Beaches & Islands · Dry season Dec–Apr
Costa Rica packing list for families
Costa Rica is two trips in one: rainforest adventures and lazy beach days. That makes packing a little trickier. Here's what we bring for a Papagayo family trip, adjusted for the season.
Photo by ronald salazar on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Costa Rica, Papagayo
- My favorite family plan is a split stay: rainforest first, then the beach to relax.
- From May to November it rains most afternoons. Plan adventures in the morning.
- Pack closed-toe shoes for ziplines and hanging bridges. Sandals won't be allowed on most.
Best timeDry season Dec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyColón (US dollars widely taken)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Costa Rica, Papagayo
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Lightweight long pantsFor bugs and rainforest hikes.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Closed-toe trail shoesRequired for most ziplines.
Beach & pool13
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Adventure3
Bug spray
Kids' binoculars for wildlife spottingKristina's pickSloths are hard to spot without them.
Dry bagFor rafting, boats, and surprise downpours.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech16
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
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Month by month
Costa Rica, Papagayo weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F 33°C | Dry season. Sunny every day, with strong Papagayo winds some afternoons. | Golden dry-season hills and clear skies. The best time for wildlife on open trails. |
| February | 93°F 34°C | Dry season. Sunny every day, with strong Papagayo winds some afternoons. | Golden dry-season hills and clear skies. The best time for wildlife on open trails. |
| March | 95°F 35°C | Dry season. Sunny every day, with strong Papagayo winds some afternoons. | Golden dry-season hills and clear skies. The best time for wildlife on open trails. |
| April | 95°F 35°C | Dry season. Sunny every day, with strong Papagayo winds some afternoons. | Golden dry-season hills and clear skies. The best time for wildlife on open trails. |
| May | 92°F 33°C | Green season starts: sunny mornings, afternoon showers. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. |
| June | 89°F 32°C | Green season starts: sunny mornings, afternoon showers. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. |
| July | 89°F 32°C | The 'veranillo,' a little summer with drier stretches mid-green season. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. July often brings a drier stretch called the veranillo, a sweet spot for green-season rates with more sun. |
| August | 89°F 32°C | The 'veranillo,' a little summer with drier stretches mid-green season. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. July often brings a drier stretch called the veranillo, a sweet spot for green-season rates with more sun. |
| September | 87°F 31°C | The rainiest months. Lush and quiet, with heavy afternoon rain. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. |
| October | 87°F 31°C | The rainiest months. Lush and quiet, with heavy afternoon rain. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. |
| November | 88°F 31°C | The rainiest months. Lush and quiet, with heavy afternoon rain. | Green season is when the rainforest is at its most lush, and rates are lower too. |
| December | 90°F 32°C | Dry season. Sunny every day, with strong Papagayo winds some afternoons. | Golden dry-season hills and clear skies. The best time for wildlife on open trails. |
Questions families ask
Costa Rica, Papagayo with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica, Papagayo with kids?
Dry season Dec–Apr. Dry season. Sunny every day, with strong Papagayo winds some afternoons.
What's the weather like in Costa Rica, Papagayo?
Typical daytime highs range from about 87°F (31°C) in September to about 95°F (35°C) in March. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Costa Rica, Papagayo?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Costa Rica, Papagayo?
None. Costa Rica, Papagayo uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Costa Rica, Papagayo with kids?
My favorite family plan is a split stay: rainforest first, then the beach to relax.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.