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Aruba is a whole vibe. And if you’re anything like me, you want to look the part while on vacation!
But choosing what to wear in Aruba is easier said than done–especially if you don’t live somewhere as hot and humid as Aruba. You’ll need to find outfits that are fashionable, practical for tropical weather, and fit easily into your carry-on.
Luckily, I’ve personally been to Aruba and took plenty of notes while putting together my packing list.
So, I’ve got the inside scoop on what actually works in a humid, tropical climate!
Also, this applies no matter when you are going to Aruba. You’re packing list won’t change based on the season because the island consistently stays between 80º-90º.
But I want to make sure you’re adequately prepared for your vacation, so here’s absolutely everything you’ll need to dress appropriately in Aruba (including a few of my favorite outfit ideas)!
A Quick Note
Before we get into what to wear for specific situations, my best advice is to dress for hot weather.
Aruba is a Caribbean island, so every time you pack something into your suitcase, consider whether it will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.
But don’t take it too far…Nudity and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere in Aruba. I mean, if you have a private house where no one can see you, by all means.
Otherwise, you should cover up and wear proper attire in all public settings. This includes not wearing only a bathing suit in churches, supermarkets, gas stations, and hotel lobbies.
I’ve also heard some people say camo is illegal in Aruba, but it’s not. Feel free to wear camo if it’s part of your personal style.
Wondering What to Wear in Aruba?
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What to Wear on the Plane: Cute, Warm, & Comfy
Planes and airports are typically cold, so I suggest wearing or packing a comfy sweatshirt or a jacket with some leggings to keep you warm as you travel to Aruba. Occasionally, I’ll opt to wear a comfortable dress instead and just bring a cute scarf in my bag in case they have the plane’s temperature set to Arctic.
Just remember that you have to pack (or wear) whatever you bring back, so don’t go too heavy or bulky- especially if you’re #teamcarryon.
Also, if you’re bringing sneakers (or bulky shoes like my Mega Crush Crocs) to Aruba, I encourage you to wear them on the plane over sandals, or slip-ons to avoid taking up space in your luggage.
Plane Outfit Ideas
I live in New Orleans (which is pretty hot and humid), so when traveling to another hot and humid city, I’ll often wear a casual and comfy dress.
But I get cold easily, so you’ll normally find a sweatshirt or denim jacket wrapped around my waist.
Although I don’t have them on in this particular picture, I love wearing slouch socks with my Crocs or tennis shoes while traveling through the airport. They’re on trend right now and they keep my feet warm on the plane.
What to Wear During the Day
The hottest part of the day can come quickly on a tropical island. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to start reaching their peak between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Therefore, you’ll want to wear a lightweight, comfortable outfit from the moment you leave the hotel.
Daytime Outfit Ideas
Although my skin may not look like it, I’m in my 40s. So being comfortable while being cute is essential.
Therefore, for a daytime outfit in Aruba, you’ll typically catch me in my swimsuit, along with some type of comfortable skirt, shorts, or dress. It’s important that I can easily go from breakfast to the beach and back to lunch without having to completely change outfits.
Light, Comfy Sundresses
Anytime I’m in a tropical destination, I always revert to wearing my lightweight sundresses!
Not only are they super stylish, but they usually don’t wrinkle during travel, and you can fold them completely flat to slide easily into your suitcase.
As a bonus, they make an excellent cover-up on a beach day!
Skirts and Shorts
One thing about a cute skirt or pair of shorts is that they can serve dual purposes—as a fashionable bottom for brunch, or you can use them as a cover-up for your swimsuit.
With the heat in Aruba, you want to make sure that all of the shorts and/or skirts you decide to pack are lightweight and short enough to provide decent airflow (if you know what I mean).
Tank Tops and Short-Sleeve Shirts
Assuming you’re packing a couple of skirts/shorts, you’ll need a top to complete the ensemble!
The last thing you want is your top sticking to you and/or showing your sweat marks–for the gals whose sweat glands work overtime, like mine. So, I like to pack more tank tops than shirts, and if I do spring a short-sleeve shirt, I would make sure that it has a looser fit around the armpits (again, think airflow 🙂)
I also saw plenty of people simply wearing their swimsuits as a top. Depending on the style of the suit and your plans for the day, this can work just fine!
