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

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

Contents

When to go to Jacó, Costa Rica

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you go to Jacó in January, you will notice that it is constantly hot 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:

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • 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

February

February is unbearably 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

March

March in Jacó is sizzling 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:

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 things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Jacó. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

April

If you vacation in Jacó during April, you are likely to notice that it can be sizzling 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:

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 Jacó. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

If you go to Jacó in May, 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:

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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

June

If you go to Jacó in June, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you are traveling to Jacó in July, 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 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Jacó. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect 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 support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

August

If you vacation in Jacó during August, you may find that it is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 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:

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 additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: 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 Jacó. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in Jacó can be sweltering and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 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 airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Jacó. 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 your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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 type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you visit Jacó during October, you may notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s 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:

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave 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

November

If you visit Jacó during November, you are likely to notice that it is extremely hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

December

If you vacation in Jacó during December, you are likely to find that it can be very 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 high 60s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Room protection door lock

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • 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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Jacó, Costa Rica

Nestled along the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Jacó is a spectacular destination where beauty meets majesty. The town boasts of pristine beaches, verdant rainforests, and a lively nightlife scene, making it a hotspot for tourists from all over the world. Here are the top tourist attractions in Jacó, Costa Rica.

1. Jaco Beach

Jaco Beach is the most famous beach in Jacó, and for a good reason. The beach stretches over 2 miles and features soft white sands, clear blue waters, and an endless array of water sports activities. Whether you want to surf the waves, take a dip in the ocean, or just lounge on the beach and soak up the sun, Jaco Beach has something for every type of vacationer.

2. Carara National Park

Located about 15 minutes from Jacó, Carara National Park is a lush tropical park that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. The park is home to hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife. It also boasts of breathtaking waterfalls, towering trees, and a variety of hiking trails, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

3. Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is located just an hour away from Jacó and is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica. The park features beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, go on a hike, or just relax on one of the beautiful beaches.

4. Tarcoles River

The Tarcoles River is a popular tourist attraction just a few miles from Jacó. Known for its crocodile population, visitors can take a boat tour of the river and see the crocodiles up close in their natural habitat. The river is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 50 species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds, among others.

5. Nightlife

If you're looking for a lively nightlife scene, Jacó won't disappoint. The town features a variety of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants where you can dance the night away, enjoy a few drinks, or savor the best of Costa Rican cuisine.

In conclusion, Jacó, Costa Rica, is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler, whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the rainforest, or experience the vibrant nightlife. When planning your next trip to Costa Rica, make sure to add Jacó to your list of must-visit destinations.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Tang, Bhutan, Sosnovy Bor, Russia, Wajima, Japan, Kure Beach, North Carolina, United States of America, Manado, Indonesia, Angoulême, France, Walsrode, Germany, Langley, British Columbia, Canada, Taupo, New Zealand, Alice, Texas, United States of America, and Lyon, France.