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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Playa Grande, Costa Rica? If you're planning to go to Playa Grande, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Playa Grande, Costa Rica

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Playa Grande is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third 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 Playa Grande. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

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

  • 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 support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

February

If you are traveling to Playa Grande in February, you will notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. 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 airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Grande. 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect 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 countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

If you visit Playa Grande during March, you will probably notice that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Grande. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you go to Playa Grande in April, you will notice that it can be excruciatingly hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 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 airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Grande. 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.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

May

In May, Playa Grande is really hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Playa Grande, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Grande. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you vacation in Playa Grande during June, you might see that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

July

July in Playa Grande can be very hot. 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

    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 frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Playa Grande. 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is 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. Ensure that you get the correct type. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

August

August in Playa Grande is extremely hot. 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

    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 Playa Grande. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

September

If you visit Playa Grande during September, you are likely to see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s 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 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

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. 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 get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you go to Playa Grande in October, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 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 always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 Playa Grande. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right type. The majority 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 is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

If you vacation in Playa Grande during November, you might see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s 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 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.

  • 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 Playa Grande. 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 these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • 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. Take care to choose the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you vacation in Playa Grande during December, you might notice that it is extremely hot. 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 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Playa Grande. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require 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 countries.

  • Travel neck support 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

What to do in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Playa Grande, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a little paradise that attracts visitors from all around the world. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and lush greenery, travelers can indulge in a plethora of activities, such as surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top tourist attractions of Playa Grande that you shouldn't miss.

1. Playa Grande Beach - Playa Grande boasts a stunning 3.5-mile stretch of white sand beach, which is one of the largest nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles in the world. Visitors can watch the turtling season between October and May, when the hatching takes place, which is truly an unforgettable experience.

2. Las Baulas National Park - The Las Baulas National Park has the perfect environment for marine animals like tortoises, snakes, frogs, and monkeys, which can be spotted in the park. The park also has a mangrove estuary and a lagoon where visitors can take a boat tour and observe the ecosystem.

3. Surfing - Playa Grande is widely known for fantastic waves that challenge experienced surfers, but beginners can also find suitable conditions to practice their skills. There are many surfing schools nearby, which provide lessons and offer rental equipment.

4. Horseback Riding - Enjoy a picturesque ride on horseback along the beach and through the jungle while taking in the breathtaking views of the coast.

5. Snorkeling and Diving - The crystal clear waters of Playa Grande are perfect for discovering the diverse marine life. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore the depths of the ocean and watch the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish up close.

6. Tropical Adventures - For those with a strong sense of adventure, Costa Rica offers zip-lining, jungle hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding and many other thrilling activities that will be undoubtedly memorable.

7. Relax and Unwind - Relish the slower pace of life in Playa Grande, spend your days lounging on the beach or indulging in the nearby spa services. Renowned for its wellness and holistic healing centers, visitors can restore mind and body through therapeutic massages and various rejuvenating treatments.

In summary, Playa Grande, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back vacation or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Playa Grande caters to all types of travelers. Don't miss out on these incredible attractions and activities that will make your trip to Costa Rica unforgettable.

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: Maremma, Italy, São Lourenço, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Derawan, Indonesia, Poteau, Oklahoma, United States of America, Tusheti, Georgia, Northwest Afghanistan, Afghanistan, West Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Kensington, Maryland, United States of America, Kullu, India, Silkeborg, Denmark, and Cingoli, Italy.