Costa Rica Weather in January

What's the weather like in Costa Rica in January? Luckily, January falls during Costa Rica’s dry season. In general, the weather is typically warm and sunny, with low humidity and little rainfall. Coastal areas like Nicoya tend to be more humid, while the Central Valley has a milder climate. Although January is the dry season in many parts of the country, rain is still possible in some regions.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in January?

In general, the weather in Costa Rica during January is typically warm and sunny, with low humidity and little rainfall. It's one of the best months to visit Costa Rica, just after the busy December month and outside the international vacation months.

Average temperatures during the day typically range from 77°F to 82.4°F (25°C to 28°C) and drop to 69.8°F to 73.4°F (21°C to 23°C) at night. However, temperatures can vary depending on the location and elevation.

Rough Guides tip: a trip to Costa Rica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do you want to get the best out of your trip? Connect with our local experts.

Is Costa Rica warm in January?

Costa Rica is warm in January with the country in its dry season, characterized by hot sunny days and minimal rainfall. The average temperatures vary across different regions. In coastal areas, like Tamarindo, Jaco, or Manuel Antonio, you can expect temperatures around 86°F (30°C), providing ideal conditions for sunbathing and water sports.

In the mountainous regions, temperatures tend to be cooler, ranging from 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C), creating a comfortable environment for exploring the lush green landscape of Manuel Antonio National Park or trying to spot monkeys, sloths and toucans at Corcovado National Park.

Is January a good time to visit Costa Rica?

January is considered a great time to visit Costa Rica, especially for outdoor activities like hiking the Osa Peninsula in the far south of the country. This biologically rich, coastal rainforest is one of Costa Rica’s finest destinations for walking and wildlife-spotting.

January is a good time to visit the best beaches too. Head to Islas Tortuga, off the Nicoya Peninsula, where pristine white sands, palm trees, and lush jungle await. The sportfishing season also runs from January to May.

Parque Nacional Palo Verde is also of interest to serious birders between January and March when most of the 250 or so migratory species are in residence here.

This ultimate Costa Rica trip couldn't be better suited to a visit to Costa Rica in January. Spend a few days around Arenal volcano & the Cloud Forest Monteverde before heading to the coast - a beautiful hotel at the Gulf of Papagayo invites you to relax and for some water activities.

What better way to plan a trip than to rely on personalized experiences? Our content manager has traveled to Costa Rica and shares with you what to consider when planning your trip.

Average rainfall in Costa Rica in January?

In January, Costa Rica experiences varying levels of rainfall across different regions. The average rainfall ranges from approximately 1.2 inches (30 mm) to 7.9 inches (200 mm).

The Caribbean coast, including areas like Tortuguero National Park and Puerto Limón, generally receives higher rainfall, with averages around 5.9-7.9 inches (150-200 mm). The Central Valley, where the capital city of San José is located, experiences moderate rainfall, typically ranging from 1.2-2.8 inches (30 to 70 mm).

The northern Pacific coast, including popular tourist destinations like Tamarindo and Liberia, generally has lower rainfall, averaging around 1.2-2 inches (30-50 mm) during January.

Still deciding where to go this winter? Choose from the best destinations to travel to in January.

Festivals and events in Costa Rica in January

There are several festivals and events that take place in Costa Rica during the month of January. Here are some of them:

• New Year’s Day: Celebrated on 1 January. Revellers who were partying in the clubs the night before gather in San José’s Parque Central and Buenos Aires, and Puntarenas to continue the festivities at dances.
• Fiestas Palmares: This is a 12-day event that takes place in Palmares, a town in the Central Valley region of Costa Rica. The festival features music, parades, bullfights, carnival rides, and other activities. It usually runs from the second to the fourth week of January.

Plan your trip with our Costa Rica itineraries

Our Costa Rica itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Get a taste of Costa Rica with a whirlwind visit to Arenal’s volcano and Monteverde’s cloud forests. Perfect if you’re short on time but craving adventure.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Spend a week exploring Arenal, Monteverde, and the Pacific coast’s beaches. A balanced mix of lush landscapes, wildlife, and relaxation.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Dive deeper with stops at Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero’s jungle canals, and Manuel Antonio’s beaches. Ideal for a blend of rainforest, wildlife, and coastal vibes.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: Two weeks to soak up Costa Rica’s best: Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero, and both coasts, including the wild Osa Peninsula. Perfect for serious nature lovers.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

Visit Costa Rica in other months

• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December