What to Pack for Costa Rica: Mountains, Rainforest and Beaches

The short answer

Pack light, quick-dry layers, a rain jacket, one warm layer for the mountains, shoes with grip plus sandals, sunscreen and insect repellent, and your passport. If you are visiting volcanoes, cloud forests or staying in the hills above San José, don't skip the fleece and long pants.

Costa Rica packing checklist

Clothing

• Lightweight, quick-dry shirts and pants
• A fleece or light jacket for cool mountain evenings
• Long pants for volcanoes, cloud forests and bug protection
• Swimsuit and a cover-up
• A hat and sunglasses

Rain and sun

• Lightweight rain jacket (year-round, essential May to November)
• Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF
• Insect repellent
• A compact umbrella or poncho
• Dry bag or zip bags for phones and passports

Footwear

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with grip
• Sandals or water shoes for beaches and rivers
• An extra pair of socks for wet days

Documents and money

• Passport (check validity rules for your nationality)
• Driver's license if you will rent a car
• Credit cards plus some small cash for tips, parking and roadside fruit stands
• Travel insurance details

Gear and extras

• Reusable water bottle
• Binoculars for birds and wildlife
• Small daypack
• Phone charger and power bank
• A basic first-aid kit and any personal medications

Packing for the mountains vs. the beach

Mountains and cloud forest (Irazú, Poás, San Gerardo de Dota, Tarbaca): mornings are bright, afternoons can be misty or rainy, and nights get chilly. Bring layers, long pants and a jacket. At our house at 5,500 feet we light the fireplace most evenings.

Beaches and lowlands (Jacó, Manuel Antonio, the Caribbean): hot and humid year-round. Think breathable clothing, swimwear, a hat, lots of sunscreen and insect repellent.

Packing tips by season

In the dry season (about December to April) focus on sun protection and dust-friendly shoes. In the green season (about May to November) put the rain jacket and a spare pair of shoes at the top of the list. Read more in our Costa Rica rainy season guide.

What you can leave at home

Heavy jeans that never dry, too many shoes, and formal clothes. Costa Rica is casual almost everywhere.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need warm clothes in Costa Rica?

Yes, if you will spend time in the mountains. San José and the Central Valley are mild, but places like Irazú Volcano, San Gerardo de Dota and mountain towns above 5,000 feet get cool, especially at night. Bring a fleece or light jacket and long pants.

What shoes should I bring to Costa Rica?

Most travelers do well with one pair of comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good grip, a pair of sandals or water shoes for beaches and rivers, and something casual for evenings.

Do I need a rain jacket in Costa Rica?

A lightweight rain jacket is useful year-round and essential from May to November, when afternoon showers are common in much of the country.

What documents do I need to travel to Costa Rica?

Check the current entry requirements for your nationality before you travel. Travelers generally need a passport valid for their stay and may be asked for proof of onward travel. If you plan to drive, bring your valid driver's license.