Escape winter and travel to sunny Costa Rica in January. January is firmly in the dry season, meaning there’s endless sunshine. Hit the beach, paddle out for a surf, hike a volcano, or fly through the cloud forests on a zipline adventure; the options are limitless.
Enjoy endless sunshine in Costa Rica in JanuaryWhat is the Weather like in Costa Rica in January?
In January, summer (or Verano, as locals call it) is in full swing in Costa Rica, which means there’s plenty of sunshine and warm, tropical weather. Temperatures reach from 70°F to 80°F in the Central Valley and higher elevations and 85°F to 95°F on the Pacific Coast.
Despite the heat, northern winds keep the air fresh and breezy. Additionally, the recent aguaceros (rainstorms) of the rainy season tend to leave the arid, dryer areas of Guanacaste green and lush.
In other words, the weather in January offers the best of all worlds. On the Caribbean coast, the climate can be the inverse of the country-wide weather pattern, with the Caribbean coast seeing an increase in rain in January.
Celebrate New Year’s Day in Costa Rica!
National Events, Holidays & Festivities
- New Year’s Day (January 1) – New Year’s Eve is one of the country’s biggest holidays, so things tend to move slowly on New Year’s Day. While most tour operators still work on New Year’s Day, it may feel as if everything else is shut down. January 1st is a national holiday typically spent relaxing with family and friends.
- Fiestas de Palmares (1st Half of January) – This major “state fair” attracts large crowds with music, traditional food, rodeos, Costa Rican-style bullfighting, horse parades (topes), and tent bars open until dawn. It’s a huge event that’s also broadcast live for those who can’t attend in person!
- Fiestas de Alajuelita (@ January 15th) – The Fiestas de Alajuelita involves a mid-January pilgrimage to the Black Christ of Esquipulas to ask for a blessing or a miracle. The pilgrimage is accompanied by local celebrations.
- Santa Cruz Fiestas (Mid-January) – Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, this festival celebrates the Black Christ of Esquipulas in Santa Cruz with parades, folkloric music, dancing, food, drink, and Costa Rican-style bullfighting.
- Copa de Café (1st Week in January) – Copa de Café is an international tennis event featuring the best under-18 players. Past participants include stars like Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka.
What to Pack for a January Trip
If you’re traveling to Costa Rica in January, prepare for the sun. We suggest packing plenty of sunscreen, UPF clothing, quick-dry clothing for hikes and water activities, a hat, sunglasses, and a raincoat/ travel umbrella for the surprise tropical rains. Check out our detailed Costa Rica Packing List article for more information.
Get to the beaches early to avoid the crowds!Pros to visiting Costa Rica in January
- Endless Sunshine.
- Several opportunities to interact with locals on vacation.
- Roads are open and in good condition after the end of the rainy season.
Cons to visiting Costa Rica in January
- Crowded beaches and national parks (especially in early January).
- Limited availability in hotels.
- Higher prices.
Take surf lessons in Costa Rica!Things to Do & Where to Go in Costa Rica in January
- Sunset Catamaran & Snorkel Cruise—Spend a long, sunny afternoon aboard a catamaran and sail as the sky glows orange and pink during sunset. Catamaran cruises include drinks, food, and a professional crew at the helm.
- Visit La Fortuna—Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty with a visit to La Fortuna, where you can enjoy the hot springs and visit Arenal Volcano.
- Surf Lessons – January typically has small, beginner-friendly waves and favorable winds ideal for surf lessons.
- Night-time Zip-Line – Fly through the night sky and experience the magic of the rainforest at night on a Night-time Zip-Line adventure.
- Explore Monteverde – Famous for its cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Monteverde is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Visit a Volcano—Costa Rica is famous for its many towering volcanoes. Visit a volcano to enjoy cooler weather at high altitude and explore among the clouds.
- Discover Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula. Drake Bay is a remote, off-the-beaten-path destination with diverse wildlife and untouched natural beauty.
- Enjoy Traditional Fiestas – January is full of holidays, making it perfect for travelers interested in mingling with Ticos and learning about the local customs.
The Bottom Line on January in Costa Rica
January in Costa Rica is sure to be an unforgettable travel experience. With loads of sunshine and plenty to do, there’s never a dull moment on a Costa Rica vacation. If you visit the country during the first half of the month, expect to encounter plenty of other national and international travelers. Plan ahead, as accommodation availability can be scarce. If you’re looking for a more secluded or unique travel experience, reach out to our team to ensure you plan the best possible trip to Costa Rica.