Packing for hot summer travel requires more than shorts and a T-shirt. Take it from me, a native Floridian who’s been dressing for heat and humidity my entire life. I also spent years working at sea aboard cruise ships, following steamy summer seasons from Sydney to Florence to Fiji. After many seasons dressing for the equatorial zone, I’ve picked up a few rules to live by for all-day comfort that work long into warm nights.
The biggest mistake I see sun-chasing travelers make is thinking less is best. On the contrary: Wearing skin-exposing garments will quickly have you feeling sweaty, sunburned, and sapped of energy. That’s why you’ll want to pack some lightweight, light-colored, and breathable fabrics that dry quickly—plus, a few accessories that can cool you down on-the-go.
This packing guide is meant to take you from dawn to dusk in the heat, without sacrificing comfort or style. Keep scrolling for our guide to packing for hot and humid destinations this summer and beyond.
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Neutral mix-and-match shirts
A basic tee or tank top is the ultimate warm-weather top. Sleeved shirts protect our shoulders from the sun, but can often accentuate underarm sweat. To work against this, wear light colors like white, cream, or ecru which are better at hiding sweat (gray is the worst). Light-toned colors reflect light (and thus heat) and won’t feel as hot on the body when in direct sun, like a black shirt. Whether you prefer sleeves or sleeveless, lightweight tees and tanks take up little space in your suitcase, making it easy to roll them up and pack four or five of one color to use throughout the trip—no need to stop and do laundry.
Lightweight linen
Linen is an all-natural fabric made of flax fibers spun into yarn. Compared to other fabrics, linen tends to have an open weave, which makes it breathable and fantastic for hot weather—think Provence in the summer. Though linen absorbs moisture, it dries quickly. A hot-weather wardrobe should have several linen staples, from button-down shirts to loose pants and lightweight dresses. You can’t go wrong with matching linen sets, which look effortlessly pulled together.
Anti-chafing, moisture-wicking undergarments
Comfort begins with the garments closest to our skin. Underwear can make a big difference in staying comfortable on long days spent walking around hot cities. Look for styles with ventilation zones, mesh panels, and quick-drying fabrics like modal, a textile made from beech tree pulp that is more breathable and quick-drying than cotton. If your trip involves a lot of walking, you’ll want to prevent chafing. Wear underwear styles such as briefs or boy shorts which hug the thigh and aren ’t as prone to riding up as you walk.
The breezy short
It’s a no-brainer to pack shorts for a hot destination, but keep in mind the most comfortable short won’t be skin-tight. A looser style of shorts will feel more comfortable because it won’t trap heat to the body, rub and create friction, or prevent sweat from evaporating; look for styles that leave some space around your leg.
Soft silk staples
Silk is a great fiber for hot days. It feels feather-light on the skin, is breathable and body temperature regulating, and dries very quickly. Because of silk’s elegant feel and look, it’s a great choice to take you from day adventures to a nice dinner reservation. I love how you can wear a silk slip dress with white sneakers for an effortless day-look, and change the entire outfit with a simple shoe change into heels. Today’s washable silks make traveling with the fabric easier and more hassle-free than it used to be. Just be sure your hotel has an in-room steamer, or you pack a small portable steamer to get a wrinkle-free look.
The one-and-done dress
Dresses are among the most comfortable warm-weather garments. They allow air to flow around the legs and don’t constrict you at the waist. Silk, linen, lightweight cotton, viscose, and lyocell are great fabrics for summer dresses. Design features like leg slits offer extra breathability and airflow, and better maneuverability if you’re walking and climbing stairs. Bonus points always go to dresses with pockets.
Blister-free sandals
If you’re walking all day on hot pavement, you’ll want sandals with a good, thick sole and a snug heel strap. Slides and mules that flip and flop as you walk create extra points of friction on your foot—a recipe for blisters. Thin-soled sandals will feel hot against the baking pavement; plus, a thin sole won’t offer much cushion or support for all-day walking. Adjustable straps on sandals will come in handy as your feet swell with heat. Steer clear of sandals made with a suede or leather footbed, as these materials don’t react well with sweat and moisture and can start to smell. If you’re headed to the beach, a sandal that can be rinsed off and dried quickly will keep your feet sand-free and comfortable the rest of the day.
Comfortable sneakers and slip-ons
Sometimes a sandal just won’t cut it and you have to wear a closed-toe shoe. Whether you’re trekking through a Costa Rican rainforest or just looking for extra walking support for a full day at Disney, the right walking shoe is a core part of any packing list. For your warm-weather travels, pack woven footwear or sneakers made with mesh to help your feet breathe. A white sneaker is the choice color here for reflecting light and heat, but it’s also a neutral shoe for pairing with many outfits. Comfortable footwear is different for everyone, so the best tip for ensuring blister-free travel is to never go on a trip with a new pair of shoes—always test your walking footwear for a few days to ensure it won’t rub in the wrong places.
Barely there sleepwear
Staying cool doesn’t stop after the sun goes down. Some European hotels don’t have air conditioning, so dressing properly at night is just as important as it is during the day. For a restful night’s sleep no matter the temp, look for sleep sets made of silk or modal, which wick away moisture so that you don’t wake up in a damp sweat.
Quick-drying swimwear
Chances are you too won’t be far from a hotel pool or cooling ocean waters if temperatures are high. This means you’ll want clothing that goes from water to land with ease. Look for quick-dry bathing suits, like the Thalia True Tone one piece, which retains less water than traditional counterparts and dries three times faster. The Rivage swim dress is also a stylish solution. If your bathing suit or dress needs more lining, use waterproof nipple covers, designed to stay in place and not absorb moisture. Layer with beach cover-ups that are crocheted or widely woven to allow the bathing suit to continue to dry—cooling you down.
Cooling accessories
When the days are hot and the air is stagnant, a splash of cool water on the face or a slight breeze from a portable fan can bring a lot of relief. I like to carry a small, lightweight summer scarf or bandana in my bag to dampen with water (public water fountains are common in Europe’s squares). I roll it up and tie it around my neck as a makeshift cooling necktie. The evaporation of the water provides cooling relief and feels absolutely indulgent on a summer day in Florence. A silk scarf can also be wrapped around your head—à la Audrey Hepburn or Sophia Loren—and shoulders to protect skin from direct sun. This look doubles as an easy hack to handle frizzy humid hair. Additionally, keep a small fan in your bag if you want to enjoy sidewalk dining in comfort. The collapsible one below doubles as a portable battery bank—a traveler’s best friend.
Open-weave hats
When our head gets hot, our brain gets hot —which can lead to disorientation and exhaustion. If you’re going to be out in the sun, a hat keeps direct rays off your head and face. More than just keeping you cool, a hat protects your skin from sun damage. Look for open-weave styles that won’t trap heat next to your head and allow air to circulate. Crochet and woven straw hats are great for hot climates, while a wider brim will protect your shoulders from getting hot.
Small, compact day bags
Choosing the right day bag makes a difference in your comfort. Pack light when exploring all day in the heat. Opt for the smallest bag that holds only your essentials. A backpack can trap heat against your back and you’ll quickly find your shirt soaked. The bag should have space for a water bottle, since staying hydrated is vital to staying comfortable in the heat—you’ll be sweating more, so you’ll need to drink more.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
