Hi, We are taking a two-family Christmas trip to Costa Rica and I have some packing questions. We are visiting the Monteverde area, the Arenal area, then on to Tortuguero and I am wondering how to guide everyone on clothing. Is a light fleece jacket warm enough in the evening and will it be warm enough during the day for actual swimming? What are the differences in temperature in these area? I didn't know whether to take more jeans or more shorts.....Just wanted to ask somebody who has been at this time. Thanks for any information! Jane

Hi Jane. I just returned from CR. They are going into their dry season right now. Arenal is typically pretty warm and humid in the day..shorts tees. I have noticed when it pours rain, it has typically been at night and ALL night. Rain coat should be perfect. I am not sure but I would think you could swim.
There are always the hot springs too.

Monteverde,on the other hand, is very different. I took a wool sweater and jeans. My mom even wore gloves in the park. It tends to be very moist and sometimes quite windy. Also, wool socks come in handy for cold nights. Layers are good as you never know when the weather may change. The orchid garden here is most fascinating.

I have not been to Tortugero. I would think it would be hot and humid.

A good mix is best. I took 2 pr pants 2 pr shorts and a bunch of shirts, socks, undies for 11 nights. You can also buy those detergent sheets at the Container Store ($6 for 50).
Christina
Good luck.

Thanks so much Swigswig......that gives me some idea......sounds like a need some easy dry stuff! Thanks, Jane

Last Christmas my family & I spend time in the Arenal area, Monteverde & Tortuguero. I took just one pair of jeans, a few pairs of shorts, tank tops, a light rain coat & a light nylon zip up jacket & a very light polester zip up jacket & of course a bathing suit for the hotsprings in Arenal. No need for a heavy coat. In Tortuguero it was misty in the early mornings. The weather was just right. Not too warm. As I remember, it was that way at all three places. The weather was in about the mid 70's- never too warm. Just perfect!

This year again, we are spending Christmas vacation in Costa Rica. This time we will explore the Nicoya Pennisula for 2 weeks.

Have fun on your trip!

I wouldn't bother taking jeans...if they get wet they will most likely NEVER dry out your entire trip w/ the moisture in the areas you are visiting. Long pants, yes. Jeans, no.

Thanks for the info! Jane

its colder -and windier- in santa elena, the main town in monteverde and in the cloud forest:

http://costa-rica.typepad.com/santa_...ome/index.html