Guanacaste, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Guanacaste, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to Guanacaste, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Guanacaste
- Important essentials for Guanacaste
- Activities for Guanacaste
- Guanacaste in January: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in February: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in March: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in April: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in May: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in June: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in July: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in August: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in September: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in October: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste in November: weather and what to pack
- Guanacaste 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 Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Based on the climate and weather in Guanacaste, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Guanacaste, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Guanacaste. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Guanacaste, Costa Rica by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Guanacaste is blindingly hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack extra, since these often get wet or dirty.
-
Light linen shorts
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Beach necessities
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 a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
February
In February, Guanacaste can be blisteringly hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Guanacaste, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created for cooling:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and to provide UV protection.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Personal cooling fan
Bug bite relief
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
March
If you are traveling to Guanacaste in March, you will notice that it can be excruciatingly hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed for cooling and offer UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered for cooling:
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
April
April here can be sizzling and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to cool you:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug bite relief
-
Skirts
-
Light linen shorts
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring additional, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and include UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
May
In May, Guanacaste is sweltering and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Guanacaste, with most of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to keep you cool:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and can provide UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring extra, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
Bug bite relief
-
Skirts
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like 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 belongings stay dry. We suggest:
June
If you visit Guanacaste during June, you are likely to see that it is constantly 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 (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
July
If you go to Guanacaste in July, you will notice that it is constantly hot and extremely 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
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
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 pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you vacation in Guanacaste during August, you might find 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 low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
September
If you visit Guanacaste during September, you may notice that it is consistently hot and very 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
October
In October, Guanacaste is constantly hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Guanacaste, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
November
If you vacation in Guanacaste during November, you might find that it can be sweltering and very 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
December
If you visit Guanacaste during December, you may notice that it can be sweltering and very 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 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
Activities for Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Guanacaste.
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