North Costa Rica, Costa Rica: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to North Costa Rica, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to North Costa Rica, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to North Costa Rica
- Important essentials for North Costa Rica
- Activities for North Costa Rica
- North Costa Rica in January: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in February: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in March: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in April: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in May: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in June: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in July: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in August: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in September: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in October: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica in November: weather and what to pack
- North Costa Rica 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 North Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Based on the climate and weather in North Costa Rica, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for North Costa Rica, Costa Rica
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.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
-
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).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for North Costa Rica, Costa Rica by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in North Costa Rica can be very hot and very 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:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you are traveling to North Costa Rica in February, 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:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
March
March is really 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:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
April
April here can be excruciatingly hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created for cooling:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
May
May in North Costa Rica is constantly hot and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
June
If you go to North Costa Rica in June, 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
July
If you visit North Costa Rica during July, you will probably see that it can be very 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:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
August
August in North Costa Rica can be very 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:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
September
In September, North Costa Rica can be very 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:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
October
In October, North Costa Rica is consistently hot and extremely 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 North Costa Rica, with most of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
November
If you visit North Costa Rica 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:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
December
December is extremely 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
Activities for North Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for North Costa Rica.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Incheon International Airport, South Korea, San Ramon, Costa Rica, Roscoff, France, Juquiá, São Paulo, Brazil, Teyateyaneng, Lesotho, Medulin, Croatia, St.
Julian's, Malta, Quincy, Massachusetts, United States of America, Eastern Inner Mongolia, China, Eastern Circuit, Japan, and Pamplona, Spain.