What is the weather like in Costa Rica during January?

January stands out as one of Costa Rica's finest months with clear skies during the dry season particularly in Guanacaste and Arenal. The Arenal region maintains temperatures around 19°C with a tropical climate that's ideal for outdoor exploration. At Arenal Paradise Resort & Spa visitors note the weather creates perfect conditions for thermal pool relaxation and volcano hikes. The Caribbean side near Tortuguero sees occasional rain showers keeping the rainforest environment rich and green.

What accommodation options are available in Costa Rica for January trips?

The peak January season presents varied lodging choices across the country. Visitors can select Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa in La Fortuna with direct views of Arenal Volcano. El Establo Hotel serves as a gateway to Monteverde's cloud forest while beachgoers find comfort at places like Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows on Playa Carrillo. "The Mountain Paradise Resort was perfectly located for January activities - close to hot springs and hiking trails with amazing volcano views from our balcony."

Are there any special events or festivals in Costa Rica during January?

Costa Rica comes alive with cultural celebrations in January. The Santa Cruz Fiestas brighten Guanacaste from January 14-16 with traditional bullfights folk dancing and regional food. San José hosts the Palmares Fiestas in mid-January bringing together horseback parades live music and carnival activities. "Experiencing the Palmares festival during our January tour added an incredible cultural dimension to our wildlife adventures."

What are the top activities to do in Costa Rica during January?

January weather creates optimal conditions for outdoor adventures. Arenal offers zip-lining waterfall rappelling and relaxation at Baldi Hot Springs. Monteverde Cloud Forest welcomes visitors for guided night walks and elevated bridge trails. The Nicoya Peninsula particularly Playa Tamarindo presents excellent surfing conditions. "January was perfect for learning to surf at Playa Guiones - the waves were consistent and the weather was sunny every day."

Should I book my Costa Rica January tour in advance?

January sees the highest tourist numbers making early reservations crucial. Popular accommodations such as Arenal Springs Resort and Si Como No in Manuel Antonio often reach capacity 3-4 months ahead. "We booked our January tour 6 months in advance and were glad we did - many hotels were already full and some activities had limited availability."

How much should I budget for a Costa Rica trip in January?

An 8-15 day January tour typically costs between USD 2000-4000 per person covering lodging some meals and guided experiences. Premium options like Arenal Paraiso Resort command higher rates. Additional activities range from zip-lining at USD 60-100 to hot springs visits at USD 40-70. "While January is peak season with higher prices the perfect weather and amazing wildlife viewing made it worth every penny."

What wildlife can I typically spot in Costa Rica during January?

January offers prime wildlife viewing throughout Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park reveals howler monkeys toucans and caimans along its waterways. Monteverde Cloud Forest houses the resplendent quetzal 400-plus bird species and night creatures including pacas and tarantulas. "We saw so much wildlife in January - from sloths in Manuel Antonio to scarlet macaws in Carara Reserve and even spotted a mother and baby sloth near La Fortuna!"

Costa Rica Tours in January 2027

10 best Costa Rica trips in January 2027

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In-depth Cultural
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
4.7 (43 traveler reviews)
"The best guide ever!"
Spyridoula, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $899
US$809per person
Price based on Shared Room
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
4.5 (90 traveler reviews)
"Communication of facts on wildlife, socio-economic, history, geography, politics and culture were excellent."
Bill, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
San Jose, San Gerardo de Dota, Savegre, Turrialba,Pacuare River,Tortuguero National Park,Tortuguero,Guapiles,Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Arenal,Carara,Manuel Antonio National Park+10 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
7% Off
From $3,910
US$3,630per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
19 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Discover Costa Rica
4.6 (114 traveler reviews)
"Everything was perfect, the accommodation, the food, the local guides, the itinerary which included close contact with lots of amazing wildlife and chance to become familiar with some of the culture of Costa Rica."
Di, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Santa Elena,Manuel Antonio National Park,Piedras Blancas,San Isidro de El General,Los Quetzales National Park+7 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
5% Off
From $5,698
US$5,415per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Costa Rica
3.9 (9 traveler reviews)
"Had a great time. A great way to see Costa Rica and, in my case, travelling alone."
Stephen, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Caño Negro, Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park,San Gerardo de Dota,Los Quetzales National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $3,660
US$2,928per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
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Wildlife
Costa Rica Escape
4.4 (5 traveler reviews)
"Costa Rica is a magnificently beautiful country. A wonderful place to visit."
JeanRoth, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Elena,Sarchi+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
28% Off
From $1,389
US$999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Jan, 2027
7 spaces left
23 Jan, 2027
7 spaces left
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Explorer
8 Days Wildlife, culture and nature of Costa Rica
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Jaco, Tarcoles, Corcovado National Park,Cano Island,San Gerardo de Dota+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
2% Off
From $3,205
US$3,130per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
4 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were top quality, all my rooms were massive, breakfasts good and the pool clean and welcoming."
AMY, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
San Jose, Sarchi, La Fortuna, Guapiles, Tortuguero,Alajuela+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $914
US$777per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
4.6 (33 traveler reviews)
"The experience was amazing, stress-free, and perfect."
Julia, traveled in June
Duration
14 days
Destinations
San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manzanillo,San Carlos,La Fortuna,Caño Negro,Monteverde,Playa Santa Teresa,Montezuma,Tortuga Island,Mal Pais+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $1,349
US$1,012per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
17 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Health, Spa & Wellness
Wellness Costa Rica
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tours were awesome, the guides and instructors were great and the CEO was top notch!"
Jessica, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna,Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park,Playa Carrillo+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,099
US$1,574per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
4.5 (17 traveler reviews)
"It was a great holiday and I'd highly recommend it."
Elaine, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
12% Off
From $2,370
US$2,090per person
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Costa Rica Quest
4.6 (216 traveler reviews)
"Well organized and plenty of optional activities."
Bruce, traveled in November
Duration
9 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $1,299
US$1,169per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
4.3 (145 traveler reviews) award winner
"The hotels were great and the food ok. I love TourRadar and their trips and will go again."
Tanya, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde,Santa Elena,Manuel Antonio National Park,Alajuela+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
20% Off
From $1,975
US$1,580per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (72 traveler reviews)
"From volcanoes and the cloud forest to the beach, I got to experience many beautiful and completely different places."
Pia, traveled in February
Duration
12 days
Destinations
San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, La Fortuna,Monteverde,Playa Santa Teresa,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
15% Off
From $2,475
US$2,104per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Active
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
4.5 (47 traveler reviews)
"Great tour it was well planned."
William, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal,Arenal Volcano National Park,La Fortuna,Monteverde,Santa Elena,Playa Tamarindo,Alajuela+6 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
15% Off
From $1,811
US$1,539per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Wildlife
Highlights of Costa Rica
4.4 (43 traveler reviews)
"The boat ride stood out along with ziplining. It was a good introduction to Costa Rica and the culture of the country."
Sarah, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,La Fortuna,La Guaria (La Fortuna),Monteverde,Tarcoles,Carara National Park,Manuel Antonio National Park+7 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
14% Off
From $1,970
US$1,690per person
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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