Rain-Ready Costa Rica March Packing List You Can Trust

Heading to Costa Rica in March? When planning your trip, this Costa Rica March Packing List helps you pack for beach heat, rainforest humidity, and cooler highlands without second-guessing every item.

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Use it to build a simple, flexible kit: layers for changing elevations, shoes for walking and trails, and sun-and-bug protection that makes day trips easier from the start.

Note: This article is all about Costa Rica March Packing List. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt it to your needs and share your tips in the comments!

How Is the Weather Like in Costa Rica in March?

March is typically part of the drier season, but conditions still vary a lot by region. Expect warm coastal days around 27–34°C (81–93°F), with cooler evenings in higher elevations that can dip near 16–22°C (61–72°F). Beach areas feel hotter and sunnier, while cloud forests and mountainous zones can feel cooler and damp—so light layers and quick-dry fabrics make packing much simpler.

Costa Rica March Packing List

Luggage & Packing Tools

• Carry-on suitcase – Faster airport dashes and smoother transfers—everything stays together and within reach. On a tight connection, a carry-on suitcase keeps essentials organized and avoids baggage-claim waits, so it’s worth bringing.

• Lightweight daypack with breathable back panel
• Waterproof phone pouch with lanyard
• Packing cubes set for humid-climate organization
• Compression bags for bulkier layers
• Dry bag for boat rides and waterfalls
• Reusable laundry bag for sweaty hiking clothes
• Mini travel clothesline with clips
• Refillable water bottle for heat and excursions
• Luggage ID tags
• TSA-approved suitcase locks

Clothes

• Anti-chafing shorts – Long walk day? These keep everything smooth so I’m not thinking about my thighs by lunch—worth tossing in.

• Quick-dry T-shirts (4–6 PCS)
• Breathable tank tops (2–4 PCS)
• Long-sleeve UPF shirt for sun and bugs (1–2 PCS)
• Lightweight linen or airy button-down shirt (1–2 PCS)
• Quick-dry shorts for heat and hikes (2–4 PCS)
• Lightweight hiking pants for shade and mosquitoes (1–2 PCS)
• Casual evening outfit for dinners in town (1–2 PCS)
• Swimsuits for beach days and hot springs (2–3 PCS)
• Rash guard for snorkeling and strong sun (1 PCS)
• Light rain jacket for surprise showers (1 PCS)
• Thin fleece or light sweater for highlands evenings (1 PCS)
• Sleepwear for warm nights (1–2 PCS)
• Underwear (7–10 PCS)
• Sports bras or supportive bralettes (2–4 PCS)
• Moisture-wicking socks for walking (5–7 PCS)

Skincare

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50+
• Water-resistant body sunscreen for beach and boat days
• After-sun aloe gel
• Lightweight, non-greasy face moisturizer
• Hydrating serum for sun and air-conditioned rooms
• Gentle foaming cleanser for sweat and sunscreen buildup
• Oil-control blotting papers
• Insect-bite soothing gel
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hand cream for frequent washing and sanitizer use
• Anti-friction balm for humid walking days

Makeup

• Tinted sunscreen or skin tint with SPF
• Waterproof mascara for humidity and rain
• Long-wear concealer for heat-resistant coverage
• Cream blush for a sweat-friendly finish
• Translucent setting powder for shine control
• Makeup setting spray for humid afternoons
• Eyebrow gel or pencil
• SPF lip tint
• Travel makeup remover wipes

Hair Care

• Travel hair dryer – After a late shower, I can dry fast and head out without damp hair. A travel hair dryer keeps mornings smooth and comfortable—worth tossing in.

• Hair straightener – For quick polish before a dinner reservation, a hair straightener saves time and keeps frizz in check—worth tossing in if you like feeling put-together fast.

• Anti-frizz leave-in conditioner for humidity
• Clarifying shampoo for sunscreen and saltwater days
• Hydrating conditioner for sun and pool exposure
• Hair oil or serum for ends
• Wide-tooth comb for wet hair detangling
• Hair ties and scrunchies
• Bobby pins and mini claw clip
• Heat protectant spray

Shoes & Accessories

• Waterproof sneakers – Rainy sidewalks or surprise puddles won’t slow me down—my feet stay dry and comfy all day. I’d toss these in for reliable walking, just in case.

