December Packing List for Cartagena — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Linen shirtsEssential

  Essential for managing high humidity in Cartagena's Walled City when temperatures reach 85°F.

• Cotton sundressesEssential

  Perfect for navigating the humid streets of Cartagena during warm December afternoons around 85°F.

• Lightweight shortsEssential

  Ideal for exploring San Felipe de Barajas Castle, where stone heat retention makes it feel hotter than the 85°F average.

• SwimwearEssential

  Essential for trips to Playa Blanca where intense sun exposure is constant despite only 3 precipitation days in December.

• Walking sandalsEssential

  Necessary for navigating the uneven cobblestone streets of the Walled City in the 85°F warmth.

• Flip-flopsEssential

  A must-have for the sandy shores of Playa Blanca where temperatures stay around 85°F.

• Wide-brimmed hatEssential

  Provides much-needed shade at Playa Blanca where sun exposure is intense despite only 3 rainy days.

• Polarized sunglassesEssential

  Protect your eyes from the bright tropical glare while walking through Cartagena's sunny streets in 85°F heat.

• Small crossbody bagEssential

  Keeps your belongings secure and hands-free while exploring the Walled City's humid streets in 85°F weather.

• High-SPF SunscreenEssential

  Essential for Playa Blanca where intense sun exposure is common despite only 3 precipitation days in December.

• Reusable water bottleEssential

  Crucial for staying hydrated at San Felipe de Barajas Castle during the 85°F afternoon heat.

Clothing

• Linen shirtsEssential

  Essential for managing high humidity in Cartagena's Walled City when temperatures reach 85°F.

• Cotton sundressesEssential

  Perfect for navigating the humid streets of Cartagena during warm December afternoons around 85°F.

• Lightweight shortsEssential

  Ideal for exploring San Felipe de Barajas Castle, where stone heat retention makes it feel hotter than the 85°F average.

• Breathable trousersRecommended

  Great for evening strolls in Cartagena when temperatures dip to a comfortable 75°F.

• SwimwearEssential

  Essential for trips to Playa Blanca where intense sun exposure is constant despite only 3 precipitation days in December.

Footwear

• Walking sandalsEssential

  Necessary for navigating the uneven cobblestone streets of the Walled City in the 85°F warmth.

• Canvas sneakersRecommended

  Great for long excursions around San Felipe de Barajas Castle when afternoon temperatures hit 85°F.

• Flip-flopsEssential

  A must-have for the sandy shores of Playa Blanca where temperatures stay around 85°F.

• Lightweight loafersOptional

  Perfect for evening dining in Cartagena's colonial district when it cools to 75°F.

Accessories

• Wide-brimmed hatEssential

  Provides much-needed shade at Playa Blanca where sun exposure is intense despite only 3 rainy days.

• Polarized sunglassesEssential

  Protect your eyes from the bright tropical glare while walking through Cartagena's sunny streets in 85°F heat.

• Lightweight scarfRecommended

  Useful for breezy evenings when temperatures dip to a comfortable 75°F in Cartagena.

• Small crossbody bagEssential

  Keeps your belongings secure and hands-free while exploring the Walled City's humid streets in 85°F weather.

Gear

• High-SPF SunscreenEssential

  Essential for Playa Blanca where intense sun exposure is common despite only 3 precipitation days in December.

• Reusable water bottleEssential

  Crucial for staying hydrated at San Felipe de Barajas Castle during the 85°F afternoon heat.

• Lightweight umbrellaRecommended

  Useful for sudden tropical downpours, even though December only averages 3 precipitation days.

• Cooling mist sprayOptional

  Helps combat the high humidity in Cartagena's Walled City during warm 85°F afternoons.