2-Piece Coordinating Set
2-piece coordinating sets are a huge fashion trend right now.
You can find these matching sets in any combination: pants, skirts, or shorts. Just buy something lightweight and wear it once or twice before your trip to make sure it’s not too warm.
I also like to emphasize that just because it comes as a 2-piece set doesn’t mean that you have to always wear it as a set. The top or pants alone can match with a separate top or bottom to add a handful of new outfit options to your suitcase.
Sandals
Sandals are the most common footwear to bring to Aruba since they’re easy to pack and can be used for various activities.
Comfy sports sandals are great for hiking in Arikok National Park or walking from Palm Beach to Eagle Beach, flip-flops are great for the beach or spending time on a boat, and dressier sandals are easy to slide on for dinner in Aruba.
Beach Wear in Aruba
With such beautiful, clear, turquoise-hued water, I’m guessing you’ll spend most of your vacation by the beach or at the pool.
Thus, a quality, stylish swimsuit is the #1 must-have on your Aruba packing list.
Beach Outfit Idea
Clearly, when going to the beach, you need a swimsuit. But that’s just the beginning.
If you consider yourself a fashion girlie or simply like to spice up an outfit, what else can you add to bring that swimsuit to life? For me, that’s either my swimsuit cover-up and/or shades. It’s something about something so simple that can take your beach look to the next level.
Swimsuits. Swimsuits. And more Swimsuits
And when I say “a” swimsuit is the #1 thing to pack, I really mean one swimsuit for each full day that you’ll be in Aruba (at least that’s how I pack).
This changes if you’re spending more than a week in Aruba, but you get the point. It’s nice to bring a mix of swimsuits–some suitable for adventurous activities like snorkeling and others for getting a great tan on the beach.
Cover-ups
Wearing the right cover-up in Aruba can transform your swimwear from cute beachwear to a casual chic outfit for grabbing coffee or lunch. Because of this versatility, you may want to add more than just the traditional cover-up to your Aruba packing list.
Think kaftans, oversized shirts, lightweight dresses, skirts, pants, and rompers.
Any of these types of cover-ups can easily be styled with other pieces of clothing to create a great outfit!
Note: If you plan to repurpose a dress for both an outfit and a cover-up, be sure to use it as part of an outfit first. Doing the reverse, using the dress as a cover-up first, may cause it to get dirty with sand or sweat, making it unsuitable to wear again without washing it first.
Other Beach Accessories
Apart from clothing, you should also think through the accessories you want to have available at the beach. Here’s what I like to bring with me.
Beach Bag – It’s important to have a quality beach bag on your Aruba packing list. But again, think about getting something multifunctional. Choose a day-to-night beach bag that can be worn throughout the entire day in Aruba, no matter the destination.
Sunhats – Want to elevate your beach fashion while protecting your face from the sun? Wear a sunhat while in Aruba. I love this rollable sunhat because it’s fashionable and so easy to fit in my luggage.
Sunglasses – It’s hard to imagine going to the beach without sunglasses. But honestly, Aruba is so sunny and sandy that you’ll probably want to wear sunglasses anytime you’re outside during the day. Plus, a cute pair of sunglasses can really elevate your outfit from basic to eye-catching in a flash.
What to Wear in Aruba at Night
As the sun sets in Aruba, the temperature also drops slightly, especially if your resort is on the ocean.
With this in mind, packing a light scarf or light jacket can come in handy if you happen to get chilly while spending an evening at a beachfront restaurant or out shopping in the town.
Dinner Outfit Ideas
In all honesty, dinner outfits in Aruba don’t normally vary too much from day outfits—besides losing the swimsuit. Depending on the restaurant you’re going to, you may swap your casual sundress during the day for a nicer dress option at night—and of course, accessorize!
