Here’s What to Wear in Puerto Rico (According to a Local)

👉 Jump To: What Should I Wear in Puerto Rico? | At Beach | During Winter | For Festivals | For Nightlife | For Hiking | What Not to Wear | Tips | FAQ

You’ve booked your flight, you’ve got your accommodation sorted, you’ve looked up the best activities, and now you’re probably wondering what to wear in Puerto Rico.

As a Puerto Rico local, I’ve seen too many tourists fill their Puerto Rico packing list with only beachwear and aesthetic summer dresses, which aren’t exactly the most comfortable way to explore many attractions.

To help you avoid these common mistakes, I’ve put together this guide on what to wear in Puerto Rico.

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What Should I Wear In Puerto Rico?

When dressing for a trip to Puerto Rico, the following are suggestions for what to wear: 

• Walking shoes
• T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Short sleeve shirts
• UV-protective long-sleeve shirt
• Button Up
• Denim shorts
• Cargo shorts
• Sportswear
• Jeans
• Bathing suit
• Beach cover-up
• Light rain jacket
• Casual dresses
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Sun hats and caps

Of course, what you wear depends on two things – the Puerto Rico attractions you’re visiting and what you feel comfortable in.

Puerto Rico’s weather is hot and humid, and while much of your vacation will likely be spent at the beach, beachwear isn’t suitable for every occasion.

I recommend packing casual clothing, along with a few versatile pieces you can wear to sites with modest dress codes like Puerto Rico museums and La Fortaleza.

Examples of these pieces are casual maxi dresses, jeans, blouses, button-ups, and t-shirts. Breathable fabrics and light colors work best, even if you’re heading to conventions, concerts, or business meetings.

If you’re hiking or visiting El Yunque National Forest, be sure to bring sportswear, hiking boots, comfortable walking shoes, and a sun hat.

What to Wear in Puerto Rico at the Beach

To visit Puerto Rico beaches, you’ll mostly need a bathing suit and sandals. But your beach packing list can change depending on how modestly you dress or if you’re hiking to a hidden beach. Here are some suggestions: 

• Bathing suit
• Shorts
• Sun hats and caps
• Beach cover-up
• UV protection long-sleeve shirt
• Sandals
• Water shoes

Since you’ll likely spend much of your vacation beach-hopping, a swimsuit, beach cover-up, and sandals are staples.

If you’re planning to stay at the beach all day or hike to reach it, add a long-sleeved UV shirt, a sun hat, and water shoes or sneakers.

Cover Up

What to Wear in Puerto Rico During the Winter

If winter is your preferred season to visit Puerto, you’ll experience slightly cooler temperatures, especially in the mountainous region. You should pack the following:

• Light jacket
• Long sleeve shirt
• Sneakers

Keep in mind the temperature changes aren’t as significant as in other countries, so big and thick coats aren’t necessary. Keep your wardrobe options fresh, as it will usually be above 85°F (29 °C) during the day.

That being said, the temperature does drop slightly, especially at night, so if you’re prone to feeling cold like me, it’s best to pack a jacket or a cardigan in your Puerto Rico packing list.

Light Jacket

What to Wear in Puerto Rico for Festivals

Most of Puerto Rico’s best festivals are held outdoors, so trust me, comfortable shoes and breathable clothing are the way to go. To keep cool, pack the following:

• Sneakers
• Sun hats and caps
• Denim shorts
• Cargo shorts
• UV protection long-sleeve shirt
• T-shirts
• Sportswear
• Hair ties

Regardless of the season, locals dress casually for most festivals, and you’ll find shorts, tank tops, and sportswear are the order of the day. 

Sun Hat

What to Wear for Nightlife in Puerto Rico

For night outs, casual glam is your dress code. These are some of the things you’ll need in your luggage:

• Jeans
• Blouses
• T-shirts
• Short-sleeve shirt
• Cargo pants
• Casual dresses
• Skirts
• Button ups
• Sandals

There are endless places to enjoy nightlife in Puerto Rico. If you’re visiting outdoor bars like La Placita, one of San Juan’s main attractions, then you’re best dressed in jeans and a nice shirt. Ladies usually opt for bodycon dresses or denim shorts and cropped tops. Men wear jeans with a T-shirt or a short-sleeve shirt.

For fancier clubs in Isla Verde and Old San Juan, you’ll find short dresses, button-ups, and dress pants to be more common. 

