SeasonMapCosta Rica in January
January is one of Costa Rica's best months (rank 3 of 12): its 10 destinations average 84/100, led by Tamarindo at 93 — 34°C and 1 rainy day — while Monteverde is cooler at 25°C and scores 89.
#3 of 12 months for Costa Rica · 10 destinations · updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Where in Costa Rica in January
| # | Place | Type | Feels-like high | Rain | Comfort | At its best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamarindo | Beach | 34°C | 5 mm · 1 day | 93 tier S | Yes |
| 2 | Nosara | Beach | 36°C | 21 mm · 4 days | 92 tier S | Yes |
| 3 | Santa Teresa | Beach | 35°C | 17 mm · 5 days | 92 tier S | Yes |
| 4 | Monteverde | Trekking hub | 25°C | 15 mm · 3 days | 89 tier A | Yes |
| 5 | Jacó | Beach | 34°C | 120 mm · 22 days | 85 tier A | Yes |
| 6 | San José | City | 30°C | 79 mm · 12 days | 84 tier A | Yes |
| 7 | Manuel Antonio | Beach | 33°C | 175 mm · 26 days | 82 tier A | Yes |
| 8 | Puerto Viejo | Beach | 31°C | 172 mm · 19 days | 82 tier A | Yes |
| 9 | La Fortuna | Trekking hub | 28°C | 102 mm · 15 days | 75 tier B | — |
| 10 | Tortuguero | National park | 32°C | 178 mm · 25 days | 68 tier C | — |
Comfort is SeasonMap's 0–100 score; each place is judged through the lens that suits it — beaches on beach weather, ski resorts on snow. "At its best" means January is one of that place's own top three months. Feels-like highs fold in humidity, wind and sun.
What's on in Costa Rica in January
- Christmas and New Year · Nosara and 7 more places · 18 Dec – 3 Jan
- Leatherback nesting at Las Baulas · Tamarindo · 20 Oct – 15 Feb
- Fiestas de Zapote · San José · 25 Dec – 4 Jan
Seasons in force
Peak crowds at 3 of Costa Rica's 4 well-known places this month.