January in Costa Rica is among the best months for any traveler. It has clear skies, warm days, and strong winds. It changes from one region to the next, of course, but in general, it is sunny, although fresh, as trade winds cross over Costa Rica, creating currents that cool off even the hottest areas.
Spending the Winter in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica in January can be different from one region to the next, and this is just a guideline. Microclimates can be unpredictable at times.
Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica in January can be rainy
Tortuguero, Limon Port, Cahuita, Cocles, and Puerto Viejo are in the rainy season, with 17 rainy days and 12.6 in . (320 mm) .
Temperatures go from 21.1 °C | 70°F to 28.8 °C | 84 °F.
Northern Region of Costa Rica in January may also be rainy
La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Rio Celeste, and Boca Tapada are in the rainy season, with 12 rainy days and 6.8 in (112 mm). 9
Temperatures go from 21°C (69.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Central Valley of Costa Rica in January
San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and San Ramon are in the sunny season, with 6 rainy days and 2.19 in (36 mm).
Temperatures go from 18.9°C (66°F.) to 23.2°C (73.8°F).
Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in January
Guanacaste, Herradura, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Osa are in the sunny season, with 6 rainy days and 2.19 in (36 mm).
In Monteverde, in January is the windy season, and wind can become an issue to do some activities like ziplining, and even hiking. Although, the forest is absolutely breathtaking in this time of year, and the sunsets from Monteverde are the best.
Temperatures go from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F).
WILDLIFE IN JANUARY IN COSTA RICA
Birdwatching in Costa Rica in January
At this period of year, the 252 seasonal bird species in Costa Rica are enjoying the warm weather and abundance of food.
At this time of year, many resident and attractive migratory species can be seen. However, January on the Caribbean of Costa Rica is rainy season, and on the Pacific side it is very windy, which makes birding harder. You can also find below some of the usual wildlife you may see in Costa Rica in January.
TURTLES
Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Green Sea Turtles are on the Pacific Coast.
No turtle nesting on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica at the beginning of the year. The forest looks amazing though!
WHALES
Northern Hemisphere whales are in the area in this time of year. Although, it’s easier to see them in the Northen Pacific than in the South Pacific area of Costa Rica. (The whale season for the South Pacific is from August to October, when the Southern whales come here for their winter.)
FROGS
Visible all year round, throughout the whole country. In january though, if you are in the Northen Pacific region and on the beach, it’ll be harder to spot them as it is very hot and dry for frogs in January.
MONKEYS
Visible all year round, depending on where you are you will see one or another species. In some even all of them.
DOLPHINS
Visible all year round.
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Migratory birds are in Costa Rica in January.
RESPLENDENT QUETZAL
Hard to spot the quetzal in January, as they migrate to lower areas and are not nesting.
SCARLET MACAWS
Visible all year round
TOUCANS
All species are visible all year round.
HUMMINGBIRDS
Visible all year round.
SLOTHS
Visible all year round. Although in January in Costa Rica it may be easier in some areas as when it is warm they move much more. Sometimes when it’s raining they just look like a ball of fur up there.
CROCODILES
Visible all year round
THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
COSTA RICAN PEOPLE
In January, it is the summer for Costa Rica. Public schools are out, and families use this time to go out to the beach and the most popular places.
Especially on the weekends, the last week of December, and the first week of January, you will see all sizes of families around the beaches and forests all throughout Costa Rica, the closer to the Central Valley, the crowder.
You will find families and groups of friends on the beach and in national parks and preserves.
HIGH SEASON
January in Costa Rica is very busy.
A lot of people come for vacation, but also, many visitors stay for longer periods, running away from the cold.
If your holidays are in January, we recommend you to reserve as soon as possible and way in advance. It is hard to find accommodations sometimes!
January is the sunny season and peak season, with cruise ships visiting all of the country’s major ports and bringing crowds to both coasts on occasion.
There may be some waiting time on the boat in Tortuguero for the National Park Canals tours.
There may be long lines at the National Park entrances to Manuel Antonio and the Monteverde Reserves.
If you are more comfortable away from crowds, my recco is to go for areas off the beaten track, like the area of Los Santos, Arenal Lake, Perez Zeledon, and many others that I will talk about in future podcasts and articles.
BLOOMING TREES
January in Costa Rica is magnificent due to the many blooming trees everywhere!
The Sabana Oak, also known as the Pink Pui, is blooming, and if you happen to drive by San Jose, we fully recommend taking Rohrmoser Boulevard to see a breathtaking pink landscape along the main avenue.
The Poro Poro, or Flame of the Forest, is the most appealing at this time of year. These trees were used to shade the coffee and have lost their leaves and blossomed with bright orange/red flowers, creating a fantastic green and orange landscape that is difficult to forget.
Another tree that begins to bloom at this time of year is the Yellow Cortez, which is the source of the famous ironwood. As the name implies, the tree blooms with bright yellow flowers that complement the fantastic landscapes of the orange poro poro trees.
Agriculture: Coffee picking and processing are still ongoing. It’s an excellent time for coffee tours as you may get to see the whole process, from the second or third round of picking to the complete process of fermentation, choosing, and drying.
The usual tropical fruits are available all year: banana, pineapple, and papaya. Mangoes are off season, unfortunately. You can still get them, but they will be more expensive.
Oranges might not be as sweet as tangerines.
Soursop, avocados, plantains, watermelons, and kiwis are also available.
To Wrap It Up:
Costa Rica in January is absolutely fantastic! BUT SO IS THE REST OF THE YEAR! We will be talking about Costa Rica month to month in future posts.
