Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
La Fortuna in January
Little changes in La Fortuna from December: highs stay near 81°F (27°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), and about 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain falls.
January opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 78/100 (2nd of 12).
- Avg high
- 81°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 1.3 in (34 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs settle around 81°F (27°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Lows average 69°F (21°C).
With 85% average humidity, it feels muggy.
About 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's January.
Plan around January
January is one of La Fortuna's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: January – March.
- Comfort improves from 71/100 in December to 78/100.
- January sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes81°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics85% average humidity
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in La Fortuna in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Arenal 1968
Private reserve with lava-field trails and lake views.
Why now January scores 78/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Rainforest trail with suspension bridges at canopy height.
Why now Highs near 81°F and 1.3 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
La Fortuna Waterfall
70-meter waterfall reached by about 500 steps.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Volcano-fed hot springs running through landscaped rainforest.
Lava Lounge
Open-air bar and restaurant with cocktails.
Nearby in January
- Monteverde in January~16 mi · highs 71°F, 0.5 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, drier
- Manuel Antonio in January~82 mi · highs 85°F, 2.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~506 m to La Fortuna's ~253 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
La Fortuna in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit La Fortuna?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 78/100. Expect highs of 81°F (27°C) and 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain. January is inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
How hot is La Fortuna in January?
Average highs are 81°F (27°C) and average lows 69°F (21°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in La Fortuna in January?
Not much: about 1.3 in (34 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 63.2 in (1605 mm).
What should I pack for La Fortuna in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (81°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (85% average humidity) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on La Fortuna
Routes in season in January
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Dec – Apr
Planning La Fortuna in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.