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Having the winter blues? Are you tired of overcoats, heavy layers, and being cooped up indoors? Then a sunny getaway must be in your future. Look no further than San Miguel de Allende’s “eternal spring” weather to wash your blues away.
What to Pack for San Miguel de Allende
Table Of Contents
Located in Central Mexico with a temperate climate, interesting art scene, and historic architecture, San Miguel de Allende is a favorite among retirees and expats looking for a low-key and charming existence.
The historic centre remains much as it was over 250 years ago, with no fast food restaurant or large chain stores. It is an UNESCO world heritage site, with people coming to see the quaint colorful buildings, gothic church and winding cobblestone streets.
If these are things you seek then the following tips can help in planning what to wear in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Pinstriped Linen-Blend Cargo Pants
Weather
San Miguel de Allende admirers boast about the city’s weather, and its lovely year-round temperatures. With winter averages around 60°F.
Although it may become hot in the summer, the overall dry climate makes the heat easier to tolerate. In fact, surprisingly, the wetter months are from June-September, with little rain the rest of the year.
November to April are the most popular months to travel to the city, as travelers are rewarded with mostly sunny and clear days.
Madewell Denim Jacket also available in Plus Size
This makes packing light simple. No bulky clothes are needed, just add a few pieces to layer on at night. A neutral cardigan and denim jacket are versatile options for layering. Also, keep a cotton button down in your daypack to add to your outfit as needed.
You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Breezy Basics Tie-Front Jumpsuit
Culture
The colonial city has an overall relaxed atmosphere, with an interesting mix of people. San Miguel serves as a haven for retirees, a destination for budding artists, and is still a Mexican city at its core. The area hosts an abundance of outdoor festivals, concerts, and parades. Come prepared for these outdoor activities with a stylish hat, sunscreen, and a small umbrella if you are traveling during the summer.
Victoria Fedora Sun Hat UPF 50+
Although it is in Mexico, this is not a beach town. You don’t want to find yourself underdressed when visiting art galleries or having a night out at a local restaurant. When thinking about your San Miguel de Allende packing list, plan for casual city chic.
Khloe Espadrille Flat | Shop on Amazon or Nordstrom
Shoes
Since the city was never intended for cars, San Miguel is best seen on foot. Narrow alleys and cobblestone streets make walking a little difficult without the proper footwear.
Upena Flat Sandal | Shop on Amazon or Nordstrom
Opt for light comfortable walking sandals with sturdy soles and ankle straps to easily navigate the inclines and descents. Slip-on canvas sneakers or flat espadrilles can also keep you stylish while traversing the historic city.
Here’s are the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
Activities
San Miguel is a cultural city, and most of your activities will center on the historic city center. Exploring charming shops, visiting art galleries and museums, and admiring architecture can fill up your days. A casual day dress or romper are a must when planning what to wear in San Miguel de Allende. They can be nice enough for a relaxed dinner at one of the area’s renowned restaurants. Tailored shorts can also make a daytime look more sophisticated than the usual denim.
Just add a light cardigan and patterned scarf to keep the night chill at bay. Shirt dresses are a favorite staple of mine for city destinations. They are easy to layer, the sleeves can be adjusted, and its collar feels a little more polished and pulled together.
Denim is another great option. Look for jeans in a darker wash, which can easily transition into night.
Accessories
Leave space for shopping. It’s always important not to over pack, but especially in a city home to so many remarkable local and foreign artists. You will need the extra space to bring home your scores.
Historically, San Miguel was set up as an art colony and continues to attract artists from all over Mexico and abroad. Their wares and art can be seen and purchased throughout the city, but a good place to find an authentic souvenir bargain is the ‘Mercado de Artesanias’ which translates to Artisan Market. Here you’ll find a whole host of handicrafts make from glass, wood, wool and silver.
A nice sized leather or canvas shoulder bag can serve as your purse while shopping and discovering the city. If you love to shop, flat pack a tote to assist in bringing your home your new souvenirs.
The secret to packing light is to use packing cubes to help you maximize your space in your suitcase.
Compass Rose Travel Packing Cubes
How to Organize Travel Clothing
One way to organize your travel wardrobe is by using packing cubes. The Compass Rose packing cubes have a numbering and color system so it’s easy to identify where everything is! The video below demonstrates this.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
Mexico has just about every type of accommodation you could ever desire. All-inclusive resorts, family hotels, private villas, volunteer housing, Airbnb casas, and hostels throughout the country.
As Mexico is becoming an even more popular option for tourists, eco-villas and eco-resorts are steadily growing.
Read these Airbnb tips for more info!
If you prefer the convenience and comfort of a hotel room, try using Agoda and Hotels. Tip: Hotels.com gives you a free night for every ten nights you book!
For hostels, Travel Fashion Girl recommend Hostelworld and Hostelbookers. Always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea if the hostel is right for you. Some are quiet and family friendly while others are known for their party atmosphere.
Are hostels safe? Here are our tips for women staying in hostels!
Share your tips on things to pack for San Miguel de Allende in the comments!
For more Mexico packing tips, please read:
- What to Wear in Mexico Year-Round
- What to Wear in Tulum
- What to Pack for Isla Holbox
- What to Wear to Isla Mujeres
Suggested Travel Sources:
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Supportive footwear is a must in SMA! I first encountered this blog a year ago before my first visit to San Miguel in hopes of figuring out what and how much to pack for a month in the city. Since then I’ve been an avid reader of this blog and found loads of valuable travel advice.
If you plan to walk in San Miguel, and I recommend you do as it’s the best way to really get to know the town, lace-up shoes or sandals that embrace your foot are best as the streets can be very uneven and steep. Your feet will thank you. You can always pack a lightweight pair of ballet flats for an evening out, and nab one of the city’s inexpensive cabs for the ride home if necessary.
No way should you wear sandals in San Miguel. The streets are terribly dusty and your toes will be gray within a matter of minutes! Closed toe shoes with sturdy soles are best; the cobblestones are not kind on feet clad in ballet flats!
Thanks for your feedback Henriette!
I would like to put in a plug for high quality footwear made in Leon, Mexico for traversing San Miguel de Allende. The brand is Lobo Solo and can be had for $34. They are an economical alternative to Merrell’s and combine breathability, arch support, and most importantly, TRACTION. I am here for 3 months and though I love it, you need to leave your heels and scrappy sandals at home. If you look at what women are wearing here, you will see that practicality and safety are foremost here. You don’t need to be yet another “fallen” woman!
I will be going to San Miguel in 1 week. Will I be able to walk around in a wedge heel?
I am hoping to relocate permanently to SMA even though my first visit isn’t until February 2023! That’s one of the many reasons why I’ve been reading your blog and joined the Facebook group as well. The only thing I’m a bit worried about is what to wear to bed at night. We’ve heard it gets pretty cold at night in February, and we will be staying in AirBnBs that do not have central heat. Any tips?
I’m a frequent traveler to San Miguel and will soon live there. Sandals are not only fine, they are a great choice as long as they have some ankle support (like a strap) and the soles have some grip.
I wear Birkenstocks in warmer months–and since those tend to be the rainy months it isn’t as dusty (May, June, July)–and unlike many other sandals, they stay ON and have a supportive sole. In winter you’ll want a closed shoe for certain. Flip flops I dislike there and you are right about a ballet flat with a soft sole–you feel every cobblestone’s bumps. Sometimes the curbs are tall (locals call them “gringo traps”) and a shoe that stays on is vital. “Tennis” shoes can look too casual there.
Such a great walking city! The right shoes really help.
Enjoy SMA