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I remember my first January in Costa Rica like it was yesterday. I’d just arrived from a snow-covered Europe, stepped off the plane, and it felt like walking straight into a sunbeam. No jacket. No clouds. Just that dry, golden heat that makes your shoulders drop and your stress vanish. If you’re wondering what the Costa Rica weather in January is really like, let me walk you through it — no fluff, no forecasts, just the honest, local vibe.
Costa Rica Weather in January: The Dry Season’s Sweet Spot
This is summer, plain and simple. Locals call it verano, and they treat it like a season of celebration. It’s when parks fill up, beaches get packed with picnic blankets, and no one — and I mean no one — bothers carrying an umbrella. The Costa Rica weather in January is basically the closest thing to a guarantee you’ll get in travel: sunshine, low humidity, and barely a drop of rain on the Pacific side.
On the coasts, it’s hot but breezy — around 27–33°C (80–90°F). In the Central Valley, you get warm days and cooler evenings, which is ideal for sitting outside with a coffee or cocktail. The Caribbean coast? It marches to its own rhythm. Expect a few rain showers, but often nothing that’ll ruin your plans. Sometimes it’s even sunnier there when the Pacific is overcast.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Absolutely. If you want nature at its most accessible — dry trails, clear skies, full rivers, and active wildlife — January is your month. The Costa Rica climate in January is ideal for outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking in Monteverde or watching whales off the coast of Uvita.
Just a heads-up: this is high season. Places are popular for a reason, and prices tend to reflect that. But trust me, you’ll understand why once you’re sitting on a beach at sunset with not a drop of rain in sight.
What to Pack for Costa Rica in January
Keep it light, but smart. January is hot and dry, but Costa Rica’s terrain changes fast. I always recommend:
- Lightweight clothing
- A decent sunhat
- Strong sunscreen (reef-safe, please)
- Swimsuit and sandals
- Hiking shoes if you plan to explore trails
- A light jacket if you’re heading into the mountains or cloud forests
You don’t need much, but you do need to think beyond flip-flops — unless you’re planning to stay horizontal all week.
Local Life During January
Here’s something you might not read in guidebooks: Costa Ricans love January. A lot of businesses close the first two weeks for vacation, and beaches fill with local families on holiday. The energy is joyful, the streets are lively, and towns buzz with festivals, parades, and open-air concerts. It’s a great time to experience the country not just as a visitor, but as part of the rhythm.
Want Help Planning Your January Escape?
The Costa Rica weather in January is nearly perfect — but that also means tours, hotels, and transport book up fast. That’s where we come in. Our vacation planning service helps you cut through the noise and get straight to the good stuff: the places that match your pace, your budget, and your idea of an unforgettable time.
And While You’re Here… Don’t Miss Our Free eBook
If you’re the type who likes wandering off the main trail, our free eBook — “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of” — is your new favorite download.
These are the places we take our friends when they visit. No fluff, no crowds, just pura vida in its purest form.
