Knowing the ideal timing to travel to Costa Rica is essential when preparing your trip. If your schedule is wide open, I recommend opting for the months of the year that offer ideal conditions for the activities you want to participate in in Costa Rica. On the other hand, if you have fixed dates, it helps to be aware of the climate in Costa Rica so you can better structure your itinerary.
Essentially, Costa Rica has two principal seasons: the drier season, which spans from December to April, and the rainy or verdant season, which extends from May to November. However, there are numerous microclimates throughout Costa Rica that don’t entirely adhere to these seasons. It is for this reason there is so much biodiversity in this country. The wealth of species and stunning landscapes make for an exceptional trip, but you should still devote some contemplation to the planning process.
To be just, one can visit numerous attractions in Costa Rica year-round, but it is not forever handy touring the country during unfavourable weather. Costa Rica is definitely one of those locations where the climate can completely vary your experience. For model, we have some acquaintances who travelled during the wet season and could scarcely leave the lodge. On the other hand, we once visited in October, which is by no means the best month to make a trip to Costa Rica, and we had fairly good luck with the climate.
Importantly, awareness of climatic conditions aids planning. This guide shares insights and peak season tips on weather and optimal activity timing to help select the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Before we start our discussion, I must inquire whether you have attained travel safeguards for Costa Rica? This nation is replete with volcanoes, waterfalls, and other lovely places that necessitate voyaging along craggy roadways and by boat. It is easy to envisage potential injuries or incidents. For tranquility of mind, I suggest Heymondo insurance, which is the company we employ whenever we travel. You can use our Heymondo discount code if you decide to procure a policy from them, too.
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Table of Contents
Best time to travel to Costa Rica
As previously stated, Costa Rica experiences two primary seasons but numerous microclimates where the weather can vary across the year. Costa Rica’s dry season spans from December to April, and the rainy season, when heavy rainfall occurs, spans from May to November.
If you’re deciding on the best time to visit Costa Rica, considering when to travel will rely on which areas you want to explore. Or perhaps it’s the other way around: you have fixed vacation dates and you want to know where to go and what activities to participate in during that time period.
Atmospheric conditions can naturally be unpredictable sometimes, so keep in mind that you can’t guarantee you’ll have ideal weather no matter how much foreplanning occurs. While luxuriating in sunshine on a Caribbean beach in October, the rest of the country may be soaked in rainfall. One notion I can convey to you though is that you won’t experience cold temperatures, as Costa Rica lies near the equator where winter is essentially nonexistent.
Weather in Costa Rica – What is the climate like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has 13 different regional climate zones, each with a unique microclimate. The country also has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, while inland, there are mountain ranges full of volcanoes. All these factors influence Costa Rica’s weather patterns.
When trying to determine the best time of year to visit Costa Rica, keep in mind that it’s cooler and wetter in the mountains and sunnier closer to sea level. Below, I’ll provide some general information about the rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica.
Average temperature in Costa Rica
Considering the country has numerous diverse climate zones, calculating the average temperature of Costa Rica can be complex. However, they each have an average temperature index, so we can separate them: coastal areas and low-altitude regions, and mountainous areas.
The coastal/low-elevation areas have an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), while the mountainous regions have an average temperature of 12°C (54°F).
Throughout the dry season, the typical temperature rises to 25°C (77°F), however it gets warmer still in the coastal zones. Accordingly, the ideal time of the year to travel to Costa Rica if you want to check out both the Caribbean and Pacific beaches is between February and March.
Average rainfall in Costa Rica
Similar to average temperature, the typical yearly rainfall in Costa Rica varies by location. Naturally, most precipitation occurs during the rainy season.
If discussing Costa Rica generally, there are usually scattered showers between May and November. The exceptions are September and October, which typically receive a lot of rain throughout the country (23 days per month of intense rain, on average). From December to April, there is very little rainfall, with some parts of the country receiving no rain at all.
