Documents and money
Start with the things you can't replace at a pharmacy. Our travel requirements guide has the current entry rules for US and Canadian travelers.
- Passport valid for your whole stay, plus a photo of it on your phone.
- Proof of your tourist permit (FMM) or entry stamp; you may need it on departure.
- A credit card without foreign transaction fees and a debit card for ATMs.
- Some pesos in small bills for tips, taxis and taquerías. See [tipping and currency](/cabo-guide/tipping-and-currency-cabo/).
- Travel insurance details, especially from August to October.
- Driver's license if you plan to rent a car.
Sun protection: what to pack for Cabo all year
Cabo sits just south of the Tropic of Cancer and the sun is strong even in winter. Pack more protection than you think you need:
- Mineral (reef-safe) sunscreen. Protected areas such as Cabo Pulmo ask for it, and it's better for the reefs everywhere.
- A long-sleeve rash guard or sun shirt for snorkeling and boat days.
- A wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses (polarized helps you spot whales and fish).
- Lip balm with SPF and after-sun lotion.
- A refillable water bottle.
Clothes by season
Winter (December to February): days are warm, but lows can drop to the high 50s °F and boat rides back after sunset are chilly. Bring a light sweater or fleece, a windbreaker, long pants and closed shoes for evenings. The sea is cooler, so a thin wetsuit top helps if you snorkel a lot.
Spring (March to May): dry and warm, with pleasant evenings. One light layer is enough. Summer and early fall (June to October): hot and humid at times, with highs in the 90s °F. Pack breathable linen and cotton, extra swimwear because things take longer to dry, and insect repellent for the evenings. See Cabo weather by month for the details.
Dress codes: restaurants and clubs
Cabo is casual in the day, but the nicer places have expectations at night. Cliff-top and resort restaurants such as Sunset Monalisa are smart casual: no beachwear or flip-flops. Some clubs, such as Mandala downtown, turn away caps, swimwear, flip-flops and tank tops. Pack one outfit per person that works for a nice dinner: collared shirt and long trousers or smart shorts for men, a sundress or similar for women, and shoes other than sandals. Our nightlife guide covers the clubs.
Beach and boat gear
A few things make beach and boat days easier:
- Two or three swimsuits.
- Water shoes if you plan rocky coves or Lover's Beach landings.
- A small dry bag for phones and cash on boats and water taxis.
- Seasickness tablets, taken before a fishing or whale trip if you're prone.
- Your own snorkel mask if you care about fit; tours supply gear.
- A light cover-up for walking from the beach into shops and restaurants.
Packing for kids and babies
Kids burn fast in Cabo. Pack UV swimsuits with sleeves, hats with neck flaps, and a small bottle of mineral sunscreen for every beach bag. Puddle jumpers or other approved flotation help at the pool, and water shoes help on rocky beaches. Diapers, formula and baby food are sold in the supermarkets, though your favorite brand may not be, so bring enough for the first few days. Our guide to Cabo with a baby or toddler goes into detail.
Packing for active days
If you're planning more than beach days, add the right gear. Sportfishing and whale trips start early and can be cold and wet on deck in winter: a windproof layer and a cap that won't blow off help. ATV and desert tours are dusty, so bring sunglasses or goggles, a bandana and closed shoes. Golfers can rent clubs at most courses, but bring your own glove and shoes. Hikers need proper shoes and more water than seems reasonable.
Health and small essentials
Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging, with enough for a few extra days. Pack a basic kit: rehydration salts, stomach remedies, band-aids and allergy tablets. Pharmacies in Cabo are easy to find for basics. Mexico uses the same flat-pin plugs as the US and Canada, so North American travelers usually don't need an adapter; UK and European visitors do.
What you can leave at home
You don't need to pack groceries, beach toys or a full pharmacy; Cabo has supermarkets and a Walmart Supercenter near Médano (see grocery shopping near Médano Beach). Leave drones unless you've checked local rules, since many beach and protected areas restrict them. Skip the heavy formalwear; smart casual covers almost everything.
If you stay at Villa 1, you can also leave behind towels, pool towels, a hair dryer and slippers, which are provided, and plan on laundry: the villa has a washer and dryer, so a week's trip needs a few days of clothes, not seven. Families can check our family villa rental page for what else to ask us about before you pack.
