The Ultimate Paraguay and Latin America Packing List

After living in Paraguay and throughout Latin America for the past couple of years, I’ve needed to learn how to dress for the heat—and I don’t just mean “it’s summer” hot.

Paraguay is hands down one of the hottest countries I’ve ever experienced (it’s actually the hottest country in Latin America… not a great choice by me), especially during the peak months from October to March, when it feels like the sun is sitting right on your shoulders.

Latin America in the summertime is overall hot, humid, and sticky. You can pretty much find an AC unit in every room, and they run 24/7 in the long summer heat of Latin America.

I’ve went from showing up in LatAm with way too many heavy clothes (that I never wore) to learning which fabrics actually work in this climate.

I’ve also shared a lot about everyday life in Paraguay and across Latin America, from food prices to neighborhoods in Asunción, and even what it’s like apartment hunting in Paraguay. So, I figured it was time to put together the packing guide I wish I had when I first arrived here.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what to bring for your travels in Paraguay and Latin America in general, what to leave behind, and how to choose the right clothes and essentials for each season – the perfect Paraguay packing list!

I’ll also include a few of the fabric types that I’ve found work best in this extreme summer heat—plus other things you might not think of like mosquito spray, power adapters, and what to pack for a quick trip to places like Areguá or Monday Falls.

The Seasons in Paraguay (And Why They Matter When Packing)

When it comes to putting together a smart Paraguay packing list, the first thing you need to understand is the seasons here—and how hot it can really get.

I’ve lived in Paraguay for over two years now, and been travelling Latin America for over three, and let me tell you, summer is no joke. Depending on where you’re coming from, it can feel like walking into a hair dryer with humidity (seriously).

But it’s not just about the heat—you also want to pack with sudden rains and the occasional cooler evening in mind.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect from the weather here in Latin America (especially in the Southern Cone, like Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile).

Spring (September to November)

Spring in Paraguay is when the heat really starts to ramp up. It’s not quite as intense as the peak of summer, but daytime temps can still reach 30–35°C (85–95°F). It’s a beautiful time of year in many countries here, and the parks and trees around Asunción specifically start to bloom again.

During this time of year, I usually stick with light cotton or linen and always keep sunscreen and bug spray handy – especially if you’re going for an evening walk or to a wooded area.

Honestly, even come November it’s basically almost summertime in Paraguay, so get prepared…

Summer (December to March)

This is the real heatwave – get prepared! Summer in Paraguay is intense—easily reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher, with high humidity.

This is when packing smart really matters. You’ll want breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and a hat, SPF, and bug repellent on you in the evenings. Air conditioning is a must (and not always guaranteed), so dress like you’ll be sweating. Except almost NO rain during this time of year, just pure heat.

Summer is also when locals head to places like Encarnación or San Bernardino for the beach or cool off with tereré in the shade.

Fall (April to May)

Fall is a bit of a sweet spot here in many countries in Latin America. Temperatures drop a little and hover around the mid-20s°C (70°F).

It’s still warm during the day but much more manageable than in the summer months. It’s a good time to explore spots like Ciudad del Este or do a few day trips from Asunción. I usually bring a light jacket just in case of a surprise cool breeze or rain shower, which does happen as spring is the rainiest season.

Winter (June to August)

Winter in Latin America and Paraguay, especially in Asunción, is not cold by most people’s standards, especially if you’re coming from a Western country. I was born and raised in Canada, and trust me, winter in Paraguay is like fall in Canada.

It can drop to around 10°C (50°F) at night, but it’s usually sunny and dry during the day, at around 15-20°C. I find that a light jacket or wool sweater is more than enough—and honestly, some days still feel like spring. You won’t need a coat, gloves, or boots unless you’re going up into the mountains (and even then, maybe not).

For more on this, you can check out my full guide on the best time to visit Paraguay, where I break down temps in further detail.

Best Clothing Fabrics for Paraguay’s Weather

If there’s one thing you don’t want to get wrong when packing for Paraguay, it’s your clothing. After living here for a while now, I’ve learned which fabrics actually work in this climate—and which ones just end up making you sweaty and miserable.

Here’s my learnings: Paraguay is hot most of the year, and when I say hot, I mean humid, sticky, sweat-through-your-shirt-in-two-minutes hot, especially from October through March.