Dry season in Costa Rica (December-April)
In general, the best period to visit Costa Rica is from December to April. This is the dry season in Costa Rica, so the possibility of rain will be lowest. If you go during this time, you will have more flexibility with your plans, so it will be much easier.
However, you already know the climate in this country has many specific traits, so here is more info about the month-to-month variations:
Costa Rica in December
The twelfth month of the year is one of the most popular periods to visit Costa Rica, so the prices during this time are usually a little higher due to tourist demand. This is especially evident around Christmas and New Year’s. Most visitors come from the United States, where winter temperatures at northern states are very low, making Costa Rica the ideal vacation destination.
Additionally, availability is limited, so if you’re still deciding where to spend your time in Costa Rica, I recommend reserving accommodations as soon as possible.
On the other hand, December is a transition month between Costa Rica’s green season and the dry season, so the conditions can be a bit unpredictable. We took our first trip to Costa Rica in December, and we experienced relentless rain for the first 2 weeks. That said, if we had gone to the Caribbean beaches, we would have had spectacular weather.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica in December and catch some sunny days, I recommend going to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It’ll be quite a sight since the surrounding flora will be bright green after the rainy season. I did this expedition and absolutely loved it.
Costa Rica in January
If you’re a beach lover, January is the best month to visit Costa Rica. Throughout the month, the beaches on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast are perfect for swimming and tanning. While there is often a small possibility of isolated showers – commonly in the afternoon – the climate is never awful enough to destroy a beach day.
Two locations you must see no matter what are the beaches of Santa Teresa and the beaches of Guanacaste, two authentic paradises. Here, you can take advantage of the gentler waves that strike the Pacific coast after the dry season, and sign up for surf lessons. If you were unaware, Costa Rica is one of the most renowned surfing havens worldwide, so do not miss the opportunity to get initiated in this sport.
If you have adaptable travel dates, try to avoid the first week of the month, since there will still be a lot of visitors on winter recess, and costs will be elevated.
Additionally, if you intend to visit Tortuguero, on the Caribbean side of the country, I would advise against it during this time of year in that region. Tortuguero commonly experiences consecutive days of rain at this time, so you will not be able to fully appreciate your tour. Happily, you can find better conditions in the southern part of the Caribbean, such as Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo.
Costa Rica in February
February is considered one of the best periods to travel to Costa Rica. This month has a climate similar to January, but rains are even less frequent, and warm conditions dominate nearly the whole country. If your priority is traveling economically, this month offers a significant reduction in pricing. Additionally, the December and New Year crowds have returned home.
This is also a good time to spot humpback whales in Costa Rica, as there are quite a number off the Pacific coast. The initial time I saw them was during this tour, and I was moved to tears. It’s one of the excursions in Costa Rica that I sign up for every time I visit the nation.
February is also the ideal month to visit the best national parks in Costa Rica. You can see animals in Costa Rica year-round, but February has much less rain and enjoyable temperatures, so it’s a much improved experience. A good place to go wildlife viewing is the wonderful Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can join this 3-hour excursion. It’s a fabulous tour, so I recommend it regardless of when you travel.
Costa Rica in March
March is considered one of the prime months to visit Costa Rica overall since the climate across the country is generally favorable during this time. The first fortnight of March presents especially suitable conditions, but extending the trip slightly could coincide with the Easter festival period, which tends to increase visitor numbers and pricing.
Something important to highlight is that Guanacaste experiences extremely hot temperatures at this time, with highs reaching 37oC (99oF). However, taking this tour along the magnificent coastline of Tamarindo can help beat the heat. It includes a snorkeling session providing an opportunity to cool off and view colorful tropical fish.
Costa Rica in April
April is the tail end period of the dry season in Costa Rica, so rainfall usually initiates during the last couple of weeks of the month. Naturally, this month is prime tourist season in many regions internationally, therefore many global tourists flock to the nation. This signifies costs will be higher in April, and it’ll be more difficult to hastily prepare plans since tours and lodgings will be filled.
