Costa Rica · 9°56′N 84°05′W

Costa Rica

Rainforest, wildlife, volcanoes and surf.

Good for: Beach, Nature, Adventure, Doing nothing
Rough daily spend: around $110 per person mid-range, not counting getting there (our estimate; it varies a lot)
Mildest months: January, February and March

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Warmest in March (around 27° by day), coolest in June (24° by day, 17° at night). February has the fewest wet days (5). For walking around in comfortable weather, aim for January, February and March.

Average weather by month in Costa Rica
Month	High	Low	Wet days	Rain	Sun / day
Jan	25°	16°	8	41 mm	10.7 h
Feb	26°	16°	5	27 mm	11.2 h
Mar	27°	16°	8	33 mm	11.3 h
Apr	27°	17°	16	113 mm	10.4 h
May	26°	17°	27	375 mm	8.7 h
Jun	24°	17°	28	389 mm	8.1 h
Jul	25°	17°	24	302 mm	8.5 h
Aug	25°	17°	27	389 mm	8.6 h
Sep	25°	16°	29	439 mm	8.2 h
Oct	24°	16°	29	550 mm	7.7 h
Nov	24°	16°	24	340 mm	8.1 h
Dec	24°	16°	12	86 mm	10 h

Averages for 2016–2025 from the Open-Meteo historical weather archive (CC BY 4.0), for the point at 9°56′N 84°05′W. Wet day = 1 mm or more. Highlighted months are mild (18–27° highs) and fairly dry.

What to pack for Costa Rica

For four nights, based on the weather above. Every trip also needs the basics: documents, chargers, toiletries and any medication.

March

Nothing extra

June

Nothing extra

Either way

5 × underwear
5 × socks
4 × T-shirts or vests
2 × shorts or skirts
Something to sleep in
Comfortable walking shoes
Waterproof jacket
Compact umbrella
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Swimwear
Flip-flops or sandals
Beach towels
After-sun
Hiking boots or trail shoes
Day pack
Refillable water bottle
Offline map downloaded
Snacks for the trail
Small cross-body bag
Transit card or app set up

Going with a group? The planner builds a shared list where each person ticks their own things and claims the shared ones.

Going with friends?

One link for the group: find the days you’re all free, vote on what to do, get a day-by-day route and a shared packing list. No sign-up.

Plan Costa Rica