• Ankle boots – For instant polish and warm ankles on chilly evenings, I reach for these after a day of walking. They handle sudden rain and uneven streets well—worth packing.

• Compact travel umbrella – Unexpected drizzle on the way to dinner won’t soak your jacket, and it fits in a side pocket without fuss. I’d still toss a compact travel umbrella in.

• Hiking shoes with grippy soles (1 PCS)
• Sandals with arch support for town walks (1 PCS)
• Flip-flops for beach showers and hotel pools (1 PCS)
• Water shoes for rocky beaches and waterfalls (1 PCS)
• Sun hat with chin strap for windy boat rides (1 PCS)
• Sunglasses with UV protection (1 PCS)
• Light scarf or buff for sun, dust, and breezes (1 PCS)
• Reusable shopping tote for markets (1 PCS)
• Swim cover-up for quick transitions (1 PCS)

Documents & Essentials

• Passport with at least six months validity
• Printed flight confirmations and hotel reservations
• Digital copies of documents stored offline
• Travel insurance policy details
• Credit card and a backup card stored separately
• Some cash in small denominations for tips
• Driver’s license for car rentals and ID
• International driver’s permit if required by your rental
• Emergency contact list on paper
• Small travel wallet or money belt

First Aid

• Travel first aid kit – More peace of mind on the road—when a blister or headache hits mid-transit, I can handle it fast and keep moving. I always toss in a small travel first aid kit, just in case.

• Bandages in mixed sizes
• Blister pads for long walks and hikes
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream for bites and irritation
• Motion sickness tablets for winding roads and boats
• Anti-diarrheal medicine
• Oral rehydration salts
• Tweezers for splinters and ticks

Health & Hygiene

• Electrolyte powder – After a long, sweaty travel day, a quick mix in my bottle stops the headache and keeps energy steady. I always toss a packet or two in—worth it.

• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
• Toothbrush and travel toothpaste
• Floss or floss picks
• Deodorant for hot, humid days
• Travel body wash or soap bar in case
• Razor and shaving gel
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes for day trips
• Anti-chafe stick for walking and beach days
• Quick-dry travel towel for waterfalls and beaches

Tech & Electronics

• Universal travel adapter – Landing late in a new country, I can plug in my phone and laptop right away—no hunting for the right outlet. Keeps everything charged and stress low; worth packing.

• Power bank – Long layovers feel easier when my phone doesn’t die mid-map or boarding update; a quick top-up keeps everything running without hunting for an outlet—worth tossing in.

• Wall charger – After a long travel day, plugging in at the hotel keeps my phone and earbuds ready by morning, no scrambling for outlets or sharing cords. Toss a wall charger in—future you will appreciate it.

• Noise-cancelling headphones – On a red-eye or a noisy train, flipping these on makes the world fade out fast so I can rest or focus—always worth packing.

• Bluetooth speaker – Instantly lifts the room—music on during unpacking or a quick shower makes everything feel less drab. I’d toss it in if you’ve got space.

• E-reader – Long layovers feel shorter with a few chapters on hand, and it keeps my bag lighter than paperbacks. I’d toss one in for easy, reliable downtime.

• Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
• Charging cables for all devices
• Water-resistant phone case
• Action camera for snorkeling and waterfalls
• Extra memory card for photos and videos
• Small flashlight or headlamp for power outages

Entertainment

• Paperback book for beach downtime
• Travel journal and pen
• Podcast and playlist downloads for long drives
• Card game for evenings
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting
• Spanish phrasebook or offline language app

Extras

• Snorkel mask for clearer fit and comfort
• Reusable cutlery set for road trip snacks
• Collapsible food container for leftovers
• Waterproof watch for tours and swimming
• Small carabiner clips for attaching gear
• Ziploc bags for wet swimsuits and electronics
• Stain remover pen for travel spills
• Mini sewing kit for quick repairs

Travel Tips

• Pack one cool-weather layer for Monteverde or highlands nights
• Choose quick-dry fabrics because humidity slows drying after swims
• Wear closed