I suggest taking advantage of the last few weeks of agreeable conditions to explore through hiking the volcanoes of Costa Rica, one of the country’s greatest attractions. Personally, visiting the Poas Volcano is an incredible encounter. If you want a guide, I recommend this tour. The natural environments of this volcano are fascinating, and the crater itself is 300 m (985 ft) deep and 1.32 km (0.8 mi) in diameter, making it one of the largest internationally. Inside, there exists a green lagoon, thus the entire experience is breathtaking.
Rainy season in Costa Rica – Green Season (May-November)
The wet season in Costa Rica begins in May and goes through December. Indeed, a lot of rainfall occurs during this time frame, but if you visit Costa Rica during these months, you’ll find the most affordable prices and fewer crowds at the tourist sites. If no other option is available, don’t worry. The rainy season is known as the green season for a reason: the jungles, woodlands, and flowers are at their peak magnificence.
To provide you with an idea, a standard day can involve numerous variations in weather: it starts with bright sunshine and ends with heavy rain. You may also experience heavy rain for several consecutive days; hence its name as the rainy season.
Costa Rica in May
May can be an inconsistent month throughout the rainy season in Costa Rica. Identical to December, May is a transition period, this time, from the dry season to the green season. Therefore, climatic conditions become fairly unpredictable, with May receiving significantly more rainfall than at the conclusion of the year.
If planning your vacation for the first few weeks of May, there may be a better prospect of appreciating sunny days, but conditions will progressively worsen throughout the month.
If this is your sole time to visit, I suggest going to some of the most prominent waterfalls in Costa Rica. There are quite a lot, so it will be difficult to choose, but you can examine our guide to see my favorites. I can tell you that, for me, the Río Celeste waterfall should be incorporated into any itinerary, irrespective of when you travel. If you like hiking and spending time in nature, you’ll enjoy this 4-hour excursion, which allows you to deeply explore this green space.
Costa Rica in June
The month of June is not usually an ideal moment to visit Costa Rica. A large amount of precipitation falls throughout this period, and tourists commonly flock to the country for their summer vacations.
However, there is usually something engaging to do in Costa Rica no matter the time of the year. So if travel must take place in June, you should go to Tortuguero. Rain will be plentiful, but you’ll have the chance to see leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles congregating on the shorelines to nest. This is one of the country`s most impressive experiences, so check out this excursion, which allows you to fully appreciate this natural phenomenon.
June is also a very good month to participate in scuba diving in Costa Rica since the country`s marine biodiversity peaks during the wet season.
If fortunate, you may experience what is known as Summer of San Juan, lasting approximately one week and occurring between the latter half of June and the initial half of July. During this period, summer rains diminish notably, especially in Guanacaste, allowing you to enjoy the shore despite being in the middle of wet season. The difficulty lies in not knowing precisely when this phenomenon will arise, or how prolonged it will be.
Costa Rica in July
If given the chance to pick when to travel to Costa Rica, you may want to avoid July. While your trip could line up with theSummer of San Juan, it is not possible to foretell accurately ahead of time.
During this month, mornings are transparent and afternoons might have some rain, so you could plan your itinerary to do most of your actions in the first part of the day. It is a wise idea to stay in one of the best hotels in Costa Rica so you can rest conveniently while waiting out the rain.
Of course, the opposite takes place on the Caribbean shoreline. If you’re vacationing here, I suggest going to Tortuguero National Park since this is when green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles reproduce.
Costa Rica in August
The month of August provides one of the best times of the year to visit Costa Rica since visitor numbers are relatively low during this period. However, August also falls within the green season in Costa Rica, therefore heavy rainfall can be expected.
The benefit is lower prices compared to other times of the year, allowing upmarket hotels in Costa Rica to be discovered at very reasonable costs. Furthermore, the scenery is exceedingly verdant, permitting the vivid hues, scents and sounds of the woodland to be fully appreciated.
