Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Manuel Antonio in January
Little changes in Manuel Antonio from December: highs stay near 85°F (29°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), and about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain falls.
January opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 80/100 (2nd of 12).

- Avg high
- 85°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 77°F (25°C)
- Rain
- 2.0 in (51 mm)
- Humidity
- 75%
- Cloud cover
- 47%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 30 min
- Comfort score
- 80/100 · Great
What January feels like
Highs settle around 85°F (29°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Even at night it stays warm, around 77°F (25°C).
Humidity averages 75%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is moderate at about 2.0 in (51 mm) for the month.
Plan around January
January is one of Manuel Antonio's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: January – March.
- Comfort improves from 67/100 in December to 80/100.
- January sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 85°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics75% average humidity
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Manuel Antonio in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Small park of rainforest trails and beaches.
Why now January scores 80/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Planet Dolphin catamaran
Sunset catamaran tour.
Why now Highs near 85°F and 2.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar
Fresh falafel, shawarma and hummus plates on the main road; a cheap, fast lunch between the park and the beach.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Playa Espadilla
Long beach outside the park.
Ronny's Place
Restaurant overlooking coves.
Nearby in January
- Monteverde in January~78 mi · highs 71°F, 0.5 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, drier
- La Fortuna in January~82 mi · highs 81°F, 1.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~264 m to Manuel Antonio's ~108 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.
Manuel Antonio in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Manuel Antonio?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 80/100. Expect highs of 85°F (29°C) and 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain. January is inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
How hot is Manuel Antonio in January?
Average highs are 85°F (29°C) and average lows 77°F (25°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Manuel Antonio in January?
Not much: about 2.0 in (51 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 90.1 in (2288 mm).
What should I pack for Manuel Antonio in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 85°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (75% average humidity) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Manuel Antonio
Routes in season in January
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Dec – Apr
Planning Manuel Antonio in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.





