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

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

Contents

  1. When to go to South Pacific Costa Rica
  2. Important essentials for South Pacific Costa Rica
  3. Activities for South Pacific Costa Rica
  4. South Pacific Costa Rica in January: weather and what to pack
  5. South Pacific Costa Rica in February: weather and what to pack
  6. South Pacific Costa Rica in March: weather and what to pack
  7. South Pacific Costa Rica in April: weather and what to pack
  8. South Pacific Costa Rica in May: weather and what to pack
  9. South Pacific Costa Rica in June: weather and what to pack
  10. South Pacific Costa Rica in July: weather and what to pack
  11. South Pacific Costa Rica in August: weather and what to pack
  12. South Pacific Costa Rica in September: weather and what to pack
  13. South Pacific Costa Rica in October: weather and what to pack
  14. South Pacific Costa Rica in November: weather and what to pack
  15. South Pacific Costa Rica in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to South Pacific Costa Rica, Costa Rica

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

What to wear/what to pack for South Pacific Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in this region can be very hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you 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 South Pacific 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 neck pillow

    What we like 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. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

February

Traveling to South Pacific Costa Rica in February, you will notice that it is really 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 these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Pacific 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

  • 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. Be sure to choose the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

March

If you visit South Pacific Costa Rica during March, you may see that it is 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Pacific Costa Rica. 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Pacific Costa Rica. 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 bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

May

Traveling to South Pacific Costa Rica in May, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very 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

    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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly 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 South Pacific 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

June

In June, South Pacific Costa Rica is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for South Pacific 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

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers 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 countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you visit South Pacific Costa Rica during July, you might see that it is constantly 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 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:

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 repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 South Pacific 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you vacation in South Pacific Costa Rica during August, you might notice that it is really 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 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 South Pacific Costa Rica. 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 things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave 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. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online 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 work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

Traveling to South Pacific Costa Rica in September, you will notice that it can be very 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Pacific 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. Take care to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

In October, South Pacific Costa Rica can be sweltering 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 South Pacific 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

    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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Be careful to find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

November

In November, South Pacific Costa Rica is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for South Pacific 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

    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 South Pacific Costa Rica. 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 in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available 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 works in 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 pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

December

If you vacation in South Pacific Costa Rica during December, you may see 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in South Pacific 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in South Pacific Costa Rica, Costa Rica

South Pacific Costa Rica is a hidden gem in Costa Rica that offers adventure and natural wonders to every kind of traveler. From beaches to rainforests and wildlife habitats, this region is full of natural beauty, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Here are the top tourist attractions in South Pacific Costa Rica.

1. Corcovado National Park

Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is a vast green expanse and is one of the most biodiverse parks on the planet. The park is home to an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered or rare. You'll get to see everything from tapirs and scarlet macaws to spider monkeys and jaguars. A guided tour is the best way to experience the park, so you can learn and appreciate the wildlife and natural beauty of this park.

2. Marino Ballena National Park

For beach lovers, Marino Ballena National Park is a must-visit. It is famous for the formation of a whale-shaped sculpture that stretches over two kilometers of coastline. This park is also home to many marine creatures, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Additionally, the park's coral reefs provide an abundance of marine life to enjoy for scuba divers and snorkelers.

3. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

Whale and dolphin watching is a popular activity in South Pacific Costa Rica. These beautiful marine mammals migrate through the area between June and November and from December to April. Take a whale and dolphin watching tour to get an up-close view of these magnificent creatures. You can expect to see humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, and Bryde's whales while you take the trip.

4. Golfito Wildlife Refuge

The Golfito Wildlife Refuge lies between the La Gamba and Piedras Blancas Biological Reserves, providing a biologically diverse area. Many different animals call this beautiful environment home, including some species are endemic to Costa Rica. There are trails that run throughout the refuge that will allow you to enjoy the scenery and wildlife along the way. Birdwatchers should make sure to keep their eyes and ears open as the area is home to a vast array of birds species.

5. Hiking in Tinamaste

Fantastic for nature lovers, Tinamaste is a small rural town in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. From hiking through the steep mountainside to crossing the rivers and streams, you can explore and discover the natural beauty of the area. You can take various hikes available, such as the hike to the Nauyaca Waterfall, which is one of the most popular, for its impressive 45-meter cascade and its natural pool.

In Conclusion

South Pacific Costa Rica offers plenty of natural beauty and adventures for travelers. From Corcovado National Park to whale watching to hiking in Tinamaste, you are guaranteed a unique experience in this region. Costa Rica's South Pacific is an ideal destination for ecotourism and adventure tourism enthusiasts who want to experience nature in its purest form. So plan your trip today and explore the natural wonders of South Pacific Costa Rica!

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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