In general, steady rain will characterize August, though returning humpback whales will also arrive on the Pacific coastline. If fine weather occurs, one must undertake this excursion to witness these peaceful giants.
Costa Rica in September
The month of September is not usually the best time to go to Costa Rica since it tends to rain quite heavily nearly every day throughout this period. This causes difficulties with movement on roads as they can get blocked off, so even though you could , you’d face many challenges navigating around.
But, if September is your only opportunity to visit, I propose exploring the Caribbean side. Despite it being the rainy season in Costa Rica the weather on the Caribbean coast is often the opposite, allowing you to spend time at the beach.
I enjoy the beaches like Manzanillo that are picturesque paradises: spotsless white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect place for anyone seeking a dream beach getaway. Another superb choice is the charming town of Puerto Viejo, home to some of Costa Rica’s finest beaches.
Costa Rica in October
Much like September, the month of October is not typically considered the optimum time to experience Costa Rica`s climate. An exception exists if exploring the Caribbean coast. In that scenario, checking out Punta Uva and Playa Cocles is advised.
As a general principle, the wet season isn’t usually the most practical time for auto tours or excursions venturing inland. Yet, visiting some of the major cities in Costa Rica can still be enjoyable. Most urban areas offer a wide assortment of both indoor and outdoor activities to make the most of your vacation.
During one of our trips taken in October we fortunately experienced favorable weather conditions. It permitted exploring the entire country apart from Corcovado, which was inaccessible due to rains at that time.
Moreover, this month is among the top occasions for rafting in Costa Rica with rivers running high from precipitation. White water adventures are prevalent here, providing tours catering to all skill levels. I participated in this tour along the Pacuare River, proving one of the coolest adventures from my travels.
Costa Rica in November
In conclusion, the month of November represents a transitional phase, as Costa Rica’s rainy season evolves into the dry season. This implies that weather conditions may not be optimal, but if you visit the Caribbean coast, you can enjoy dreamy beaches and sunny days.
Additionally, prices decrease slightly during this period, so you can find many budget-friendly tours and accommodation offerings.
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
The best period to visit Costa Rica depends on personal tastes and the locations being visited. I can currently say that seeing all regions and experiencing most popular activities requires doing so over several trips. That is our plan, but we do not mind visiting this beautiful country on multiple occasions.
To simplify things for you somewhat, I’ll advise you on the optimum time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife, beaches, and more.
Best time to visit the Pacific beaches of Costa Rica
The optimal time to visit the beaches on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is from December to March, during the dry season.
Moreover, February and March have the most affordable prices, so it’s a good time to visit Tamarindo and other popular beaches in Guanacaste.
The Pacific coast receives most of its rainfall in September and October, so if you travel during these months, I suggest spending more time on the Caribbean beaches.
Best time to visit the Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica
The beaches along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica aren’t as impacted by seasonal shifts. Rain can actually fall here at any time of the year, though it`s uncommon between September and April. This is somewhat strange, as the Pacific beaches see a lot more rainfall in September and October. Regardless, if you want to visit tropical havens like Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, the ideal timeframe to travel to Costa Rica spans from September to April.
The region of Tortuguero and the northern Caribbean is another tale since it usually rains a lot throughout the year.
Best time to visit Corcovado National Park
It rains a lot all year round in Corcovado National Park, so try to plan your itinerary so you visit during the least rainy time. The best time to visit Corcovado is from December to April, during the dry season.
Be aware that sometimes, access to this area may be limited due to heavy rain. This includes Drake Bay, where most Corcovado excursions, like the one we took, begin. I’m not saying you shouldn’t visit Corcovado during the rainy season, but you should make sure visitors can get there before you go.
Best time to go surfing in Costa Rica
Surfing can be enjoyed in Costa Ricathroughout the year, particularly on the Pacific coast.
