Le Costa Rica, a fashionable destination for several years, is a country offering great diversity in its landscapes and activities that we can do. In this country you might as well enjoy the sun and the beach, take long walks in the forest or near volcanoes.
Therefore, it is better to be prepared for your route with activities that you want to do but also be sure bring everything you need so you don't miss anything.
Here is what I advise you to bring on your trip to Costa Rica.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica depending on the season?
Obviously, the first thing to look at is to know how to dress and what to bring according to the season in which you are going to visit Costa Rica.
You should know that in Costa Rica, there is a tropical climate with a temps pleasant throughout the year. But depending on the region, the climate changes somewhat.
There are mainly two great seasons in Costa Rica:
- A dry season: between December and April
- A rainy season: between May and November
During dry season, we find the highest temperatures in the whole country. Indeed, the temperatures can easily reach 40 ° C in the Nicoya peninsula for example because it is probably one of the driest regions during this period.
However, Caribbean coast or the southern region of the Pacific coast experience more humidity with more pleasant temperatures (28 ° C). Concerning the mountain region (Arenal, Monteverde), being in altitude, you will have Fresher " and therefore the dry season is perfect for not being too cold.
During the wet season, temperatures are cooler all over the country but remain excessively pleasant everywhere. However, you will have more rain during this time.
How to dress according to the season in Costa Rica?
Therefore, if you go to Costa Rica during the dry season, I advise you not to forget:
- Your swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- A k-way for the Caribbean coast
- Personalized warmer clothes for the center of the country
- Mosquito repellent
And if you travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season, remember:
- A swimsuit
- A k-way
- An umbrella
- Mosquito repellent
For more details on how you dress in Costa Rica by region and your activities, scroll down
What to put in your suitcase to go to the mountain region in Costa Rica?
When I speak of "the mountain region" I mainly mean to central regions with volcanoes and sometimes altitude.
More specifically, I am thinking of Arenal or Monteverde regions which are very popular areas for tourists in Costa Rica.
In these regions, whether during the dry season or the wet season, the temperatures are cooler and it is not uncommon for one or more small or heavy showers during his stay.
Also, you should know that these regions offer many activities to do in the surroundings such as:
- Hiking / walking
- Zip lines
- Night walks
- Rafting / Canyoning
- Thermal baths
- etc.
I therefore advise you to remember to take in your suitcase:
- Un long pants for walking or leggings or sweatpants : if you walk in the forest and especially for night walks. Be aware that in the reserves of Monteverde for example, it can be cool even during the day.
- Shorts: for hiking, shorts may suffice, especially on hot days
- A T-shirt : go everywhere or sport for the different activities
- A sweater or small jacket depending on the time: to cover you if the weather is cloudy
- A raincoat : to protect you from the rain because showers are not uncommon in these regions
- Sports / walking shoes to be able to trudge during your activities
- A swimsuit : especially if you go to the waterfalls or to the famous Arenal Hot Springs.
What to take for a trip to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica?
La pacific coast is most likely the hottest coast in Costa Rica, especially the northern part of the coast during the dry season between December and April.
Therefore, certain clothes are essential to take during your stay in Costa Rica:
- One or more swimsuits : an essential to be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica and its paradisiacal ocean.
- Cap / hat : I'm not going to lie to you, the sun is beating down in Costa Rica so protect yourself well
- Sunglasses : an essential to protect yourself from the sun
- Small, light outfits: dress / shorts (or skirt) -t-shirt (tank top). The weather is nice to see hot so take the opportunity to be comfortable by bringing clothes made for this kind of destination
- Trousers for the evening because the evenings can be cool
- A sweater also for the evening
- Sandals / flip flops: for the beach and visit the small villages along the coast
- Small sneakers: to discover the surroundings
How to dress on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica?
The weather on the Caribbean coast is just as pleasant as the Pacific coast, however, it is more likely to find some showers there. For that, in addition to the to-bring list above, I advise you to take a raincoat in case you found yourself facing rain.
What to wear in Costa Rica to respect the local culture?
In Costa Rica there is no particular traditional outfits in tourist places contrary to Guatemala or to Zanzibar for example. The country is relatively developed and we see everything.
However, it is evident that it is better to wear correct outfits. So forget about mini skirts or mini shorts especially if you are a single woman who travels.
Also, the naturism in Costa Rica is not necessarily viewed favorably so forget that while on vacation in Costa Rica.
To mingle more easily with the inhabitants of this beautiful country and avoid shocking them, whether in Costa Rica or elsewhere, be respectful of your clothing.
What accessories to bring for a trip to Costa Rica?
In addition to everything we have seen above, I also recommend that you do not forget the following accessories for your trip to Costa Rica:
- A toilet bag: with the usual necessary (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, soap etc.)
- A small first aid kit: I think it is essential when going on a trip to a foreign country (dressings, Doliprane, disinfectant etc.)
- Tropical mosquito repellent: in Costa Rica you will undoubtedly meet many insects (especially mosquitoes), so you risk getting bitten so don't forget this essential accessory
- Sunscreen : the sun is beating down in Costa Rica, protect yourself and your skin all year round and every day!
- Cap / sunglasses
- An electrical adapter
- One or more padlocks: it's always useful to have some especially if you sleep in hostels
- A flashlight: useful in the evening or if you go for night walks in the forest to observe animals and insects
- Your photo equipment to immortalize this trip (gorillapod, camera, action camera, additional batteries, memory cards)
Obviously these are simply my recommendations to make your trip go as smoothly as possible. If you have any other suggestions for accessories or clothing to take on a trip to Costa Rica, feel free to share them in the comments 🙂
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