Linen & Luggage
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.

A fishing boat moored in clear turquoise water off Anguilla

Photo by Steve Adams on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Anguilla

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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-on9

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur 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 card game setEvenings are quiet and relaxed.

    Clothing4

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person

    Shoes1

    Sandals

    Beach & pool10

    Swimsuits2 per person
    UPF rash guardsOur pick
    Mineral sunscreen
    Wide-brim sun hats
    Swim diapers
    Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
    Lightweight beach tote
    Goggles
    Kids' snorkel mask setOur 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 ones4

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup

    Health & toiletries4

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Bug spray
    Hanging toiletry bag

    Documents & tech2

    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    The outfit edit

    Island whites

    White, sand, sea glass, coral

    For the grown-ups

    • Linen shirt or linen set
    • A white cover-up dress
    • Leather slides for dinner

    For the kids

    • Seersucker or linen shorts
    • Matching-print swimsuits
    • Soft cotton sundress

    For photos

    • Everyone in white and one pop of coral
    • Shoot at golden hour on the sand
    Month by month

    Anguilla weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January82°F 28°CDry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side waterHoliday weeks, when resorts are at their busiest and most festive
    February82°F 28°CDry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water
    March83°F 28°CDry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side waterMoonsplash music festival at the Dune Preserve, timed to the March full moon
    April84°F 29°CDry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side water
    May85°F 29°CWarm and mostly dry, with quieter beaches and shoulder pricingAnguilla Day boat racing at the end of May
    June87°F 31°CWarm and mostly dry, with quieter beaches and shoulder pricing
    July87°F 31°CHot with passing showers; hurricane season begins
    August88°F 31°CHot with passing showers; hurricane season beginsAnguilla Summer Festival, with boat races and music in early August
    September88°F 31°CPeak hurricane risk; several resorts close for part of the fall
    October87°F 31°CPeak hurricane risk; several resorts close for part of the fall
    November85°F 29°CPeak hurricane risk; several resorts close for part of the fall
    December83°F 28°CDry season with sunny days, steady breezes, and calm Caribbean-side waterHoliday 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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    Want the whole trip handled?

    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.

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