Costa Rica, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Costa Rica, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to Costa Rica, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Based on the climate and weather in Costa Rica, Costa Rica, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Costa Rica, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Costa Rica, Costa Rica by month

January

If you vacation in Costa Rica during January, you may notice that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

Traveling to Costa Rica in February, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

March

If you go to Costa Rica in March, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

April

If you visit Costa Rica during April, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

May

May in Costa Rica is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

In June, Costa Rica is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Costa Rica, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

July

In July, Costa Rica is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Costa Rica, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

In August, Costa Rica is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Costa Rica, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

In September, Costa Rica is warm and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Costa Rica, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October here is warm and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you go to Costa Rica in November, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

December

December in Costa Rica is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Costa Rica has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Costa Rica. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America. It is known for its diverse and lush natural landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity. The country is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach enthusiasts. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica:

1. Arenal Volcano National Park

One of Costa Rica’s most iconic attractions, Arenal Volcano, is an active volcano that last erupted in 2010. The volcano lies within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which spans over 29,692 acres. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, hot springs, and scenic views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes.

2. Manuel Antonio National Park

Located on the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular destination for beachgoers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to four stunning beaches, including Espadilla Sur, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Visitors can also spot a variety of wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.

3. Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa Peninsula and is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The park is home to over 13 different ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, and beaches. Visitors can hike through the park, spot wildlife like jaguars, monkeys, and toucans, and even camp overnight.

4. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a protected area that stretches across 26,000 acres of cloud forest. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails and suspended bridges, which offer breathtaking views of the cloud forest and the surrounding areas. The reserve is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the elusive jaguar.

5. Tortuguero National Park

Located on the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero National Park protects a network of canals, lagoons, and beaches that are home to an array of wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours through the park’s canals and watch turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The park is also home to a diverse range of mammals, like monkeys, sloths, and river otters.

6. Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Beach is a popular destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts. The beach boasts long stretches of golden sand and turquoise waters, making it a great destination for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also take surf lessons, rent paddleboards, or join a sunset catamaran tour.

In conclusion, Costa Rica offers visitors a wide range of tourist attractions that cater to different preferences and interests. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and fascinating wildlife, it’s no surprise that Costa Rica remains a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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.

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