag for coming home. Los Cabos has beautiful local shopping — handmade goods in San José del Cabo's art district, local hot sauce, tequila, linen shirts you'll wear forever. Pack with a little extra space or bring a packable tote.
Winter months and summer months are different experiences. I've visited in both, and if you have flexibility in when you go, the winter months (November through April) are the sweet spot — warm but not brutal, calm seas, no hurricane risk, and perfect evenings for outdoor dining.
Take the Guesswork Out of Packing
If you're the type of person who stress-packs at midnight and always forgets something important — first of all, same — I made something for you. My free Smart Packing List Template is a Google Sheets-based packing list you can customize for any trip. It's completely free, lives in your Google Drive, and is endlessly reusable. Grab it here and show up to Cabo with everything you actually need.
More Los Cabos Travel Guides
If you found this helpful, here are a few more resources to help you plan your trip:
FAQs
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Mexico uses the same Type A and Type B outlets as the United States and Canada — the standard two or three-prong plugs. If you're traveling from the US, you don't need an adapter. Just make sure any dual-voltage devices (like a hair dryer or curling iron) are rated for 127V, which is Mexico's standard voltage — slightly lower than the US 120V but compatible with most modern electronics.
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No. Tap water is not safe to drink in Los Cabos — this applies to brushing your teeth too, if your stomach is sensitive. Most resorts have filtered water - check with your accommodations to confirm. If not, your hotel will likely provide bottled water and all restaurants use purified water for drinking and ice. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it from filtered sources at your hotel.
Grocery stores and bodegas are ample if you need to pick up bottled water for your room. -
Yes — bring some. While most hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses accept credit cards, smaller vendors, taco stands, local markets, and tipping all run on cash. Mexican pesos are preferred but often times US dollars are also accepted. You’ll get a better exchange rate at local spots using pesos.
ATMs are widely available in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, or you can exchange before you leave.
Don’t exchange at the airport, they generally offer the worst rates. -
Absolutely yes. A wide-brimmed hat is one of the most useful things in your bag for Los Cabos — it protects your face, neck, and shoulders from the intense Baja sun on beach days, boat trips, and any time you're outdoors. Pack one that won't get crushed, or grab one when you arrive.
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I always recommend bringing your own if you already have a set.
If you don’t, rentals are widely available through most tour operators.
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A rash guard or sun-shirt, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for your phone and wallet, towel, motion sickness remedies (take them before you board, not after), a light layer for the ride back, and your reusable water bottle. Snacks if you're going on a longer trip. Leave anything you're not willing to get wet on shore.
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Whale season in Los Cabos runs December through April. This is when humpback and grey whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the North Pacific down to the warm, protected waters of the Sea of Cortez to breed and calve. If whale watching is on your list, plan your trip accordingly.
Need Help Planning Your Los Cabos Trip?
One more thing worth mentioning before you go: travel insurance is not optional for an international trip, and I say that as someone who has seen a missed connection turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare. As a travel advisor, I help my clients sort out everything from booking hotels and building itineraries to making sure they have the right coverage before they leave. If you want someone in your corner handling the details — or just want a second set of eyes on your Cabo plans — reach out here and let's make it happen.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
