Socotra, Yemen: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Socotra, Yemen? If you're planning to go to Socotra, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Socotra
- Important essentials for Socotra
- Activities for Socotra
- Socotra in January: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in February: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in March: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in April: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in May: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in June: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in July: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in August: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in September: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in October: weather and what to pack
- Socotra in November: weather and what to pack
- Socotra 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 Socotra, Yemen
Based on the climate and weather in Socotra, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Socotra, Yemen
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Socotra, 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
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
(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
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
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).
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, D and G. This one should be appropriate for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Socotra. 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
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Socotra, Yemen by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Socotra very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
February
If you are traveling to Socotra in February, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
March
If you are traveling to Socotra in March, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
April
April for Socotra dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
If you're going to the beach
May
May in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to keep you cool:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and offer UV protection.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Bug repellent
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Skirts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
June
If you go to Socotra in June, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and include UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
-
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
July
July is a scorcher. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered for cooling:
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and offer UV protection.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
August in Socotra is scorchingly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to keep you cool:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
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 can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
September
Traveling to Socotra in September, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Skirts
-
Light linen shorts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and can provide UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
October
October very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
November
Traveling to Socotra in November, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
December
Traveling to Socotra in December, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Paju, South Korea, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, Texas, United States of America, Miches, Dominican Republic, Wau, South Sudan, Pyhäjärvi, Finland, Padang Besar, Thailand, Vilvoorde, Belgium, Colts Neck, New Jersey, United States of America, Cramlington, England, United Kingdom, Göhren, Germany, and Eiheiji, Japan.