Atenas, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Atenas, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to Atenas, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Atenas
- Important essentials for Atenas
- Activities for Atenas
- Atenas in January: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in February: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in March: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in April: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in May: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in June: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in July: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in August: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in September: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in October: weather and what to pack
- Atenas in November: weather and what to pack
- Atenas 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 Atenas, Costa Rica
Based on the climate and weather in Atenas, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Atenas, Costa Rica
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Atenas, 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
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in 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
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold 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 areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Atenas. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Atenas, Costa Rica by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Atenas in January, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
February
February is blindingly hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Light linen shorts
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to cool you:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and to provide UV protection.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
March
If you vacation in Atenas during March, you are likely to find that it can be blisteringly hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to cool you:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack additional, since these often get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered for cooling and offer UV protection.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light linen shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
April
April for Atenas is sweltering and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered for cooling and to provide UV protection.
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
May
May in Atenas is extremely hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
June
In June, Atenas can be very hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Atenas, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
July
In July, Atenas can be sweltering and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Atenas, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
August
August in Atenas is really hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
September
Traveling to Atenas in September, you will notice that it can be very hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in Atenas is pretty consistently hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
November
In November, Atenas can be very hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Atenas, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
December
Traveling to Atenas in December, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
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