Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to Cocos Island National Park, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cocos Island National Park
- Important essentials for Cocos Island National Park
- Activities for Cocos Island National Park
- Cocos Island National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Cocos Island National Park 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 Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica
Based on the climate and weather in Cocos Island National Park, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cocos Island National Park, 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
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
-
(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
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural 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 option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Cocos Island National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here can be very hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
February
Traveling to Cocos Island National Park in February, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
March
If you visit Cocos Island National Park during March, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
April
If you visit Cocos Island National Park during April, you are likely to notice that it is consistently hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you vacation in Cocos Island National Park during May, you will probably notice that it is consistently hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
June here is extremely hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
July
July here is constantly hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
August
If you go to Cocos Island National Park in August, you will notice that it is extremely hot and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
September
If you vacation in Cocos Island National Park during September, you will probably notice that it is consistently hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
October
In October, Cocos Island National Park can be very hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Cocos Island National Park, with most of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
November
November in Cocos Island National Park is extremely hot and extremely 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 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
December
If you are traveling to Cocos Island National Park in December, you will notice that it is really hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are 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.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States of America, A Coruña, Spain, Nowy Wiśnicz, Poland, Flores, Guatemala, Kizhi, Russia, Glarus, Switzerland, Layang Layang, Malaysia, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Dordrecht, Netherlands, Samobor, Croatia, and Gilman, Illinois, United States of America.