And one important thing to note—it’s really hard to find high-quality clothing in Paraguay. Even in some of the best malls in Paraguay, like Shopping del Sol or Shopping Mariscal, the options can be expensive and limited.

Plus, getting shipments from abroad isn’t always easy here. Between shipping delays and customs taxes, it’s best to just stock up before you arrive.

Here are my go-to fabric choices for my own Paraguay packing list (and what I avoid):

Cotton

Cotton is everywhere in Paraguay—and it’s what most locals wear, especially basic cotton t-shirts and shorts. I personally like cotton for everyday wear because it’s soft and breathable.

But one downside is that it holds moisture, so once it’s wet (and it will, from sweat), it takes a while to dry.

Best Cotton T for Men

Best Cottin T for Women

Merino Wool

This is hands down one of my favorites. It might sound strange to pack wool for a hot country, but merino wool is a game-changer. It’s breathable, naturally regulates your temperature, and doesn’t hold odor—so you can wear it multiple times without it smelling bad.

I use merino mostly for travel days, longer outings, or when I need something that’s lightweight but still keeps me warm in AC or at night. Brands I personally love include:

It’s expensive, yes—but 100% worth it. Just bring it with you because finding merino wool in Paraguay is nearly impossible.

Best Merino Wool T for Men

Best Merino Wool T for Women

Linen

Linen is another good choice for the hot months here. It’s light, dries quickly, and is breezy. I wish more of my wardrobe was made of linen, especially during the high heat of the summer. It can wrinkle easily, but honestly, no one cares when it’s 40°C outside.

Again, stock up on this before arriving—it’s not common here and often more expensive than in Western countries if you do find it.

Best Linen Shirt for Men

Summer Linen Shirt for Women

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetics (like polyester or nylon) dry quickly and are great for workouts, hikes, or long travel days. But they don’t breathe well, so they’re not always ideal for just walking around in the heat. That said, I still pack a few quick-dry tops and lightweight activewear for when I need them.

What to Avoid

Avoid heavy denim, thick wool, and any tight-fitting synthetic clothes in your Paraguay packing list, unless they’re designed for heat. The climate will not be kind to you if you’re wearing anything heavy, dark, or hard to dry.

Clothing Must-Haves for Paraguay

Here’s exactly what I recommend packing for Paraguay or Latin America. These are the basics I use day to day—whether I’m walking around Asunción, heading out to Areguá, or taking a longer trip to Ciudad del Este.

✅ Cotton or Linen T-Shirts
These are my everyday go-tos. I live in cotton tees here. Linen is even better for the heat if you have it, but you’ll want several breathable, light-colored tops.

Best Cotton T for Men

Best Cottin T for Women

✅ Lightweight Shorts or Linen Pants
You’ll want bottoms that are loose and breathable. I avoid denim, and most locals do as well—it’s just too hot and heavy. Linen or quick-dry travel pants are a much better option.

✅ Dresses or Skirts (for women)
On super hot days, dresses are the easiest, breeziest choice. Stick to cotton or linen and avoid anything tight or clingy.

✅ Swimsuit
Whether you’re hitting the pool, the Paraná River in Encarnación, or just cooling off at a hotel, you’ll want at least one.

✅ Flip-Flops or Sandals
These are a must for daily wear. I wear mine constantly unless I’m heading somewhere more rugged or hiking. Its too hot here for running shoes all day every day.

Breathable Shoes I Love for Women

✅ Light Sneakers or Walking Shoes
Good for walking around town or visiting places like Nu Guazú Park or Jesuit Ruins. Lightweight is key—you won’t need hiking boots unless you’re doing something specific.

✅ Light Jacket or Sweater
Even in the dry season (winter), you’ll want something for early mornings, cooler evenings, or indoor air conditioning. I bring a merino wool pullover which works perfectly.

✅ Rain Jacket or Travel Umbrella
Especially in spring and fall. Sudden downpours can happen, and when it rains here—it pours.

✅ Sun Hat + Sunglasses
The sun is intense, especially in the summer months. A wide-brimmed hat will make a huge difference when you’re walking around.

Health & Hygiene Essentials

Your Paraguay packing list isn’t just about clothing—you’ll also want to come prepared with a few personal care items that can be harder to find or more expensive here.

