With so few published blogs or vlogs about the country, it’s quite hard to know what to wear in Guyana – both to ensure you’re comfortable but also to make sure that you’re adhering to social norms.
It’s a tropical country with a hot and humid climate – with some extreme landscapes of rainforest and savannah, so knowing what to wear in Guyana is essential for staying comfortable while exploring.
I loved visiting Guyana. I definitely get a bit of a kick out of visiting places that aren’t frequented by that many tourists. I was also glad that I’d packed certain items as some things are hard to buy in Guyana, but are a necessity. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to wear in Guyana for different activities, taking into account both comfort and cultural expectations.
Dress Code in Guyana
Unlike some countries with strict dress codes, Guyana is quite relaxed when it comes to clothing. There are no legal requirements for how you should dress and no official dress. Both men and women can generally wear what they feel comfortable in.
Having said that, despite being in South America I’d say it has a slightly different feel to a lot of the other countries I’ve travelled there like Brazil, Peru or Ecuador and I did dress differently to the rest of my extensive South American travels.
There’s certainly advice I can offer to ensure that you’re being respectful and also not drawing too much unnecessary attention. Equally, given the terrain, the mosquitoes (so many!) and the activities you’re likely to be doing, then there are certain things you should be packing – I’ll go into this later!
What to Wear in Guyana for Women
Although I was never able to completely verify this fact – I was repeatedly told that Guyana gets less international tourists in a year than Machu Picchu does in a day. Whether it’s true or not, it’s certainly a fact that Guyana doesn’t get that many tourists – particularly female tourists.
This is perhaps why, whilst I never actively felt unsafe in Georgetown, as a tall, blonde woman – I did get a lot of stares and some people lingering closer than perhaps I would have encouraged.
Keep this in mind when choosing what to wear in Georgetown. Hugely revealing outfits, while not technically inappropriate, might get you even more attention than you might otherwise get.
I wore loose dresses or loose trousers/pants and didn’t cover my shoulders which was generally fine. I did carry a scarf with me, not out of any need to be modest but in a few areas where I was very aware I was the only woman around, I wanted to cover myself a little bit.
Here’s what I found worked best:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing – Loose dresses, skirts, and flowy pants were lifesavers in the heat.
- T-shirts and tank tops – Perfect for casual outings, though if you’re heading to more conservative areas, a light scarf or cover-up might be useful.
- Comfortable sandals or sneakers – Walking in Georgetown or trekking in the interior means good footwear is a must.
- Swimsuit with a cover-up – While bikinis are fine at private resorts, public beaches and rivers may require more modest swimwear, like a one-piece or wearing shorts over a bikini.
What to Wear in Guyana for Men
Men’s fashion in Guyana is quite casual, and most guys wear t-shirts, polo shirts, and jeans or shorts. However, lightweight pants are a great option if you want to avoid mosquito bites, especially in the evenings.
If you’re heading to a more formal event, which is unlikely, a simple cotton shirt and loose trousers or chinos will fit in just fine.
Footwear-wise, flip-flops and sandals are common in the city, but if you’re planning on doing any hiking or nature excursions, sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are not just a sensible choice, but absolutely necessary in the more off-grid regions.
What to Wear in Guyana at Night
Evenings in Guyana are generally still warm, but can sometimes feel a little cooler than during the day, especially if you’re near the rivers. Even then, you’re unlikely to need anything more than a thin loose shirt or light scarf.
In the evenings, particularly in the savannah or rainforest, the main problem I faced was mosquitoes – staying in Rupununi Savannah is probably one of the places I have most suffered with bites out of every country I’ve visited.
With that in mind, the main thing I’d suggest to wear in Guyana at night time, is long sleeves and long trousers. At one point I was evening finding I was being bitten through my shirt, so definitely carry repellent (preferably strong deet) and apply it to your body before your clothing.
Im terms of what to wear at night in Georgetown – I did go out to a few clubs and bars with my friends in Georgetown although generally I didn’t see that many local women in them so I can’t comment too much on what they might wear. I did chat to some of the very dressed up girls from nearby countries who were ‘working’ but I’d suggest if you’re going out, then you don’t need to wear anything other than the fairly casual outfits you had on during the day.
What to Wear in Guyana for Outdoor Adventures
For most people, the reason they visit Guyana is for the incredible nature, the adventurous activities & the world class wildlife. This being said, you’re likely to be spending a lot of time outdoors in some quite harsh environments. You’ll therefore obviously need different clothing to what you might wear in the city.
Generally, I wore long trousers, with a vest and a loose shirt over the top. Some of the days in the Rupununi Savannah were so hot that I just wore the vest/crop top often with a light scarf to cover my shoulders – and nobody seemed to mind, although it’s worth noting that you’ll have to be careful of both the sun, and mosquitoes.
Clothing choices should be lightweight, quick drying, and generally long sleeved and long trousers to protect from sun, mosquitoes, and scratches from bushes.
If you’re planning on doing any exploring, here’s what you’ll need:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants – These protect against insects and sunburn.
- A hat and/or sunglasses– Essential for keeping the sun off your face.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes – Hiking boots are ideal, or sturdy trainers if you don’t have the option. A lot of the walking I did was on very unsteady ground and in long grass where you couldn’t necessarily see where you were walking, so I was glad to have closed toes.
- Rain gear – If you’re visiting during the rainy season, a light rain jacket is a good idea.
I hope this guide helps you figure out what to wear in Guyana so you can focus on having an amazing adventure!
