Santa Cruz, Ecuador: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Santa Cruz, Ecuador? If you're planning to go to Santa Cruz, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Santa Cruz
- Important essentials for Santa Cruz
- Activities for Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz in January: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in February: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in March: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in April: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in May: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in June: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in July: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in August: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in September: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in October: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in November: weather and what to pack
- Santa Cruz in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Based on the climate and weather in Santa Cruz, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Santa Cruz, Ecuador
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Santa Cruz, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Santa Cruz. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Santa Cruz, Ecuador by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Santa Cruz during January, you might notice that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
February
If you are traveling to Santa Cruz in February, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
March
March in Santa Cruz can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
April
April in this region can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
May in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
June
If you visit Santa Cruz during June, you may notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you go to Santa Cruz in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
August
If you are traveling to Santa Cruz in August, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
September
If you vacation in Santa Cruz during September, you may see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
October
October is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
November
If you visit Santa Cruz during November, you may find that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
December
If you vacation in Santa Cruz during December, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
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