What to Pack for Costa Rica in November: Rain-Ready & Adventure-Savvy Essentials

Not sure what to pack Costa Rica November Packing List? Here’s your simple guide.

Costa Rica in November is the tail end of rainy season, with warm, humid weather and occasional showers.

Pin

Pack lightweight clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for outdoor adventures. Swimwear is also a must.

This Costa Rica November Packing List keeps you ready for both rain and sunshine.

🌡️ Weather Overview: What to Expect in Costa Rica in November

November marks the tail end of Costa Rica’s rainy season. Expect humid days around 75°F–85°F (24°C–29°C), with frequent afternoon showers — especially on the Pacific coast and in jungle areas. Rain tends to taper off toward the end of the month, and lush greenery is at its peak. Lightweight, quick-dry, and waterproof gear is essential.

🎒 What to Wear in Costa Rica in November (with Dressing Etiquette)

Dress for comfort and climate. That means breathable fabrics, quick-dry activewear, rain layers, and swimwear. Costa Rica is casual — even in towns and eco-lodges, flip-flops are fine. For visiting churches or local villages, have a modest outfit (longer skirt, tee, or linen pants). Pack practical, not flashy.

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Waterproof duffel or travel backpack – Ideal for rain and rustic transport.
• 🎒 Daypack with rain cover – Needed for excursions and daily use.
• 🧼 Packing cubes – Separate damp, dirty, and clean clothes easily.
• 👜 Toiletry bag (water-resistant) – Bathrooms may be basic in eco-lodges.
• 🔒 Luggage lock – For shared shuttles or hostels.
• 🧺 Laundry bag – Keeps wet or muddy clothes separate.
• 🛏️ Sleep mask + earplugs – For jungle sounds or shared lodging.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 Quick-dry shirts or tank tops (4–5) – Lightweight and breathable.
• 🧥 Rain jacket or poncho – Lightweight but effective in tropical storms.
• 👖 Hiking or active pants (2–3) – Quick-dry fabric ideal for jungle walks or ziplining.
• 🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Great for hot afternoons or beach towns.
• 👗 Sundress or casual outfit (1–2) – For dinners or towns like Tamarindo or La Fortuna.
• 🧦 Moisture-wicking socks (5–6 pairs) – Dry quickly and reduce blisters.
• 🩲 Underwear + sports bras – Pack breathable and fast-drying pairs.
• 👙 Swimsuits (2–3) – For beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls.
• 🩴 Swimsuit cover-up – Works as a dress or wrap too.
• 🧤 Light jacket or long-sleeve layer – For cooler mountain zones like Monteverde.

💆 Skincare

• 🌞 Reef-safe sunscreen – High SPF, water-resistant, eco-friendly.
• 💧 Aloe or after-sun – Especially helpful after hot days at the beach.
• 🧴 Facial sunscreen – Non-comedogenic, ideal for humidity.
• 💋 Lip balm with SPF – Often forgotten, but needed in tropical sun.
• 🧼 Cleanser + light moisturizer – To refresh and hydrate after sweat or saltwater.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Tinted SPF or BB cream – Light coverage that holds in humidity.
• 💄 Lip tint or balm – Easy and no-fuss.
• 🎯 Waterproof mascara – Optional, but can survive the rain.
• 💅 Multipurpose stick – Use on cheeks, lips, and eyes.
• 💧 Blotting papers or mattifying powder – Keep shine under control.

💇 Hair

• 🧴 Travel-size shampoo + conditioner – Choose sulfate-free for beach hair.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Helps after long hikes or excursions.
• 🪮 Comb + hair ties – Humidity + frizz = tie it back!
• 🌀 Leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz spray – Optional but helpful.

👠 Shoes & Accessories

• 🥾 Hiking shoes or trail sneakers – With good grip for muddy trails.
• 🩴 Flip-flops or slides – For beaches, showers, and casual wear.
• 👟 Water shoes – Highly recommended for waterfall hikes or river tubing.
• 👜 Crossbody or anti-theft bag – For town exploring or travel days.
• 🧢 Sunhat or cap – Protect your face during jungle or beach days.
• 🕶️ Sunglasses – Polarized preferred for jungle glare and water reflection.

🧾 Documents & Essentials

• 🪪 Passport + copies – Keep digital and printed versions.
• 📄 Printed travel confirmations – Internet access can be limited in rural areas.
• 💳 Debit/credit cards – Widely accepted, but some spots prefer cash.
• 💵 US dollars and Costa Rican colones – Bring both for flexibility.
• 📱 Offline maps or Google Maps download – For remote areas.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Phone + charger – Consider a waterproof case or pouch.
• 🔌 Plug adapter (Type A/B) – Same as the U.S., but check voltage.
• 🔋 Power bank – Great for long excursions or off-grid areas.
• 📷 Waterproof camera or GoPro – Capture ziplining, waterfalls, and wildlife.
• 🎧 Earbuds – For flights or downtime.

🎒 Extras

• 💧 Reusable water bottle with filter – Tap water isn’t always potable in rural areas.
• 🧴 Bug spray with DEET – A must in jungles and coastal regions.
• 🧻 Packable travel towel – For spontaneous swims or hot springs.
• 🛍️ Foldable tote – For groceries, markets, or beach gear.
• 📖 Guidebook or Spanish phrasebook – Helps in non-touristy areas.

✈️ Travel Tips

• ✅ Expect afternoon rain — plan early morning excursions.
• ✅ Always wear reef-safe sunscreen — Costa Rica protects its marine life.
• ✅ Bring small bills — many small shops won’t break large ones.
• ✅ Don’t rely on Wi-Fi — download maps and tickets in advance.

✅ Must-Haves for Costa Rica in November

• 🧥 Rain jacket + quick-dry clothing
• 🥾 Hiking shoes + water shoes
• 👙 Swimsuits + towel
• 🧴 Bug spray + sunscreen
• 📱 Phone + waterproof case + power bank
• 💵 Cash + cards + passport
• 🧢 Hat + sunglasses

✔️ You’re Ready for Costa Rica in November!
With this Costa Rica November packing list, you’ll be prepped for lush rainforest hikes, hot springs, wildlife watching, and beach lounging — all while staying dry, protected, and comfortably cool.