Weather & Packing List

Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure‎ > ‎

Weather

As in most tropical countries, Costa Rica has dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to November and the dry season runs between December to April. Be prepared for sudden downpours during the rainy season. Temperature-wise, expect the weather to range from 75°-85°. As this is a tropical country, it can get very hot, especially in the afternoons!

Please note: in Costa Rica it is perfectly ok to eat fresh fruit and vegetables as well as drink the water.

Suggested Packing List:

Must - Haves:

  • Passport. Must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Costa Rica

  • One refillable water bottle

  • Day bag

Clothing:

  • Short-sleeved shirts/ tank tops (we recommend thin, breathable shirts as it is very hot and humid during the afternoons)

  • A warm sweatshirt / fleece (it can get cool at night)

  • Rain coat (light weight, water resistant for sudden, unexpected tropical showers)

  • Gym / sportswear (for hiking / service)

  • Under garments, socks

  • Bathing suits

  • Shorts

  • 1-2 pair of lightweight long pants

  • Hat

  • One pair of flip flops / sandals / water shoes - Tevas or Chacos highly recommended.

  • One pair of tennis shoes / closed toe sandals (these are for hiking and will likely get dirty)

Volunteer Project

  • You will be helping to prepare food and clean enclosures of wildlife at a local rescue center. It can get quite dirty, so we recommend bringing latex gloves along with you.

Bath / Personal:

  • Shampoo

  • Personal medication

  • Motion sickness medicine (if you are prone to car sickness)

  • Personal toiletries

  • Sunscreen (reef safe when possible)

  • Bug spray

Other:

  • Beach towel

  • Books and/or magazines

  • Mini-flashlight / headlamp

  • Sunglasses, particularly if you’re sensitive to sunlight

  • Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars).

Provided:

  • Linens / blankets

  • Pillow

  • Hand soap

  • Bath Towels

  • Electrical adapters are not needed.

*We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry during the trip.

*Electrical outlets in Costa Rica are the same as in the United States. Voltage is 110 volts. There is no adapter needed if coming from the U.S.