North Costa Rica, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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

Contents

When to go to North Costa Rica, Costa Rica

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

In January, North Costa Rica is constantly 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 20s C). This is also a rainy time for North 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

    Costa Rica has some specific safety 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • 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

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

In February, North Costa Rica is extremely hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 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 North 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

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

March

If you vacation in North Costa Rica during March, you might see that it is consistently hot 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 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

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 North 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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent 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 excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

April

In April, North Costa Rica is sweltering and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for North 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

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North 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 constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

Traveling to North Costa Rica in May, you will notice that it is really hot and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

June

June in North Costa Rica is consistently 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

July

If you are traveling to North Costa Rica in July, you will notice that it can be very 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

August

August in North Costa Rica is extremely hot and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct type. Many 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 should work in most places.

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

In September, North Costa Rica is consistently hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for North Costa Rica, with most of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North 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 constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently sold 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 locations.

October

October in North Costa Rica is constantly hot and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

November in North Costa Rica is really 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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 excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

December

December here is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Costa Rica has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in North Costa Rica, Costa Rica

North Costa Rica is a region in Costa Rica that is filled with tropical beauty and vibrant culture. Known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and world-renowned wildlife reserves, North Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica. In this article, we’ll touch upon some of the top tourist attractions in North Costa Rica that you shouldn't miss.

1. Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions in North Costa Rica. Towering at over 5,000 feet, this active volcano is the star attraction of Arenal Volcano National Park. Visitors can view the impressive lava flows from safe vantage points, hike around the base of the volcano, or take a relaxing dip in the hot springs that surround the area.

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest

Located in the heart of the Tilarán Mountain Range, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This unique ecosystem is home to hundreds of species of plants, animals, and birds, including the elusive quetzal. Visitors can take a guided tour of this enchanting forest, hike through the canopy on suspension bridges, or go zip-lining through the trees.

3. Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is a lush wilderness area situated on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. This protected park is famous for its abundant wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and sea turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs each year. Visitors can take guided boat tours through the park's winding waterways, hike along its trails, or relax on its picture-perfect beaches.

4. Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, Rincon de la Vieja National Park boasts some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. This park is home to an active volcano, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Visitors can hike through the park's lush forests, take a dip in its therapeutic hot springs, or marvel at its volcanic geysers.

5. Playa Conchal

No trip to North Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to the stunning Playa Conchal. This beautiful beach is famous for its white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling. Visitors can swim, sunbathe or participate in a variety of water sports activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.

In conclusion, North Costa Rica has something new and exciting to offer every type of traveler. From the breathtaking natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Tortugeuro National park, to the laid-back beach vibes of Playa Conchal, and the volcanic landscape of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, North Costa Rica is a must-see destination that will captivate your heart and soul.

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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