Complete Guide to January in Costa Rica

January may be the high season in Costa Rica, so it’s not the ideal time to visit if you want to save money and avoid bigger crowds.

However, if you’re looking for a custom-made trip filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like zip-lining, scuba diving, and strapping on your hiking boots to explore some unique places off the beaten path—visiting Costa Rica during the dry season is perfect for you! With ideal January temperatures and low humidity in full swing, this can be one of the most eventful months of the year, and surf lessons, water sports, watching humpback whales, or partying in the two-week-long fiesta season can make visiting Costa Rica in January magical.

We’ve rounded up all our best Costa Rica travel advice for visiting in January, including the weather forecast, festivals, and things to do so that you can plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Weather in January

In January, most of the country is experiencing the beginning of Costa Rica’s dry season, so you can expect warm daytime temperatures, sunny days, and less rain during your trip to Costa Rica. Here’s what type of weather you can expect on your Costa Rican adventure, by region:

Pacific Coast

The dry season is in full swing along the entire Pacific side of Costa Rica, from the Northwest Pacific to the South Pacific, in January. You can expect temperatures around 90°F and minimal rainfall during your trip to Costa Rica.

Caribbean Coast

During January, the Caribbean Coast, including popular locations like Puerto Viejo, is still in the midst of the rainy season, so the weather isn’t ideal. You can expect temperatures around 85°F with rain and thunderstorms that may last all day.

Central Valley

The weather in the central valley region of Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, and San Jose is lovely in January, with temperatures hovering just shy of 80°F and occasional evening showers.

Holidays & Events in Costa Rica in January

January is one of the best months to plan a trip to Costa Rica if you want to participate in the local festivals, parties, and events! These are a few of the most popular events you can partake in when you visit Costa Rica in January.

#1

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day is a national holiday that Costa Ricans often spend with their families that includes food, fireworks, and fun throughout the country. However, since January is in the midst of the peak season for visiting Costa Rica, most tour operators will still be running, so you don’t have to miss out on any fun during your Costa Rica vacation!

#2

Santa Cruz Festival

The Santa Cruz Festival held on the Nicoya Peninsula celebrates the ranching and “cowboy” culture in Costa Rica. You can expect food, drinks, fireworks, parades, and bullfighting during this event, usually during the first or second week of January.

#3

Fiestas de Palmares

The Palmares Festival is just like a county fair but has the tropical vibes you would expect from Costa Rica! This famous fiesta, held in mid-January, attracts over a million visitors. You can expect live music, dancing, food, drinks, bullfights, horse parades, and more fun during this event.

#4

Fiestas de Alajuelita

Fiestas de Alajulita is an oxcart parade and procession over a mountain to the Black Christ of Esquipulas to ask for a miracle or blessing. This well-respected practice of pilgrimage to the Black Christ is still observed by many locals and occurs in Costa Rica around January 15th each year.

Costa Rica Tours & Fun Things to Do in January

Costa Rica’s excellent weather and festive events aren’t all tourists love about visiting the country in January. These activities are perfect for enjoying while spending time in Costa Rica in January:

Activities in January

#1

Hiking

Hiking in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio is like traveling into a Jurassic jungle, with a sense of mystery and energy that will amaze you. The peak season is no reason to avoid this area, as this part of Costa Rica offers something for everyone, with plenty of room to roam. Hire a guide to guarantee more wildlife spotting, but book early to avoid higher prices as many have limited availability in January. In Costa Rica, January activities can fill up quickly.

#2

Zip Lining

Zip lines are an exciting and fun way to spend your time in Costa Rica in January. What better feeling than to be zooming along the canopy, at eye level with birds, sloths, and monkeys while you get relief from the warmer temperatures? These thrilling dry season activities also may have limited availability, so book in advance so you’re not disappointed. With less rain in January in Costa Rica, your entire family can enjoy the treetops that have been left unchanged for many years.

#3

Surfing Costa Rica

Surfing is synonymous with Costa Rica in January. While the bigger south swells of the summer mean more consistent, larger surf, many times the rain can wash out roads and make traveling a more challenging time to visit Costa Rica to surf. In the dry season, you can expect somewhat smaller waves, but usually the conditions are cleaner and have more favorable conditions.

Destinations in Costa Rica in January

#1

La Fortuna

If you’ve always wanted to see active volcanoes up close and personal, head to Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna. Not only will you be able to go hiking near the Arenal Volcano in January, but you can also soak in natural hot springs, go zip lining, and participate in other fun activities in the tropical rainforest!

#2

Manuel Antonio National Park

From hiking and swimming to surfing and wildlife, there is certainly no shortage of things to do at Manuel Antonio National Park. Although it’s not nesting season for the famous turtles quite yet, marine life abounds. January is the perfect time to visit this popular destination because of the dry, sunny weather, so whether you hire tour guides or explore the park yourself, be sure to pay a visit during your vacation to Costa Rica in January.

#3

Pacific Coast Beaches

In Costa Rica, January brings strong winds to the North Pacific, so this month is one of the best times for experienced surfers to “shred the gnar” on the country’s tropical beaches, like Playa Avellanas and Santa Teresa. However, even if you’re not a surfer, the warm, sunny weather offers the perfect conditions for sunbathing or hanging out on the beaches along the Pacific Coast! Plus, you’re never too old to take surf lessons and experience the pura vida bliss. With minimal rain, northern winds, high temperatures, low humidity, and lack of torrential rains, you’ll find fantastic January weather in Costa Rica.

#4

Osa Peninsula

If you want to escape the peak season crowds from the festivals in January, head down to the Osa Peninsula. Over half of the animal species in the country live here, so it’s a great place to see monkeys, eagles, toucans, sloths, ocelots, and more. Consider hiring a tour guide for a sustainable tourism experience in Corcovado National Park—one of the most biodiverse regions in the world!

In early January, starting in the first week of the month, you can kick off the new year trekking one of several national parks in your hiking boots with wildlife spotting, zip lining, and immersion into the Costa Rican culture. What better way to get on the right path than January in Costa Rica.

Visit Costa Rica in January for Great Weather, Fun Festivals & Good Times

Whether you love exploring national parks, attending cultural events, or relaxing on the beach, you’ll find something to love about Costa Rica in January. Costa Rica’s northern region shines in January, so it’s a great place to stay during your visit to this diverse country!

Browse our wide selection of beachfront properties, comfortable condos, and vacation homes in Playa Flamingo and Playas del Cocos to book your “home away from home” during your vacation to Costa Rica in January.