What to pack for Puerto Rico in May

18 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.

UV index of 10.3 burns exposed skin in under 15 minutes.

Some islands fine you for the regular stuff.

Glare off water and sand at UV 10.3 causes eye strain and headaches.

Tropical humidity and coastal warmth bring mosquitoes that carry dengue and Zika.

Island medicine is hours away and cuts get infected in 76% humidity.

Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.

Thirteen hours of daylight drains phone batteries faster than outlets appear.

Set it up before you land. Signal drops for long stretches outside cities.

Overhead bins on regional flights are smaller than mainland routes.

Beach outings, snorkel trips, and rain mean carrying gear constantly.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.

Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 86°F.

Thirty degrees and 76 percent humidity leave sweat pooling in regular cotton within an hour.

UV hits 10.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

Caribbean waters and 13 hours of daylight mean swimming is constant.

Wet terrain and warm water require footwear that drains and won't rot.

Direct sun for 13 hours daily will damage your scalp and face.

Heat, humidity, and wind dehydrate faster than thirst signals arrive.

Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Tap water isn't safe and diarrhea hits hard in this heat.

Unfamiliar bacteria in water and food cause stomach trouble within days.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.

International travel and crowded beaches attract pickpockets and bag thieves.

Busy tourist areas mean bags get lost or stolen on ferries and boats.

Moisture and salt air wreck unpacked clothes, so organize tightly.

Eighteen rain days and water activities soak phones within hours.

Humidity breeds mildew in damp clothes, so wash every two days.

Coastal location and calm May waters make snorkeling the main activity.

Rain, boat trips, and beach gear need waterproof storage daily.

Temperatures never drop below 75°F, so long pants trap heat and moisture.

Doubles as a towel, a scarf, and a cover-up where one's expected.

Eighteen rain days soak everything, including the leather and seams on your feet.

Lips crack and blister under UV 10.3 without constant protection.

Tap water contamination spreads illness through your hands to your mouth.

Bites itch so badly you scratch them raw under constant sun.

Humidity and salt spray corrode connectors, so carry spares.

A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.

Passport gets damp in 76% humidity and salt air, so protect it.

International entry requires luggage locks to meet entry rules.

Toiletries break open in carry-on backpacks during the flight.