Most basic products are available, but some specific things (especially from the US or Canada) are worth bringing with you.

Essentials to Bring with You

• High-SPF sunscreen
  Sunscreen is available here, but the good stuff is either expensive or limited in stock. I always bring a few bottles from abroad—especially reef-safe brands.
• Mosquito repellent
  This is a must. There are tons of mosquitoes in Paraguay, especially in more rural or humid areas. I use it daily in summer. Mosquito-transmitted diseases are also common here.
• After-bite cream or gel
  You’ll probably get bit at least a few times…
• Anti-chafing stick or powder
  A lifesaver during those 40°C summer days when you’re walking a lot. Not easy to find here, so pack it if you’re prone to chafing.
• Pepto-Bismol (or chewable tablets)
  From my experience, this is really only available in the US and Canada, so I bring a small supply just in case.
• Your personal medications
  If you’re taking anything specific, bring more than you think you’ll need. You can find basic meds like Advil, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen at almost any supermarket or pharmacy, but brand-specific or prescription items might not be available.
• Rehydration tablets or electrolyte packs
  The heat and humidity can really take it out of you—especially if you’re sweating all day. I keep a few in my bag at all times.
• Solid deodorant
  Spray deodorants are more common here, but I personally prefer solid sticks—which can be harder to find.

What’s Available in Paraguay?

• Pharmacies are everywhere, especially in cities like Asunción and Ciudad del Este. Most carry all the basic over-the-counter meds and personal care items.
• I haven’t tried many medications here personally (which is a good thing!), but I’ve found big-name brands like Listerine, Colgate, and Nivea in just about every store.
• If you forget something, there’s a good chance you’ll find an alternative—but I still recommend bringing your own go-to brands and anything medical-specific.

Tech & Travel Gear

In your own Paraguay packing list, tech might not be the first thing on your mind—but trust me, having the right gear can make your life a lot easier once you’re here. Here are some of my essentials for a trip or travel day in Latin America.

Power Adapter

Paraguay uses Type C (European-style round pin) and Type A/B (US-style flat pin) outlets.

The great part? Most wall outlets accept both, so you likely won’t need a special adapter if you’re coming from North America or Europe. Still, I always travel with a universal adapter—just in case.

The Universal Adapter I use for travel with USB

Unlocked Smartphone + Local SIM

If your phone is unlocked, you can pop in a local SIM card easily. I use prepaid plans from either:

• Tigo
• Personal
• Claro

You can grab a prepaid plan right in the store for cheap data and calling. If you have your cedula, you can also sign up for an annual phone plan, which lets you keep your number long-term and often comes with better data packages. This is an important essential for your Paraguay packing list.

Battery Bank / Power Bank

This one’s important—especially if you’re using your phone for maps, translations, or ride-hailing apps all day. Battery banks are not something you can rent here – so this need to be a part of your Paraguay packing list.

In Asia (like China), I saw them everywhere—convenient charging stations you could borrow. But in Paraguay, you won’t find that. Bring your own, and make sure it’s fully charged before heading out for the day.

The worlds best portable battery pack I use for all my travels – it has so many charges

Portable Fan (Optional but can be lifesaving)

It gets hot. Like, hot hot. I don’t carry one every day, but on days where I know I’ll be out walking or waiting around, I bring a little USB fan or hand fan just to survive.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot or Local Data

Paraguay’s internet is decent in the cities, but if you’re planning to travel off-grid or need backup service, bring a portable hotspot or make sure you have a local data plan. I’ve written more about being a digital nomad in Paraguay if you’re planning to work while you’re here.

External Hard Drive / Cloud Storage

For longer-term travelers or digital nomads, it’s a good idea to back up your files either via cloud or an external drive. Electronics can be more expensive here, so bring whatever storage gear you need ahead of time.

This is the only brand of SD drives I trust… and you will likely want more than a few TB

Everyday Essentials

There are a few things I never leave home without in Paraguay, especially during the hotter months (which, to be honest, is most of the year).

These aren’t must-haves, but over time, I’ve found that they can make life in Paraguay more comfortable—especially if you’re planning to stay longer or travel throughout the country.