In the rainy season (May to November), the Pacific coasts delight advanced surfers the most. Specifically, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the ideal locales for catching some waves. Tamarindoand Santa Teresa are some favorite areas, but there are other smaller towns you can travel to if you do not like crowds.
Jacó and other parts of Puntarenas have good surf all year round too, especially during the rainy season. Beginners can go surfing at the start and end of each season (both rainy and dry).
Regarding the Caribbean beaches, the prime time to visit spans from January to March. During these months, the shores of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and other Caribbean areas are overflowing with surfers.
Best time to go diving in Costa Rica
If you intend to venture out diving in Costa Rica, you`ll be glad to hear it can be done year-round. However, many claim the period of heavy rain in Costa Rica presents the best time for diving as the waters are full of more migratory sea species moving through. If you want to learn more, I suggest reading our guide to delve deeper into the subject.
The paragraph explains that the most incredible places for scuba diving are mainly in the Pacific. Cocos Island is highlighted, but it`s important to note you can only access this uninhabited island through a 10-day liveaboard. Caño Island, a protected marine park next to Corcovado, offers a more convenient option especially for less skilled divers. If interested, check out this amazing diving tour from Drake Bay or this excursion to the Catalina Islands from Tamarindo
Best time to see turtle nesting in Costa Rica
One of the commonly asked questions is when is the ideal time to visit Costa Rica to witness turtles. You can observe turtles nesting and laying their eggs in Tortuguero National Park. The best timeframe to attend is during the rainy season, although you’ll see unique turtle types relying on the month.
Leatherback turtles come to the beaches between April and June, while green turtles prefer nesting from July to October. Hawksbill turtle nesting usually occurs between May and October, while loggerhead turtles spawn from May to September.
This means that the optimal period for witnessing turtle nesting in Costa Rica ranges from April to October. While it is possible to spot turtles nesting outside these months, it is less common.
Best time to see whales in Costa Rica
Late December – early April and late July – early November represent Costa Rica’s peak times for whale watching. These months align with the annual migratory cycle of humpback whales.
The most suitable spot to go whale-watching in Costa Rica is the Pacific, in particular from Uvita, where you can find tours to Marino Ballena National Park.
Best time to visit Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is on the west coast of Costa Rica, so the best time to visit there is between December and May. During this period, you can enjoy warm temperatures and very little chance of rain.
When is the cheapest time to travel to Costa Rica?
Frequently, the most budget-friendly time to tour Costa Rica is influenced not just by climate but also by pricing. To visit this nation economically, I suggest examining our guide on low-cost flights to Costa Rica. You may also look into lodging at one of thetop hostels in Costa Rica, where savings can be had without losing comfort.
Many tourists strategize trips during the rainy season since it delivers the most affordable time to travel to Costa Rica. However, they end up dissatisfied because of all the precipitation.
If you ask me when the prime season to visit Costa Rica is, I’d say February. The climate is amenable, and the rates aren’t too high. March can also be a magnificent time to go, as long as your dates don’t coincide with Easter.
Selina Monteverde is another good option for lodging in Costa Rica, specifically if you want to stay near the beautiful Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
In conclusion, what’s the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?
As you may have surmised by this point, there is no exclusively right or wrong time to visit Costa Rica. One simply needs to acknowledge that it is impossible to enjoy all the attractions of this beautiful nation in a single trip. Several trips will be necessary to experience the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, turtle nesting seasons, national parks, and whale watching excursions.
To conclude, here is a chart showing which time periods are best suited for specific activities:
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Dry period |
Rainy Season |
Pacific Beaches |
Caribbean Beaches |
Turtles |
Whales |
Corcovado |
Inexpensive |
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January |
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February |
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March |
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April |
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May |
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August |
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September |
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December |
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BEST MONTHS TO TRAVEL TO COSTA RICA |
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I hope you now have a better idea about the best season of the year to go to Costa Rica so you can take pleasure in your holiday to the fullest. Please feel free to share with me if you have any other inquiries. I’d be delighted to assist!
Pura Vida!
