Dressing for Success & Safety During Your Visit
The weather on Isla Mujeres is pleasant year-round, averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit with calm winds. This stable, mild climate makes it relatively easy to choose the proper attire for your visit. In general, you’ll want to bring comfortable, lightweight clothing for your stay. Be sure to pack several different pairs of shoes, including footwear appropriate for the beach, for walking, and for any other planned activities or events.
Temperatures can vary somewhat from season to season. If you’re visiting from November to February, keep in mind that nighttime temperatures can fall into the 60s and might warrant something a little warmer, especially if you’ve been out in the sun all day and gotten accustomed to the heat.
When you’re relaxing at the beach or by the pool at your hotel, you’ll want to don comfortable beach attire or swimwear. Many visitors wear a hat to prevent sunburn and to keep cool during the hottest period of the day.
When you’re walking around town, keep in mind that Mexico is more conservative than the United States or Europe. The locals are likely to wear more formal attire when they’re not on the beach. For example, adult men do not wear shorts in public, and women are much more likely to wear skirts or dresses than shorts or slacks.
As a general rule, locals will dress more modestly. You won’t find many Mexican women wearing tank tops, short shorts, and spaghetti straps away from the beach or pool. While these ‘rules’ are not binding for tourists, keep in mind that you will draw more attention to yourself if you’re dressed differently.
In the evening, especially at nicer establishments, you’ll definitely want to dress up a bit. If you go out for a nice dinner in shorts, a T-shirt, and flip flops, you may be refused service in some venues. For men, it’s appropriate to wear slacks, loafers, and a collared shirt. For ladies, a skirt or slacks, blouse, and dressier sandals would certainly be acceptable.
Of course, the specific style of dress depends on the particular venue or activity. If you’re going to a beach party, dress accordingly. Just keep in mind that by following these general apparel guidelines, you’ll be more likely to fit in better with the locals.