Beaches & Islands · Best Dec–Apr
Puerto Rico packing list for families
Puerto Rico packs a rainforest, a historic old city, and glowing bays into one easy trip with no passport needed. Here is what our family brings to move between beach, jungle, and cobblestones.
Photo by Sonder Quest on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Puerto Rico
- US citizens do not need a passport, but every adult needs a valid ID to fly, and it is worth bringing kids' birth certificates or passports if you have them. Bags headed back to the mainland go through an agricultural inspection, so leave fresh fruit and plants behind.
- Old San Juan is hilly, with blue cobblestone streets. A baby carrier works much better than a stroller for little ones.
- El Yunque's main road has required timed-entry reservations in recent years. Check the current rules and book ahead, then pack rain jackets, because it is a rainforest.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Puerto Rico
This time of year
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Carry-on17
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
Clothing14
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.
Packable rain jacketKristina's pickEl Yunque gets rain most days.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Kids' trail shoesRainforest trails are muddy and slick.
Beach & pool13
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
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel mask setCulebra and Fajardo boat trips stop at clear reefs.
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones13
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
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
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 & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
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
Waterproof phone pouchFor kayaks, boat trips, and waterfall swims.
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
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Puerto Rico 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 | Drier season with sunny days, trade winds, and comfortable evenings | Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan, closing out the long holiday season Humpback whale season off the west coast near Rincón Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Drier season with sunny days, trade winds, and comfortable evenings | Humpback whale season off the west coast near Rincón Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| March | 84°F 29°C | Drier season with sunny days, trade winds, and comfortable evenings | Humpback whale season off the west coast near Rincón Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Drier season with sunny days, trade winds, and comfortable evenings | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| May | 87°F 31°C | Warmer and more humid, with more frequent showers | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Warmer and more humid, with more frequent showers | Noche de San Juan on June 23, with families walking backward into the sea for good luck Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; hurricane season underway | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; hurricane season underway | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| September | 89°F 32°C | Wettest months and peak hurricane risk | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Wettest months and peak hurricane risk | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| November | 86°F 30°C | Wettest months and peak hurricane risk | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights |
| December | 84°F 29°C | Drier season with sunny days, trade winds, and comfortable evenings | Bioluminescent bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques, brightest on dark, moonless nights Christmas season with parrandas and holiday music everywhere |
Questions families ask
Puerto Rico with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Drier season with sunny days, trade winds, and comfortable evenings
What's the weather like in Puerto Rico?
Typical daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in January to about 89°F (32°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Puerto Rico?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Puerto Rico?
None. Puerto Rico uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Puerto Rico with kids?
US citizens do not need a passport, but every adult needs a valid ID to fly, and it is worth bringing kids' birth certificates or passports if you have them. Bags headed back to the mainland go through an agricultural inspection, so leave fresh fruit and plants behind.
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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.