What the weather is like in January
January is the heart of the Pacific dry season: 11mm of rain, 11 hours of sun, and hot 32°C days in Guanacaste. It is also peak demand — the first week is holiday-priced and popular lodges are booked months out. Highlands are cooler and breezy.
Against December, January runs 1°C warmer with 28mm less rain and 0.7 hours more sun a day.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Liberia; other parts of Costa Rica vary. Full sources below.
What to pack for Costa Rica in January
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
- Swimwear
What's on in January
- Fiestas de Palmares (Palmares, Alajuela) — Two weeks of concerts, bull-riding, and street parties in mid-January — the country's biggest fair.
Is January the right month?
Costa Rica's best month is February; the toughest is October. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for April. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Costa Rica.
Where to stay in January
January is peak season in Costa Rica, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Papagayo, Nosara)$$Beaches, surf, dry-season reliability
The driest region and the closest to Liberia airport. Hot in March–April; brown and dusty by the end of dry season.
See Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Papagayo, Nosara) hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - La Fortuna / Arenal$$Volcano views, hot springs, adventure tours
Rainier than the coast year-round; the volcano is clearest in the early morning. Good in green season as long as you plan for afternoon rain.
See La Fortuna / Arenal hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Manuel Antonio$$$Wildlife, families, rainforest-meets-beach
The most-visited national park; sloths and monkeys almost guaranteed. Wetter than Guanacaste — very wet September–October.
See Manuel Antonio hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Jan 2027; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Costa Rica?
How warm is Costa Rica in January?
Does it rain in Costa Rica in January?
What should I pack for Costa Rica in January?
How far ahead should I book Costa Rica for January?
Sources: Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Visit Costa Rica) · Open-Meteo Historical Climate Data (ERA5) · Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) Costa Rica · NOAA National Hurricane Center. Full provenance on the Costa Rica guide.
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