Spanish phrasebook or app
English isn’t widely spoken in Paraguay, especially outside of tourist areas or major cities. Apps like Google Translate or a good offline phrasebook can really come in handy at pharmacies, small shops, or when asking for directions.

Digital and printed copies of important documents
Always a good idea to have your passport, residency documents, and proof of travel saved both digitally and on paper.

Cash in USD and the local currency
Many exchange places take USD more easily than other currencies, and in more rural areas, cash is king. ATMs are widely available, but they sometimes charge high fees or run out of money over weekends. I also find Apple/Google Pay is widely available in most of Latin America.

Extra charging cables or accessories
These can be expensive or hard to find in Paraguay—especially for newer tech. Bring an extra cable, a good-quality wall charger, and anything you use regularly (like wireless earbuds or a Kindle).

Laundry line or sink stopper
If you’ll be staying somewhere long-term without laundry access, a simple travel laundry line and a universal sink stopper can help with hand washing clothes in a pinch—especially with all the sweating you’ll do in the summer.

I legit travel everywhere with this one for laundry anytime

Reusable Water Bottle

Having a reusable water bottle on you is essential. There are water refill spots in malls and cafés, and it’ll save you from constantly buying bottled water. I recommend an insulated one to keep your water cold longer.

I really like this collapsible bottle and I hook it on my backpack when travelling

Daypack or Crossbody Bag

Whether you’re exploring Loma San Jerónimo, heading out to Casa Clari, or just walking around your neighborhood, having a small bag for sunscreen, bug spray, water, and a battery pack is a must. I use a lightweight daypack or a crossbody with a zip top.

I use this one for intense hiking or a full day adventure

Microfiber Towel

This is great for your Paraguay packing list because its best for quick day trips, pool days, or even just drying off after getting caught in a sudden rain shower. They’re lightweight, compact, and dry super fast—perfect for the heat and humidity.

Travel Umbrella (Sun Umbrella)

This one isn’t very common in Paraguay, but I still use it—and occasionally I’ll see other people doing the same. A sun umbrella makes walking around in direct sunlight so much more bearable. Think of it as portable shade. It’s also handy for those spontaneous downpours in spring and fall.

Wet Wipes or Tissues

It might sound simple, but I use these all the time. Whether it’s wiping sweat, cleaning your hands after street food, or freshening up after a hot ride, they come in super handy. I also find most bathrooms in Latin America don’t have soap (sometimes also no toilet paper), so this is a good thing to carry with you.

Your Realistic Paraguay Packing List

After living through several Paraguay and Latin American summers (and a few mild winters), I can definitely say that packing right for this country makes a huge difference in your daily comfort, even just when walking down the street or a few blocks away.

This Paraguay packing list is everything I wish someone had handed me when I first moved here. Whether you’re coming for a short visit or relocating more permanently, packing smart means less stress and more time to enjoy the good stuff—like a sunset stroll in La Cuadrita, a weekend escape to Monday Falls, or a shopping day at Shopping Mariscal.

Most foreigners I’ve met here say the same thing: they packed way too many heavy clothes and not nearly enough of the lightweight essentials. And almost everyone has a story about sweating buckets while trying to track down something as simple as mosquito repellent or a decent power bank. So, if you’re reading this, you’re already ahead.

FAQ – Paraguay Packing List

Read More on Living in Paraguay: The Ultimate Paraguay and Latin America Packing List

✈️ Your Guide to Paraguay – Culture, Costs & Adventure

• Three Days in Paraguay – My suggested itinerary for making the most of a short visit.
• Casa Clari Paraguay – A top-notch spot to eat, sip coffee, or catch live music.
• Is Visiting Asunción Worth It? – Should Paraguay’s capital city be on your itinerary? Here’s my take.
• Paraguay Digital Nomad Guide – Why Paraguay is an underrated but ideal base for remote workers.
• La Cuadrita Asuncion – Where to grab drinks, enjoy local bites, and hang out.
• Unique Things in Paraguay – Unusual attractions and quirky aspects of Paraguay you won’t want to miss.
• Walking Brazil to Paraguay – What crossing the border on foot is like and what you need to know.
• Healthcare in Paraguay – Understand public and private healthcare options for visitors and expats.
• El Café de Aca Paraguay – One of my favorite cozy cafes to work or unwind in Asunción.