Costa Rica packs several climates into one trip. These numbers are from San José airport in the Central Valley; the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are hotter, the Caribbean side is wetter, and cloud forests like Monteverde are cool. Pack quick-dry layers, rain gear and closed-toe shoes.
Costa Rica weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 28°C82°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F |
| Low | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F |
| Rain days | 8 | 4 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 24 | 18 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 21 | 6 |
Season by season
Dry season
December–FebruaryThe driest months in the Central Valley. Highs run 29°C (84°F) in December and January and 30°C (86°F) in February, with lows of 18–19°C (64–66°F). Rain falls on 6 days in December, 8 in January and 4 in February. Pack light clothes, sun protection and a warm layer for Monteverde.
Shoulder season
March–AprilHottest, with showers returning. Highs reach 31°C (88°F) in March and April, with lows of 19°C (66°F). Rain days climb to 12 in March and 15 in April. Pack as for the dry season and add a light rain jacket.
Green season
May–AugustWet afternoons and green landscapes. Highs are 29–30°C (84–86°F) and lows 19–20°C (66–68°F). May averages 20 rain days, June 24, July 18 and August 20. Pack a rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and waterproof bags for electronics.
What to bring to Costa Rica
0 of 23 packedCosta Rica's green season brings 18 to 27 rain days a month, and Monteverde's mist soaks you fast, so a real rain jacket comes first.
Costa Rica's green season brings 18 to 27 rain days a month, and Monteverde's mist soaks you fast, so a real rain jacket comes first.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Rainforest and coastal lowlands are buggy, and picaridin lotion is easy to reapply after rain or a swim.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Waterproof cubes protect clothes and electronics on rainy afternoons and wet boat or river trips.
- Scrubba Wash BagTravel Laundry
Quick-dry clothes washed in this bag dry overnight, so you can pack less for a multi-stop trip.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
A cold bottle on hot rainforest hikes and beach days.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
A small first aid kit for muddy trails, ziplines and volcano hikes.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shirts · 4Green season brings wet afternoons May–Nov
- Lightweight hiking pants · 2
- Shorts · 2
- Swimsuits · 2
- Warm fleece · 1Monteverde cloud forest is cool and misty
- Wide-brim hat · 1
Footwear
- Closed-toe trail shoes · 1 pairZiplines require closed-toe shoes
- Sport sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Small daypack with rain cover · 1
- Compact binoculars · 1Useful for wildlife spotting on guided tours
- Headlamp · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceCovers ziplines, rafting and remote trails
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
Wettest months (September–November)
The rainiest stretch. September has a 28°C (82°F) high and 25 rain days, October 27°C (81°F) and 27, November 27°C (81°F) and 21. Some roads and trails get muddy. Pack full rain gear and shoes that dry quickly.
What shoes should you pack for Costa Rica?
Closed-toe shoes with grip, plus sandals. Ziplines and many tours require closed-toe shoes, and rainforest trails get muddy. Add sandals or clogs for beaches, river crossings and the hotel.
What do people wear in Costa Rica?
Casual, practical clothes. Shorts, T-shirts and quick-dry pants are normal in most towns. Cover your swimwear away from the beach. In San José and the cool cloud forests, long pants and a light jacket are common.
What to pack for the rainforest and cloud forest in Costa Rica?
Rain gear, layers and binoculars. Rainforest is hot and humid, while Monteverde is cool and misty. Bring a rain jacket, a warm layer, quick-dry clothes, insect repellent and binoculars to spot birds and sloths high in the trees.
What plugs does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses Type A and B sockets at 120V, the same as the US. US plugs work without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Costa Rica
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Costa Rica.
What should you leave at home for Costa Rica?
Jeans and cotton that won't dry in humid air. Leave dressy shoes and heavy luggage; small planes and shuttle vans have tight weight limits.
Around Costa Rica
Packing for Costa Rica: questions people ask
What is the driest month in Costa Rica?
February, in the Central Valley, averages 4 rain days, with a 30°C (86°F) high and a 19°C (66°F) low.
Do I need a rain jacket for Costa Rica?
Yes, most of the year. From May to November San José averages 18 to 27 rain days a month.
Is Monteverde cold?
Cooler than the coast. The cloud forest is misty and windy, so bring a warm layer and a rain jacket.
Can I wear sandals on a zipline in Costa Rica?
Usually not. Most zipline tours require closed-toe shoes.
Do I need a plug adapter for Costa Rica?
Not from the US or Canada. Sockets are Type A and B at 120V. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.