Wondering what to wear in Roatan? You’ve come to the right place! I spent one week there between February and March, and have done extensive research into the usual weather forecast for the island. This women’s packing list for Roatan will help you with everything you need to know before your trip!
Roatan has a very chilled out vibe. I saw women in everything you would expect at a hot destination; shorts, casual dresses, boho pants. Casual is what people seem to go for in Roatan, but I also saw women dressed a touch dressier for special nights.
A Women’s Packing List For Roatan
Roatan is one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, and the largest one. It is located in the Western Caribbean, off the Northern coast of mainland Honduras. This long, thin island is located between smaller Bay Islands Utila and Guanaja, and runs along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest Reef in the world.
Being a tropical climate, you can expect the weather to be typically hot and humid, however the island does cool down enough that you may need a long sleeve shirt and long pants during the winter months.
Average Weather Forecast In Roatan
With the climate tropical, there are two seasons, wet and dry. Just because you visit during dry season doesn’t mean you won’t see rain though; rain can pop up unexpectedly, but it never lasts too long and you can continue about your day.
Rainy season is from September to January. During rainy season the rain is heavy and the winds can get pretty strong. The heaviest rain is typically in November and December, while the biggest storms are usually in January.
The average weather during rainy season ranges from 82°F / 28°C to 87°F / 30°C.
Dry season is from February to August. During dry season you can still expect some random rainfall, but it finishes quickly. The temperatures from February to April are hot and humid, and the island is lush and colorful. The green of the jungle against the turquoise blue water is stupidly pretty! Come summer the island gets quite hot and the plants get a little parched.
The average weather during dry season ranges from 84°F / 29°C to 88°F / 31°C, with a hearty dose of humidity.
When Should You Visit Roatan
This all depends on what you’re looking for out of a visit to Roatan. Most people flock to the island for the incredible scuba diving, while others just want a beach and some delicious food. If you’re looking for hot weather and water to cool down in, then dry season is best.
I visited in the end of February and first bit of March. The weather was hot and humid, but enjoyable. I loved cooling down in the warm water and I never got cold while spending hours learning to dive.
During summertime the weather in Roatan does get sweltering, so beware of that before planning a trip to a tropical destination middle of summer.
The coldest months of the year are during winter, so November to January. A visit during this time would be when you should add a long sleeve and pants to your luggage.
Personally I think I went during the best time, which would be spring time; when the weather is hot but not unbearable, from February to April or May.
What To Wear – Packing List For Roatan
Now that we’ve established that the island is a hot, humid place, what should we add to this packing list for Roatan?
For me personally, I’m not a huge fan of shorts so I stuck mostly to wearing dresses and the occasional pair of boho pants, but most people around me were wearing casual shorts. I also like to plan ahead for humid countries by making sure to pack bug repellant, deodorant, and sunscreen.
Let’s base this off of a 7 day trip to Roatan. You can always pay to get your laundry done if staying longer, but this packing list for Roatan will cover the basics for one full week. Also, I sweat during the day, so I like to have a few clean shirt options for going out in the evening.
Clothing & Accessory Items
- 5 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of leggings or joggers for the plane or cooler months
- 1 pair of Boho/palazzo pants for the cooler months
- 2 dresses
- 3 casual tank tops or t-shirts
- 2 “nicer” tops
- 2 casual t-shirts
- 2 bathing suits
- 9 pairs of underwear (I always bring an extra 2 just in case)
- 3 pairs of socks
- Sleepwear
- A few options for bras or bralettes, based upon the tops you bring.
- 2 kimonos to alternate between to help save your shoulders from sunburn
- Alternately, a long sleeved top for cooler months
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Optional jewelery
- Flip flops or sandals
Extras To Pack
Roatan has a few markets and grocery stores, not to mention pharmacies to grab anything you may need, but it comes at a cost due to everything being brought onto the island. It’s cheaper if you can bring your own.
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellant
- Deodorant
- Tooth brush
- Tooth paste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving supplies
- Moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
- Tylenol
- Ask your accommodation if you need to bring beach towels
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Lip balm with SPF
- Ear plugs (you can expect to hear roosters or dogs barking)
- Any makeup and makeup remover you will use
- A foldable rain jacket depending on the time of year you go
Gear For Your Packing List For Roatan
- Cameras
- Chargers
- Any electronics if you need to work
- iPad for e-books
- Headphones
Now that you know what you need to add to your packing list for Roatan, I hope you enjoy your visit to this Caribbean island!
