Costa Rica in January

When you’re looking for the best time to visit Costa Rica, January is easily one of the top months to explore the country. In the middle of the dry season, you’ll find less rain on the Pacific coast and drier-than-average days on the Caribbean coast – although there are always some tropical showers here and in the rainforest – so it’s a perfect time to explore.

However, this fabulous weather is no secret, so you’ll also find more visitors heading to Costa Rica in January, making the most of the glorious beaches, the great conditions for viewing wildlife, the national parks and the string of activities. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider heading a little way off the beaten track. On the Pacific Coast, quieter corners like Costa Ballena are a tempting option, with the chance to spot dolphins, as well as to see humpback whales just up the coast near Uvita this month.

Or Corcovado National Park is more secluded than some of the more popular places to see Costa Rica’s wildlife, with a chance to go snorkelling and explore the rainforest, while you can escape the heat in the hills by the smoking volcanoes at Turrialba, by trekking up into the clouds at Cerro Chirripo or in the Talamanca Mountains.

But if you’re happy to share the sights, it’s a fantastic time to see the popular highlights too, including San Jose, Arenal volcano, the cloudforests of Monteverde and beaches galore – Samara Beach, Isla Venado and Montezuma beach on the Nicoya peninsula are all enticing options on the west coast, along with Manuel Antonio with its mix of beach and rainforest. Surf season is in full swing over on the Caribbean coast too, including at laid-back Puerto Viejo.

Festivals: Costa Rica doesn’t do New Year celebrations by halves, and you can expect the party to continue all day with dances in some of the main cities, including San Jose on January 1

The 12-day Fiestas Palmares is another good way to start the new year with a bang, usually running from the second to fourth week of February in Palmares, with music, fireworks, comedy, carnival rides, parades, food and drink. It’s worth knowing there are also bullfights as part of the festival.

Best for: Seeing the whole country, hitting the beach, trekking volcanoes, exploring the rainforest, whale-watching

 

Or perhaps you’re thinking of travelling on another month..?

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December