Casual Bodycon Dress

What to Wear for Going Out in Puerto Rico

Although Puerto Ricans are usually casually dressed, we mostly keep shorts for the beach. In a shopping mall, restaurant, or at the movies you can wear:    

• Jeans
• Joggers
• T-shirts
• Blouses
• Casual dresses
• Jumpsuits
• Sweatshirts
• Skirts
• Button ups

You’ll notice Puerto Ricans are casual in their style but they like to look well put together. Jeans, crop tops, short-sleeved shirts, dresses, skirts, and blouses are common outfits for concerts, restaurants, bars, and for a day out.

Jumpsuit

What to Wear for Hiking in Puerto Rico

Your wardrobe should consist of lots of sportswear if you’re exploring Puerto Rico’s best hikes. Here are some things you should pack: 

• Leggings
• Sports bra
• Hiking boots or sneakers
• UV protection long-sleeve shirt
• Tank top
• Sun hats and caps

Some of Puerto Rico’s best sites are only accessible through hiking, including nature reserves, some beaches, and forests.

While shorts work fine for most excursions, long leggings are a smart choice to protect your legs from insect bites and scratches.

If you’re visiting rainforests like Toro Negro or El Yunque, pack a light raincoat, as it’s almost guaranteed you’ll get caught in a shower.

Hiking Boots

What NOT to Wear in Puerto Rico

Regardless of the season you’re traveling, you’re still visiting a tropical island. Your Puerto Rico packing list shouldn’t include thick or heavy fabrics. 

Even during winter, the average temperature is above the eighties. Coats, scarves, and thick fabrics will be too hot and uncomfortable. 

Unless you’re going to a business convention, you should also avoid filling up your luggage with office clothes. 

As a general Puerto Rico safety tip, don’t wear jewelry, particularly expensive pieces, while clubbing or on the beach.

Tips for Dressing for Puerto Rico

Consider Your Trip Style

Although Puerto Rico is a beach destination, not every visitor is a beach lover. Depending on what you’re planning to do, you might wear more sportswear or dressier items. Instead of packing stuff for “just in case” scenarios, pack after you’ve planned your Puerto Rico itinerary. 

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Even if you’re not an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Puerto Rico, especially in Old San Juan. Anything other than closed, comfortable shoes is impractical. Keep sandals for indoors, the beach, and short walks. 

When in Doubt, Bring Sportswear

If you’re short on suitcase space, pack plenty of sportswear. In Puerto Rico, sportswear is part of daily life, so you’ll see locals wearing it at the beach, in parks and nature reserves, and even in indoor spots like the mall. Sportswear pieces are versatile and will work for multiple scenarios on your trip.

Pack Breathable Fabrics

Puerto Rico’s humid weather will make you sweat easily. Fill your suitcase with breathable and light-colored clothing pieces to stay fresh all day.

Bring the Extras

After worrying about your clothes, you should also bring other essentials like a waterproof bag, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.  

Although Puerto Rico’s tap water is safe to drink, you can also pack a filter water bottle like the GRAYL UltraPress 16.9 oz Water Purifier. You can learn more in our Puerto Rico packing list guide. 

FAQs About What to Wear in Puerto Rico

Can I wear jeans in Puerto Rico?

Travelers can wear jeans in Puerto Rico. Although the weather is humid and hot, it’s common to see both locals and visitors wearing jeans. Palazzo-style and baggy jeans are more comfortable, but many locals wear skinny or straight jeans.

What type of clothing should I wear in Puerto Rico?

Travelers should wear light and fresh clothing when visiting Puerto Rico. Lightweight shirts, jeans, sportswear, sneakers, and bathing suits are the basics of a Puerto Rico essential packing list. 

What do you wear to a night out in Puerto Rico?

For a night out in Puerto Rico, travelers can wear jeans, nice shirts, and dresses. Depending on the place or activity, visitors can dress up or down. But overall, Puerto Ricans are very casual.

Do people dress up in Puerto Rico?

People dress up in Puerto Rico depending on the occasion. Contrary to popular belief, locals limit beachwear only to beaches and pools. The average Puerto Rican outfit is casual with staples like dresses, blouses, shirts, button-ups, and jeans. Heels and accessories are used to dress up.

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Thanks for reading my guide on what to wear in Puerto Rico! Have more questions about Puerto Rico’s dress code? Drop them in the comments! Up next, check out my list of Puerto Rico travel tips.