Are you heading to Costa Rica during the rainy season? Here is everything you need to know before packing for Costa Rica in november.
While most people will say that you shouldn’t visit during the rainy season, I say you should. Yes it rains but it’s also less busy and you can enjoy loads of activities for a cheaper price.
Also, even if it rains, it doesn’t actually get cold so you can still enjoy your time.
Now, there are a few things to be aware of so you can pack in the most efficient way. In this article, I tell you everything you need to know!
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Essential Packing List for Costa Rica in November
Bags
- 1 travel backpack or suitcase. This is personal preference really but I recommend taking a backpack because you will probably be moving around a lot and it’s easier to walk around with a backpack than a suitcase. Having said that, if you’re not a light packer, a suitcase might be preferable.
- 1 small backpack for the day. You won’t be doing much city sightseeing in Costa Rica but you will be doing a lot of activities and hiking so having a small backpack for the day will come in very handy.
- 1 money belt. This will come in very handy because you can keep your money and valuable documents with you at all times and in a safe way.
Clothes
- Rain Jacket. You are visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season so if there is one thing you can be sure of, it’s that it will rain. I recommend taking the best rain jacket you can. Make sure it’s quite light because it will be warm, just wet. It has to be as waterproof as it can be without being too warm.
- Shorts. These will be your best friends in Costa Rica during the rainy season. It’s quite hot so it’s nice to be in shorts. If it rains, it’s also more practical because your legs will dry a lot quicker than your trousers would. Finally, since you’ll be doing a lot of activities, it’s very practical.
- Dresses. You will likely not be using these much during the day but it’s nice to have them for the evening when you go out for a meal or drinks.
- T-shirts or shirts with short sleeves. Take a few casual T-shirts (basics like black or white work best) but also flowy shirts.
- Long sleeve t-shirts. Certain places such as Monteverde are much higher up in altitude and it can be very cold so it’s important to take at least one long sleeve t-shirt.
- A fleece. Again, that’s something you will appreciate when you are in the mountains, especially if you do a night walk in Monteverde.
- Trousers. They can come in handy in places like Monteverde.
- Jumpers. Some evenings can be chilly in the mountains so it’s good to have one or two jumpers.
- Light jacket for the evening.
- Leggings. These will come in handy during the day if you go hiking as well as in the plane.
- Swimming costume. You will be swimming a lot in Costa Rica so make sure to have 2.
- Surfing shorts. Costa Rica is a great place to go surfing so these can come in handy. Even if you don’t want to go surfing, surfing shorts are a great item to have because they dry quickly.
- Underwear / Bras
- Socks
- Pyjamas
Shoes
- Hiking shoes. There are a lot of hiking opportunities in Costa Rica so make sure to pack hiking boots or shoes.
- Comfortable sneakers. These will come in handy in the evening or when you are visiting San Jose.
- Comfortable sandals. Sandals like Teva can come in very handy, especially when you go on a boat tour.
- Water shoes. There are a lot of water-based activities in Costa Rica such as kayaking or white-water rafting. You will also go to a lot of waterfalls so having water shoes will come in handy pretty much every day.
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A small umbrella
- Sunscreen
- A waterproof watch
- A microfibre towel
- A microfibre poncho
Electronics
- International adapter (Costa Rica uses type A and B sockets)
- Phone charger
- Headphones
- Power bank
- A GoPro
- CameraÂ
Paperwork
- Passport
- Travel Insurance
- Cash and/or Revolut / Transferwise card
- Bank card
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