How to Dress for Dinner in Aruba
The great thing about most lightweight dresses or jumpsuits is that you can easily transform a day outfit into evening wear by elevating it with dressier sandals and accessories. If you insist, you can wear heels. However, if you’re going to a restaurant on the beach, it’d encourage you to go with sandals.
Like daytime, nighttime in Aruba is usually casual. Just remember to be island chic and wear something lightweight and comfy.
However, Aruba does have some great fine-dining restaurants. If you plan to dine at one of those restaurants, casual elegance is the name of the game. Think of a nice flowing dress or romper that’s well-accessorized to make a statement.
I should also note that most of these fancier restaurants are by the beach, so choose sandals over heels!
Must-Have Toiletries in Aruba
To stay comfortable, here are a few must-have toiletries you’ll be glad you packed for your trip to Aruba!
Bug Spray: It might seem odd that I’m leading off with bug spray, but the mosquitoes in Caribbean countries are on a different level. Most sprays with neem or DEET work exceptionally well. However, this is an excellent DEET-free option.
Sunscreen: If you forget everything else, don’t forget sunscreen—Aruba’s sun doesn’t play around. You’ll want to reapply often because it’s working overtime all day.
Aloe Gel: In case you end up missing a spot with sunscreen and get burned, aloe gel will be your best friend to calm and soothe any sunburn as it heals.
Baby Powder: Yes, you read that correctly. Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, add baby power to your Aruba packing list. It helps get sand off your skin easier than any other method I’ve tried.
Facial Wipes: The Aruba sun and heat can be intense. Facial and body wipes come in handy for times when you need to freshen up while out and about–like if a beach day turns into lunch at a cute restaurant. Personally, I’ll use these facial wipes for both my face and my body while traveling.
Other Essential Items
Traveling to Aruba is similar to traveling within the United States or Western Europe. There are pharmacies, grocery stores, and shops throughout the tourist areas.
So, if you forgot to pack something (or initially didn’t bring it), you can purchase it easily in Aruba.
Prescription Drugs
When it comes to prescription drugs, make sure that you have full refills of all of the medication you need.
You can get basic over-the-counter medication for the common cold or other symptoms, but since Aruba is not a U.S. country or territory, doctors will not honor prescriptions.
In the same way, U.S. Health Insurance is not honored in Aruba.
So, make sure you purchase travel insurance. I use Safetywing, which covers all travel in Aruba and, after a ton of research, is the best value for me and my family.
Learn more about my Favorite Travel Insurance.
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Waterproof Bag + Waterproof Phone Case
It’s impossible to come to Aruba and not somehow get in the water. The ocean is stunning—so clear that you can literally see the marine life from the boat.
Whether taking a catamaran tour, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach, a waterproof bag is a great way to keep your belongings safe and dry.
Also, if you’re planning on snorkeling or underwater experiences in Aruba, I highly recommend packing a waterproof phone case so you can take pictures underwater without worrying about your phone getting water damage.
This waterproof case lets you safely dive up to 98 feet deep for up to 30 minutes!
Power Bank
A power bank is a non-negotiable for me. If you’re taking pictures all day, using maps to navigate from one spot to the next, and listening to music on the beach, your battery will go fast. Plus, it’s so sunny in Aruba that you’ll need your brightness cranked all the way up.
The last thing you want is to lose power while in a foreign country, especially if you’re traveling solo as a female.
This is my favorite power bank. It’s small, powerful, and perfect for travel.
Stable Tripod
If you want to capture some of your fun in the sun, a tripod is so helpful. But you will likely be shooting on the sand, and it can get quite windy in Aruba. So, you’ll need a relatively stable tripod.
I’ve tested this small and stable tripod myself in the sand, and it’s the truth!
Do you need an Adapter?
If you’re staying at a hotel, the likelihood that you’ll need an adapter is low. Just message your hotel before you leave for your trip and ask what outlets they use.
We stayed at the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel and didn’t need an adapter for our U.S. phone and electronics.
What Not to Wear in Aruba
The only thing that’s prohibited is wearing nothing. So, as long as you’re clothed, you can have at it!
That said, with the Aruba sun being as strong as it is and the weather relatively hot all year long, it’s wise to keep heavy clothing off your Aruba packing list.
