Linen & Luggage
Beaches & Islands · Best Nov–May

Punta Mita packing list for families

Punta Mita is a relaxed, resort-style beach trip with surfing, snorkeling, and whales in season. Packing a few water extras and the right layers for each season keeps every day easy.

Aerial view of a seaside town on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit coast

Photo by Emmanuel Appiah on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Punta Mita

  1. Punta Mita is an easy beach trip with kids, with gentle beaches and beginner surf breaks nearby. A surf lesson is one of the things kids talk about most afterward.
  2. Winter brings humpback whales into Banderas Bay, and a morning boat trip is worth planning around. Pack a light layer and motion sickness help.
  3. Summer and early fall are hot, humid, and rainy, with more mosquitoes in the evening. Pack repellent and plan outdoor time for mornings.
Best timeNov–May
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyMexican peso (US dollars accepted at many resorts)
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Punta Mita

This time of year

    Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.

    Carry-on8

    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

    Clothing5

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person
    Light windbreakerFor whale-watching boats and breezy winter nights.

    Shoes2

    Sandals
    Water shoesSome entries and tide pools are rocky.

    Beach & pool9

    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 setOur pickClear water around rocky points and island trips.

    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 & toiletries5

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Bug spray
    Hanging toiletry bag
    Insect repellentEvening mosquitoes are common in the rainy season.

    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

    Punta Mita weather and what's happening

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

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January80°F 27°CDry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.Humpback whales calve and breach in Banderas Bay. Consistent, gentle surf for first lessons.
    February80°F 27°CDry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.Humpback whales calve and breach in Banderas Bay. Consistent, gentle surf for first lessons.
    March81°F 27°CDry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.Humpback whales calve and breach in Banderas Bay. Consistent, gentle surf for first lessons. Spring break and Easter weeks are the busiest.
    April83°F 28°CDry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.Consistent, gentle surf for first lessons. Spring break and Easter weeks are the busiest.
    May86°F 30°CDry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.
    June89°F 32°CRainy season: hot and humid, with tropical storms possible, often at night.
    July90°F 32°CRainy season: hot and humid, with tropical storms possible, often at night.Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast.
    August91°F 33°CRainy season: hot and humid, with tropical storms possible, often at night.Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast.
    September90°F 32°CRainy season: hot and humid, with tropical storms possible, often at night.Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast.
    October89°F 32°CRainy season: hot and humid, with tropical storms possible, often at night.Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast.
    November86°F 30°CRains end and the landscape is still green.Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast. Consistent, gentle surf for first lessons.
    December82°F 28°CDry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.Humpback whales calve and breach in Banderas Bay. Sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases along the coast. Consistent, gentle surf for first lessons.
    Questions families ask

    Punta Mita with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Punta Mita with kids?

    The best time is Nov–May. Dry season: sunny, low humidity, and comfortable evenings.

    What's the weather like in Punta Mita?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 80°F (27°C) in January to about 91°F (33°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Punta Mita?

    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 Punta Mita?

    None. Punta Mita uses the same plugs as the US.

    What's your top tip for Punta Mita with kids?

    Punta Mita is an easy beach trip with kids, with gentle beaches and beginner surf breaks nearby. A surf lesson is one of the things kids talk about most afterward.

    The packing edit, in your inbox

    New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.

    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.

    0 items in your travel bag
    Add all to Amazon cart