When traveling to Costa Rica it’s important to think about the multiple microclimates this country is known for. From the damp, cool cloud forests in the mountains of Monteverde to the hot, humid beaches of Dominical, the climate can change in a matter of a few miles. When you’re planning your itinerary remember that the Central Valley is cooler than near the beaches and the mountains are even cooler than the Central Valley. Especially at night.
Besides the elevation, it’s important to think about the season. The rainy season can be much wetter, but the rain is not as common in the northwestern Guanacaste province.
Pack for the Weather and the Season
The weather in Costa Rica can vary by the time of year you visit the country, as well as what area within the country you are visiting. Because Costa Rica has so many microclimates you will need to plan accordingly. This is a general packing list that will cover you during any season as well as hot or cool weather areas.
Packing List
Raincoats
Security Backpack
Flashlight or headlamp
Rain hat
Costa Rica map (rental car companies will often provide these. The WAZE app is also a good option.)
Sunscreen (sunscreen is very expensive in Costa Rica)
Bug repellant (also very expensive. We found the wipes to be easiest to carry)
Swimsuit
Hiking shoes
Sandals
Go pro or small phone camera
Toilet paper (only if staying in remote villages)
First aid kit
Sweatshirt (2-If you will be staying in mountain regions)
Long pants (1-2 pairs if you are staying in mountain regions)
Shorts (3-4 pairs)
Short sleeve shirts/t-shirts (3-4)
Long sleeve (1-2 if you are staying in mountain regions)
sundresses (for the ladies)
Underwear (of course!)
Socks
Cooling towels
PJs
Plastic bags (to carry wet swimsuits to the next destination)
Bandana
Towel (If staying at a smaller B&B or Hostel there may not be beach towels available. Also great if you get caught in a rainstorm on a hike)
Toiletries
Sunglasses
Passports
Identification
Health insurance cards
Money/ATM card
Thin blanket (some hotels and bed and breakfasts will only have sheets on the bed)
Sheets (In some places, if you are picky, the sheets are much less soft in Costa Rica. Low thread count.)
Power bank
Power strip protector (there are power surges quite often)
Medicines
Phone chargers
Additional Things to Remember
Do the health passes online within 48 hours of travel.
Call the bank to let them know you are using your ATM in another country. Same for credit card companies.
Pay for bags for the flight.
Set up a phone plan. (Some phone plans have an international add-on. Another option is that a SIM card can be purchased in Costa Rica for an unlocked cell phone.)