Costa Rica Packing List - What to Wear in Winter
Costa Rica has it all — beaches, volcanos, rainforests, and wildlife. This eco-travel destination is becoming more popular every year, and for good reason! The country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism is commendable and a great example for the rest of the world. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re already headed to the country of “Pura Vida.” Embrace the simple life mentality now and use this Costa Rica packing list to make your trip a breeze. So let’s get right to what to wear in Costa Rica!
Disclaimer: I only recommend products I absolutely love, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. Please consider using the link to support my blog! You can read my full privacy policy here.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
What’s the weather like in Costa Rica in the Winter?
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise year round! The country enjoys warm temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the 90s depending on if you are hanging out on the beach or traversing the treetops in the rainforest. However, the days are shorter during the winter, which means you might have to pack in more to your day. But with very few, if any, lines for major attractions, you’re sure to check off everything on your list.
What should you wear in Costa Rica?
Depending on your itinerary, your Costa Rica packing list might look a little different. If you are headed to the beach, you definitely need extra swimsuits. And if you are headed to La Fortuna or the cloud forest, you definitely need hiking shoes.
Dressing Tips for Costa Rica
Humidity
Costa Rica is humid. There’s no denying it when your clothes are sticking to you and sweat is rolling down your back even though it’s not that hot. I recommend packing clothes that are breathable and lightweight for all day adventuring!
Rain
Winter in Costa Rica is the wet season, so expect scattered rain showers throughout your visit. But fear not, they do not last long! Keep a rain jacket handy for those spur of the moment showers. You’ll also want waterproof shoes or sandals with good grip because it also gets muddy.
Sloth in La Fortuna
Costa Rica Packing List
Rain Jacket
A rain jacket is a Costa Rica packing list essential, especially if you go to the rainforest or cloud forest. Rain is in the name! 🤣 I love my Colombia lightweight rain jacket, especially because the back is vented. I can stay cool while also staying dry!
Shoes
You will need several shoes on your Costa Rica packing list. First, sturdy hiking shoes for jungle exploring. Second, cute sandals for the beach or dinner. And third, water shoes for exploring the natural hot spring rivers, cliff jumping, rappelling, or any other adventurous activity you plan on doing. Your activities will dictate what you wear in Costa Rica!
Shorts + Leggings
Athletic-style clothing is a great choice for what to wear in Costa Rica. It is too hot and humid for jeans or other long, thick pants, but a light pair of leggings was fine for me. Most days, I wore jean shorts or running shorts. I love these and these Lululemon dupes on Amazon!
Tops + T-Shirts
Tank tops and loose, breathable t-shirts will cover all activities in Costa Rica. I recommend packing sports bras as well because you will sweat a lot, especially if you go ziplining, rappelling, or any other adventure activity.
Swimsuits
Regardless of where you go in Costa Rica, you need swimsuits. In the La Fortuna area, there are many natural hot springs that you can hang out in after a long day of exploring, and the hotel we stayed at even had the option of an in-room natural spring tub! It was perfect for relaxing when it got dark early, and I loved leaning back and looking at all the stars above us from the warmth of the pool.
Accessories
If you have long hair like me, you definitely need extra hair ties on your Costa Rica packing list. You’re going to be wet a lot, so bring minimal jewelry or pieces you don’t mind getting wet. A floppy hat is a great accessory for the beach and paired with a cute swimsuit cover up, you will have everything you want to wear in Costa Rica!
Toiletries
I definitely recommend bringing your favorite toiletries from home. Check out this hangable toiletry bag that has saved me many a headache on trips where counter space was limited! The soap options at our hotel were pretty limited, and I am so glad I brought my own products. Because Costa Rica is committed to sustainability, the water pressure there is pretty low. I ended up giving up on washing my hair and kept it in a braid for the last three days of our trip! Bring dry shampoo if you think you might need it. Another item to add to your Costa Rica packing list is mosquito spray. I got so many bites from walking in the jungle, and my legs itched the whole trip 🤣
Electronics
Costa Rica uses the same plug as the United States, so if you are traveling from North America, you don’t need to bring a travel adapter. If you are traveling from anywhere else, you definitely need one. I never go anywhere without my Kindle, including on vacation! There is nothing better than sitting on the beach and reading a good book, IMO. Don’t forget your camera and GoPro for epic footage of your aquatic adventures! And since you’ll be water bound, check out these waterproof phone pouches. I also store my ID and credit cards in them!
Costa Rica Outfit Ideas
A few fun photos of me plus some outfit inspiration for what to wear in Costa Rica! Most days I wore shorts and a tank top or leggings and a t shirt.
Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Costa Rica in Winter
If you haven’t already booked a trip to Costa Rica, check out my six day itinerary for the La Fortuna and Arenal area! But if you have, I hope you found this Costa Rica packing list useful. It’s not hard to figure out what to wear in Costa Rica in winter!
Let me know in the comments when you’re going to live that Pura Vida life!