Avoid packing:
- Jean pants
- Long sweatpants
- Heavy jackets
- Non-breathable material, like Polyester, Denim, or Nylon
Seasons In Aruba
Aruba has a warm, tropical climate year-round, so there’s very little difference in temperature throughout the year. No matter when you visit, you can expect temperatures to range from 77–88°F (25–31°C)
The island is also outside the hurricane belt, so although hurricane season in the Caribbean starts in June and ends at the end of November, it’s very unlikely to get a direct hit. Instead, it will just experience some of the secondary effects of a hurricane, like increased rain and wind.
Dry Season (January – April)
The dry season in Aruba has the lowest chance of precipitation and the lowest levels of humidity throughout the year–February is the least rainy and humid of all.
Although the humidity and general temperatures are lowest during this season, it will still feel hot and humid if you’re from a cooler climate in the U.S. or Canada.
So, you’ll still want to wear lightweight, breathable material.
As you’d expect, this is also peak travel season, so expect higher prices on hotels and rental cars and more crowds at the most famous attractions in Aruba.
Summer in Aruba (May – August)
Aruba gets a little hotter and more humid in the summer months.
Rain is still rare, the ocean temperatures are warm for swimming, and the island’s constant trade winds help keep the heat manageable–it’s actually very refreshing! It didn’t rain at all during our May visit to Aruba. In fact, the weather was pretty pleasant, although it got pretty sunny during the day.
The downside of these windy months is that there’s a higher chance of choppy water, so it’s not uncommon for boat excursions to get canceled. Lucky for us, that didn’t happen. We were able to go on a snorkeling catamaran while in Aruba.
Wet Season (September – December)
When you think of the wet season, I bet you’re imagining torrential rainfall every day.
That’s not the case in Aruba.
Rainfall in Aruba is rare and occurs in small bursts. The island averages 18 inches per year, and almost all of it falls between September and December. I’ve been to Aruba in both November and December. And it did rain, pretty hard, but for only a few minutes.
This is also the hottest and most humid time of the year. But you’ll already be bringing lightweight, breathable clothes, so it won’t really affect how you pack. If you’d like to be extra prepared, you can simply add a quality and packable rain poncho.
Complete Aruba Packing List (1 Week)
As women, we tend to overpack for everything. Luckily, for a beach trip, most of the items we wear are on the smaller side and easier to pack.
Here is my suggested packing list for spending a week in Aruba
- Clothing & Shoes
- 3 lightweight dresses
- 3 pairs of shorts/skirts
- 5-7 tank tops/short-sleeve shirts
- A cute scarf or light jacket for cooler nights
- Undergarments
- Active sandals/sneakers for activities
- Beach Wear
- 5-6 swimsuits (a mix of functional and sexy)
- 3 non-traditional cover-ups (i.e., Kafton or oversized shirt that can be worn with an outfit)
- Day to Night Beach Bag
- Rollable Sun Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof Bag
- Flip Flops/Pool Sandals
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Baby Powder
- DEET-free Insect Repellent
- Facial Wipes
- Natural Deodorant for sensitive skin
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Makeup & Remover
- Shaving Supplies
- Lotion
- Face Cleaning Supplies
- Electronics
- Phone + Charger
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Compact Battery Pack
- Bluetooth Headphones
- Small, Waterproof, Bluetooth Speaker
- Small & Stable Tripod
Conclusion: What to Wear in Aruba
Aruba is one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken, and we packed everything we needed into just our carry-ons!
Following this packing list guarantees you everything you need and know exactly what to wear in Aruba!
Above all, just make sure you bring lightweight clothing that can easily transform from day to night. There were a handful of nights where I was so glad my outfit was versatile enough to go straight to dinner because it would’ve been a big hassle to taxi back to Boardwalk Boutique Hotel just to change.
Also, if you’re traveling to Aruba with kids, this list of beach essentials for toddlers and babies is extremely helpful!
I hope you feel more prepared to pack for your trip! If you’ve already started building your itinerary, check out this list of the most unique things to do in Aruba so you don’t miss anything!
