Planning your trip to Costa Rica in January
Some Costa Rica travel tips to help you plan your trip:
What to pack
You’ll mostly live in light, breathable clothes—shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, whatever feels good in the heat. Toss in a light jacket or sweatshirt for the mountains, where nights can surprise you with a chill. If you’re planning to hike, proper shoes make a big difference. A swimsuit is essential—between beaches, hot springs, and hotel pools, you’ll use it more than once. Sun protection is non-negotiable: high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a decent hat with a brim.
Planning your itinerary
If you're getting ready to visit Costa Rica in January, starting with a sample itinerary can be a smart way to get organized. It gives you a solid idea of what your trip could look like. Here are a few that might work for you:
- Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Spend a day or two in San José exploring the city, then head to La Fortuna for rainforest trails and waterfalls. You can check out Arenal Volcano and its hiking paths, plus enjoy the hot springs. End your trip in Monteverde, where you’ll find misty cloud forests and hanging bridges, and make time for a coffee farm tour back in San José.
- Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Start in San José, then head to Manuel Antonio to enjoy its beaches and rainforests for a few days. Next, zipper-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest and check out the hanging bridges. Finish your trip in La Fortuna with a visit to Arenal Volcano for trails, waterfalls, and some time to relax in hot springs.
- Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Begin in San José, then explore Tortuguero’s wildlife-filled canals before making your way to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Spend some time at Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife. Finally, wrap up at Jaco Beach for some surfing and stunning sunsets.
- Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: This one covers a lot of ground. Start in San José, then explore Tortuguero’s canals, Puerto Viejo’s Caribbean culture, and Cahuita’s coral reefs. From there, visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, followed by Monteverde’s cloud forests, and finish in Manuel Antonio with its beaches and wildlife.
When to book
January is one of the busiest times to visit Costa Rica. The weather’s great, and a lot of people come to escape winter, especially around New Year’s. Places like the Central Pacific and Guanacaste get crowded fast. If you're heading to the beach, try to book your hotel three or four months ahead. Flights fill early too, so it's worth locking those in as soon as you can. Tours—like zipper-lining, visiting Arenal, or heading into Manuel Antonio National Park—usually need to be reserved a few weeks in advance.
Emergency weather information
January usually means good weather, but if you’re near the Pacific coast, keep an eye out for Papagayo winds. These gusts can stir up strong rip currents, especially around beaches in the north. Before swimming, check signs posted at the beach or ask someone local—hotel staff are usually in the know. It’s also smart to carry a whistle when you’re in the water, just in case.
If you’re heading into the mountains, quick electrical storms can roll in. Know where the closest shelters are along your route. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has a handy app for real-time updates. 911 works countrywide, and it’s worth keeping waterproof copies of your ID and important docs in case you need to leave in a hurry.
For more travel inspiration, see our guide to creating your own Costa Rica itinerary, with tips from local travel experts, or find extra ideas in our Costa Rica travel guide and tailored Costa Rica trips.