If you’re wondering what to pack for Costa Rica in September, you’ve come to the right checklist. September is lush, wet, and wonderfully wild — think rainforests, hot springs, and vibrant wildlife. This guide will keep you dry, stylish, and totally prepped for Costa Rica’s Green Season.
Weather Overview 🌡️
September is peak rainy season in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific side. The Caribbean coast, however, can be sunnier this time of year. Either way — expect hot, humid, and wet weather.
- Average High: 80–86°F (27–30°C)
- Average Low: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
- Humidity: High
- Rainfall: Frequent showers, often in the afternoon
- Terrain: Rainforest, beaches, volcanoes — dress accordingly
What to Pack for Costa Rica in September 🎒
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
Dressing Etiquette: Costa Rica is laid-back and eco-conscious. Quick-dry fabrics, neutral tones for jungle hikes, and modest swimsuits for rural areas are appreciated. Locals (aka Ticos) dress casually and respectfully — leave flashy fashion at home and opt for functional, breathable, and earth-toned gear.
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Lightweight & weatherproof if possible
🧳 Checked luggage – For hiking gear or extended stays
🎒 Lightweight backpack or tote – Day trips and hikes
👜 Daypack or personal item – Great for plane + tours
📦 Packing cubes – Separate damp clothes and clean ones
👟 Shoe bags – Protect clothes from muddy hiking shoes
💄 Makeup bag – Humidity-proof organization
🧼 Waterproof hanging toiletry bag – Essential for jungle lodges
📁 Document organizer / travel wallet – Passport + vaccine cards
🛍️ Collapsible tote – Beach trips, market hauls
🧺 Laundry kit or bag – You will get wet
⚖️ Luggage scale – For your souvenir-packed return
🔒 Small lock – Security in hostels or eco-lodges
🧵 Zipper pouch – For wet swimsuits or damp clothes
🩳 Quick-dry towel – Beach, waterfall, jungle approved
💤 Inflatable neck pillow – For long drives between regions
😴 Sleep mask / earplugs – Some jungle lodges get noisy
👗 Clothes
👚 T-shirts (4–5) – Moisture-wicking, fast-dry fabrics
👕 Casual tops (2–3) – For dinners or town strolling
👔 Dress shirts / blouses (1–2) – For fancier spots
🧥 Rain jacket (1 waterproof, breathable) – Non-negotiable
👖 Quick-dry pants (2–3) – Jungle + waterfall friendly
🩳 Shorts (2–3) – Hiking or lounging
👗 Dresses / rompers (1–2) – Casual and breezy
🩱 Swimsuits (2–3) – For hot springs, waterfalls, and beaches
👘 Swimsuit cover-up (1) – Beach and boat rides
🧘 Activewear (2–3 sets) – For jungle hikes and ziplining
🧦 Wool or synthetic socks (5+) – Avoid cotton; dries slow
👙 Bras (2–3) – Sports bra for active days
🩲 Underwear (1 per day) – Breathable, quick-dry is best
🛌 Pajamas / sleepwear – Lightweight cotton preferred
🧤 Long-sleeve shirt (1–2) – For bug protection in jungle
🌡️ Light sweater or fleece (1) – Some areas (Monteverde!) get chilly
💆 Skincare
🧼 Cleanser – Gentle for sweaty, oily skin
💧 Toner – Great for jungle humidity
🧴 Moisturizer – Lightweight, non-comedogenic
🌞 Sunscreen (face + body) – SPF 50+ is a must
🧽 Makeup remover – Especially if using waterproof makeup
🧖 Exfoliator (optional) – Use sparingly
👀 Eye cream – Hydration boost
🌬️ Facial mist – Mid-day refresh on humid hikes
💋 Lip balm with SPF – Protect against sun + wind
🎯 Spot treatment – For jungle breakouts
💄 Makeup
💧 BB cream or tinted sunscreen – Less is more here
🔍 Concealer – For light coverage
🌬️ Powder – Mattify the sweat
💗 Blush – Cream blush works best in humidity
✨ Highlighter – Optional jungle glow
🌞 Bronzer – Light and natural
👁️ Eyeshadow (mini palette) – Tropical tones, optional
✒️ Eyeliner – Waterproof only
👁️ Mascara – Sweat-proof
🖌️ Eyebrow pencil / gel – Light touch
💄 Lipstick / gloss – Hydrating formulas
✏️ Lip liner – Optional
🎯 Setting spray – Lock it in
🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Minimalist set
💇 Hair
🪮 Hairbrush / comb – Travel size
🧷 Hair ties, clips, bobby pins – Frizz-taming essentials
🧴 Travel-size shampoo & conditioner – Frizz-fighting formulas
🌫️ Dry shampoo – Skip daily washes
🔥 Heat protectant spray – If styling
🌊 Styling cream / mousse – Tame that rainforest frizz
🌪️ Mini blow dryer – Only if needed (most hotels provide)
💨 Mini flat iron / curler – For dinners out
💦 Hair serum or oil – Smooth flyaways
👑 Hair accessories – Headbands, scarves for style + sweat
👠 Shoes & Accessories
🥾 Hiking shoes / trail runners – Sturdy & waterproof
🩴 Flip-flops – Showers, beach, around the lodge
👟 Sneakers – For towns or short walks
🥿 Sandals (secure straps) – Adventure + casual-ready
👒 Sun hat or cap – Scalp protection
🧣 Light scarf or sarong – Multi-use
🧤 Gloves (optional for cold zones like Monteverde)
🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Polarized for jungle glare
💍 Minimal jewelry – Avoid anything valuable
⌚ Water-resistant watch – Adventure-proof
👜 Day purse + night bag – Crossbody is safest
🌂 Foldable umbrella – Sudden downpours happen fast
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 Passport + copies – Required
🗂️ Copy of passport – Keep separately
🛬 Travel insurance info – Highly recommended
💳 Credit + debit cards – Visa is most accepted
💵 Emergency cash (USD + CRC) – Especially in rural towns
🏥 Health insurance card – Carry always
💉 Vaccination records – Optional but helpful
📱 Boarding passes (digital + printed)
🏨 Printed hotel + tour confirmations
🚗 Driver’s license – If renting a car
🗺️ Offline maps & itinerary – Spotty Wi-Fi
📒 Emergency contacts – Just in case
🖊️ Pen + small notebook – Travel journaling
🔑 House keys – Secure them
👛 Travel wallet – Zippered and waterproof
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – Blisters from hikes happen
🧴 Antibiotic ointment – For cuts or scrapes
🧼 Antiseptic wipes – Clean hands and wounds
🩺 Gauze pads – Jungle first-aid essential
🦶 Blister pads – Essential if hiking
🔍 Tweezers – Splinters, ticks
📏 First aid tape – Optional
🌡️ Thermometer (small digital) – Peace of mind
✂️ Scissors (travel size) – Always handy
💄 Cotton balls / Q-tips – Compact care
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – Bring extras
💢 Pain relievers – Ibuprofen or Tylenol
🌸 Allergy meds – For flora or insects
🌊 Motion sickness pills or Sea Bands – For boat or mountain travel
🧻 Stomach relief meds – Traveler’s tummy happens
💊 Vitamins / supplements – Keep your immunity up
🩸 Feminine hygiene products – Hard to find in rural areas
🧼 Hand sanitizer – Always
🧽 Disinfecting wipes – Surfaces, gear, hands
🦟 Bug spray with DEET or picaridin – Do not skip this!
💊 Birth control / Plan B – Peace of mind
👁️ Eye drops – Dust and dry air
👓 Contacts + solution – Glasses as backup
🪞 Travel mirror – Jungle vanity
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Don’t forget
🦷 Floss / mouthwash – Fresh breath
🧼 Body wash / soap – Travel-sized
🧴 Deodorant – Bring two if needed
🪒 Razor + shaving cream – Beach ready
💅 Nail clippers + file – Fix snags
🔬 Tweezers – Multi-use
🌸 Perfume / cologne – Light tropical scent
🧻 Cotton rounds / tissues – In your daypack
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – Use waterproof case
📷 Camera + memory card + battery – Don’t rely on your phone
🔋 Power bank – You’ll need this in the wild
🔌 Charging cables – Backup one too
🔊 Bluetooth speaker – Jungle soundtrack
🔌 Universal travel adapter – Costa Rica uses Type A/B
💻 Tablet or laptop – For photos or remote work
📶 SIM card or eSIM – Kolbi & Claro are common
📖 E-reader + charger – For downtime
🎧 Headphones – Jungle playlist time
📱 Offline maps/apps (Google Maps, Duolingo) – Must download
📱 Waterproof phone pouch – For waterfalls, hot springs
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Books / e-books – Nature-themed, anyone?
🎬 Downloaded shows/movies – Spotty Wi-Fi at night
🎧 Podcasts / playlists – Curate your soundtrack
📓 Journal / sketchbook – Capture the pura vida
🃏 Card games – Rainy day essential
📺 Streaming apps downloaded – For chill time
📰 Magazines – Easy reads for travel
🎒 Extras
🥜 Snacks / protein bars – Hiking fuel
💧 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – For markets and groceries
🧴 Travel detergent – Hand-wash undies or activewear
🧵 Mini sewing kit – For gear mishaps
📢 Safety whistle – Jungle or solo travel safety
🧼 Lint roller – Optional
🦶 Inflatable footrest – Long flights
👟 Shoe deodorizer – Rainforest = moist shoes
😴 Sleep aid – Jet lag helper
✈️ Travel Tips
- ✅ Always bring a rain jacket in your daypack
- ✅ Wear insect repellent everywhere, even indoors
- ✅ Download maps & WhatsApp (widely used in CR)
- ✅ Use dry bags for electronics + passport
- ✅ Don’t wear flashy jewelry — stay low-key
- ✅ Book transport between cities in advance
- ✅ Learn basic Spanish phrases
🛂 Visa Tips
- ✅ No visa required for many countries (90-day stay)
- ✅ Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- ✅ Proof of onward travel is required at immigration
- ✅ No vaccines required, but yellow fever if coming from certain countries
- ✅ Print copies of passport and reservations
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
🛂 Passport + copies
🩴 Rain jacket + bug spray
🏥 Travel insurance
💳 Cards + local cash
📱 Phone + waterproof case
🗺️ Offline maps + directions
💊 Health kit (bug spray, meds)
👜 Lightweight daypack
💧 Reusable water bottle
👍 Good-to-Have Items
💧 Liquid IV or electrolyte powder
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
💤 Sleep mask + travel blanket
🧺 Portable clothesline or clips
🧢 Quick-dry hat
🌿 Reusable straw + cutlery
🛍️ Extra tote for souvenirs
