Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
Anguilla packing list for families
Anguilla is all about long beach days and calm water, with very little to do after dark. Here is how our family packs for slow, sandy days and a boat trip or two.
Photo by Steve Adams on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Anguilla
- Many families arrive through St. Maarten and take a short ferry or charter boat across. Keep swimsuits and sunscreen in the carry-on so the beach can start the minute you land.
- Anguilla is spread out and taxis add up, so I plan beach days around our hotel and save one or two days for a boat trip to Sandy Island or Prickly Pear.
- This is a quiet island with very little nightlife, which is exactly why it works so well with young kids. Pack books, card games, and a few small toys for slow evenings.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyEastern Caribbean dollar (US dollars widely used)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Anguilla
This time of year
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Travel card game setEvenings are quiet and relaxed.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Shoes3
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool15
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel mask setKristina's pickReefs off Shoal Bay and Little Bay are easy for beginners.
Sand-free beach blanketMany beaches have no loungers unless you are at a resort or beach bar.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech16
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
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.
Month by month
Anguilla 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 | 82°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water | Holiday weeks, when resorts are at their busiest and most festive |
| February | 82°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water | |
| March | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water | Moonsplash music festival at the Dune Preserve, timed to the March full moon |
| April | 84°F 29°C | Dry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water | |
| May | 85°F 29°C | Warm and mostly dry, with quieter beaches and shoulder pricing | Anguilla Day boat racing at the end of May |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Warm and mostly dry, with quieter beaches and shoulder pricing | |
| July | 87°F 31°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season begins | |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Hot with passing showers; hurricane season begins | Anguilla Summer Festival, with boat races and music in early August |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk; several resorts close for part of the fall | |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Peak hurricane risk; several resorts close for part of the fall | |
| November | 85°F 29°C | Peak hurricane risk; several resorts close for part of the fall | |
| December | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water | Holiday weeks, when resorts are at their busiest and most festive |
Questions families ask
Anguilla with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Anguilla with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water
What's the weather like in Anguilla?
Typical daytime highs range from about 82°F (28°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Anguilla?
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 Anguilla?
None. Anguilla uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Anguilla with kids?
Many families arrive through St. Maarten and take a short ferry or charter boat across. Keep swimsuits and sunscreen in the carry-on so the beach can start the minute you land.
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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.