What to Pack for Mexico

CDMX - Dry Season (Nov-April): Warm days 20-25°C, cool nights 10-15°C. Clear skies most days.

CDMX - Rainy Season (May-Oct): Afternoon and evening showers, sunny mornings. Similar temperature but more humid.

Tuxtla: Hot year-round (28-35°C). Humid especially during rains (May-October).

San Cristóbal: Cold (12-18°C). Nights below 10°C in winter. It is the coldest area of your itinerary.

Palenque: Hot and humid (28-32°C). The jungle requires different preparation.

Mexico has such distinct microclimates in a single trip that the layering system is essential:

• Light base — short-sleeve shirts and light pants for Tuxtla and CDMX in summer
• Mid layer — sweatshirt or light jacket for Mexico City evenings and San Cristóbal
• Outer layer — lightweight foldable raincoat. Afternoon rains in CDMX and Chiapas are frequent

For San Cristóbal specifically: bring real warm clothing. Tourists who underestimate the Chiapas cold have a rough time.

Footwear determines whether you enjoy the trip or suffer through it.

For Mexico City: Comfortable waterproof shoes or good drainage. Wet cobblestones are slippery. Grip trainers for museums and long walks.

For Chiapas and nature: Grip trainers with ankle protection (no sandals in snake-prone areas). Trekking shoes ideal if visiting Palenque, Bonampak or cenotes.

General rule: Do not wear sandals in rural areas or jungle. Fine in CDMX, but not recommended outside the city.

Passport: Minimum 6 months validity. Photocopy separate from the original (in hotel safe, not in luggage).

Travel Insurance: Save the contact number on your phone AND on paper. It is your resource in emergencies.

Debit or Credit Card: Preferably with chip. Notify your bank you are traveling to Mexico.

Cash in Pesos: Bring some from the airport. ATMs are abundant in Mexico City but less so in rural Chiapas.

Emergency reserve: Keep bills separately, in a different place from your main wallet.

Plug Adapter: Not needed. Mexico uses American type A/B plugs, same as the USA.

Powerbank: Mandatory. Tourist days will drain your battery quickly.

eSIM or Local SIM: Buy a Telcel or AT&T SIM at the airport. They are affordable and work well. If using eSIM, activate before traveling.

Essential apps: Google Maps offline (download CDMX and Chiapas), Uber, Google Translate with Spanish downloaded.

This is what tourists unnecessarily bring and end up with heavy luggage:

• Full-size shampoo and gel — Mexican pharmacies have everything cheaper
• Heavy first aid kit — Pharmacies have everything, including on-duty doctors
• Foreign currency — Mexican pesos only; exchange at airport or bank
• Clothes for multiple seasons — Keep luggage light; you can wash if needed
• Large towel — Hotels provide them; if camping bring a compact microfiber one