Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Insider tip: The beginning of December is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica. It marks the start of the dry season, with warm temperatures and perfect weather for exploring. From December to April, the climate is typically sunnier and drier, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without the crowds. A great time for a peaceful and memorable experience! – Jean Carlo Ilama, Travel Expert in Costa Rica

Unlike most countries, Costa Rica does not have four distinct seasons. Instead, it only has two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season is considered summer, while the wet season is considered winter.

1. Dry season in Costa Rica—December to April 

Costa Rica draws visitors from around the world during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The country is blessed with abundant sunshine and bright blue skies during this period, making it the best time to travel to Costa Rica. The sandy beaches are ideal, as there is little to no rainfall. San Jose feels wonderful, with tourists making up the lively nightlife of the capital city. The Nicoya Peninsula and the culturally rich Guanacaste are also accessible to visitors during this season.

Highlights

• Spot the Northern humpback whales off the Pacific Coast in large numbers as they arrive for their mating and birthing season.
• Take advantage of the peak surfing season on some of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
• Enjoy festivals such as El Tope Carnival, Santa Cruz Fiestas, and Palmares Fiestas.
• Hike Costa Rica’s national parks, including the renowned Corcovado National Park, and engage in thrilling activities like zip-lining, rafting, and cave tubing.
• Hike up to the active volcanoes in Parque Nacional Volcán Poás or Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal.

Travel tips:

• Join a group tour rather than booking a solo or private trip to take advantage of group pricing and discounts during this peak tourist season.
• The unpaved roads in Costa Rica, especially in northern areas, are particularly dusty during the dry season. So, carry protective gear such as hats, scarves, and sunglasses at all times.
• While hiking, respect the country’s “leave no trace principles.”

In-depth month-wise guides:
Costa Rica in December
Costa Rica in January
Costa Rica in February
Costa Rica in March
Costa Rica in April

2. Wet Season in Costa Rica—May to November

The wet or green season in Costa Rica runs from May through November. Although there is heavy rainfall during these months, with intense storms between late August and October, the wet season offers a unique experience. Rain nurtures the lush jungles and forests, making the wet season a beautiful time to visit Monteverde's spectacular cloud forests or schedule rainforest activities in one of Costa Rica's many protected reserves. The transition months of May and November, before the heavy rains set in, can also be ideal for dry season activities like exploring national parks. July and August see a short reprieve from rain, making it a good time to travel to Costa Rica on a budget.

Highlights

• If you are an expert surfer, head to the best surfing beaches, including Playa Hermosa and Playa Tamarindo, to catch the large and steady monsoon waves.
• Witness both hawksbill and green sea turtles nesting at Tortuguero National Park between July and October.
• Explore rainforests, including Cahuita and Corcovado, as they turn verdant green during this wet season.
• Spot the Southern humpback whales by planning your Costa Rica trip between July and November.
• Join the annual boat parade called Virgin of the Seas Fiesta during mid-July and witness Independence Day Parades on the 15th of September to delve deeper into the culture and history of the country.

Travel tips:

• Try your best to avoid wetter regions such as Drake Bay along the southern Pacific Ocean coastline.
  Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve should be avoided during the wet season when visibility is obstructed due to heavy clouds.
• While exploring the rainforests, make sure to observe the diverse wildlife from a safe distance to prevent any disturbance or alteration to their natural behavior.
• Early May, July, August, and late November are the only periods during the wet season suitable for planning a proper trip to Costa Rica.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Costa Rica in May
Costa Rica in June
Costa Rica in July
Costa Rica in August
Costa Rica in September
Costa Rica in October
Costa Rica in November

The climate in the two main coastal regions of Costa Rica varies significantly due to distinct weather patterns. While the Caribbean side experiences rainfall throughout the year with no pronounced dry season, the Pacific region follows a more defined cycle of wet and dry months.

Best time to visit the Caribbean Coast 

The Caribbean coast does not have a true dry season, but it offers two relatively drier periods: February to March and September to October. These months are ideal for visiting, as rainfall is lower, allowing for clearer skies and more outdoor activities. However, even in the wettest months (November to January), rain usually falls at night or in the morning, meaning travelers can still enjoy the afternoons. Temperatures remain warm year-round, ranging between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F), with high humidity. The coastal towns of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are especially appealing during the drier months, with calmer seas for snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs. 

Check out our guide on the best places to visit in Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast.

Best time to visit the Pacific Coast 

For sun-seekers, the best time to visit the Pacific coast is during the dry season from December to March, when days are sunny, and temperatures peak at 35°C (95°F) in the northwest. This is the prime time for beach vacations, wildlife spotting, and hiking in drier conditions. The rainy season lasts from May to October, bringing afternoon showers that keep the landscape lush and green. If you don’t mind occasional rain, July and August offer a short reprieve that locals call veranillo or "little summer", making them good months for travel with fewer crowds. The wettest months, September and October, are best avoided for Pacific beach destinations, as heavy rains and cyclone activity are prevelant, leading to muddy roads and rough seas. Learn about the best places to visit in Costa Rica's Pacific Coast for better experience.

Make sure to check out our travel guide on the things to do while in Costa Rica to get an idea regarding the activities you can take part in during your visit. Also, read our article on how long to stay in Costa Rica.

Still not sure when you should plan your trip or what to do during it? Reach out to our travel experts to design your personalized trip to the Costa Rica.

*Note: The weather and temperature data were sourced from Weather Atlas.