The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your destination and what you’re hoping to do. The dry season (December–April) brings the sunniest weather and lowest chance of rain, especially on the Pacific coast. The rainy season (May–November) – also known as the green season – is usually less crowded, but humidity is higher and showers are more likely.
That said, there are many other factors to consider. If you want to go surfing on the Nicoya Peninsula, see the Arenal Volcano, hike through the cloud forests, spot sea turtles in Tortuguero or raft through the Pacuare Reserve, certain months are better than others. The weather also varies across the country, and some regions experience more consistent conditions year round.
Costa Rica month-by-month guide
Costa Rica is a fantastic place to visit in any season, but each month has its own perks and downsides. Although temperatures don’t fluctuate much, seasonal rainfall can have a significant impact on outdoor activities – and some times of year are much busier than others. We’ve taken all of this into account to create a detailed guide on when to go to Costa Rica.
January in Costa Rica
January is the heart of Costa Rica’s dry season, which is particularly pronounced on the Pacific coast. Thanks to sunny skies and low rainfall, it’s one of the most popular months to enjoy the country’s beaches – which also means it can get crowded. Expect temperatures in the 20sºC (70s and 80sºF) across the country.
February in Costa Rica
February is another warm and sunny month in Costa Rica, with slightly higher temperatures than January and even less rain; this is usually the driest month of the year. On the Guanacaste Coast the average high is 34ºC (93ºF), while inland areas like San José peak around 25ºC (77ºF). Crowds are still likely, as the high season is in full swing.
March in Costa Rica
The dry season continues into March and temperatures climb by a few degrees across Costa Rica. Along with April, this is one of the hottest months of the year. If you want to avoid the most intense heat, head to the central cloud forests or the coffee valley. March also brings calm and consistent waves that are ideal for novice surfers.
April in Costa Rica
April is the final month of Costa Rica’s dry season, with average highs in the mid-30sºC (mid-90sºF) on the Nicoya Peninsula and other parts of the Pacific coast. The Caribbean coast tends to be a bit cooler; expect highs around 32ºC (90ºF) in Tortuguero and 29ºC (84ºF) in Puerto Viejo.
May in Costa Rica
May is the first month of the green season in Costa Rica, when both rainfall and humidity start to increase. Temperatures drop just slightly and precipitation is relatively low in the first half of the month. This makes it a wonderful time to avoid high-season crowds while still getting some nice sunny weather, especially in the mornings.
June in Costa Rica
June is another rainy month in Costa Rica, transforming much of the country into a lush green paradise. If you don’t mind some afternoon showers, it’s a great time to explore the central highlands and the Caribbean coast (which is relatively rainy year round). It’s also a good time to visit before the peak summer holiday season begins.
July in Costa Rica
July is less rainy on average than either June or August, and often includes a few days of unusually sunny weather known as the veranillo (little summer). It’s hard to predict when and where this will occur, but you have a good chance of enjoying both clear skies and verdant scenery if you visit Costa Rica in July.
August in Costa Rica
Average rainfall increases in August and temperatures remain moderate across Costa Rica; expect highs around 31ºC (88ºF) in Pacific coastal spots like Dominical and 27ºC (81ºF) in inland areas like Rio Celeste. This is a good time of year to spot migrating birds, green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast and humpback whales on the Pacific coast.
September and October in Costa Rica
September and October are the rainiest months across most of Costa Rica, with more than 12 inches (30 centimetres) of precipitation on average. This can make some remote areas inaccessible and put a damper on outdoor activities, so we don’t usually recommend visiting in these months.
That said, there are some notable exceptions. This is one of the driest times of year on the Caribbean coast and the best time to see green sea turtles hatching in Tortuguero. It’s also a great time for experienced surfers to enjoy the big waves of the and the Nicoya Peninsula.
November in Costa Rica
November is a transitional month that marks the end of Costa Rica’s green season. Rainfall starts to decrease on the Pacific coast but increases slightly on the Caribbean coast. Along with May, it’s considered one of the country’s two shoulder seasons, and can be a great time to visit before the high season and holiday crowds arrive.
December in Costa Rica
December ushers in Costa Rica’s dry season, bathing its beaches in sun and attracting plenty of travellers from colder climes. Average temperatures drop by a few degrees as humidity decreases, but you can still expect highs around 25–33ºC (77–91ºF). Keep in mind that the holidays can be busy, and crowds will increase toward the end of the month.
The best time to spot wildlife in Costa Rica
The best time for wildlife spotting in Costa Rica is generally the dry season (December–April). However, it depends on which species you’re seeking. For example, in the Osa Peninsula you can spot monkeys, big cats and whale sharks in the dry season – or sloths, toucans and tree frogs in the green season (May–November).
August–October and December–April are the best times to spot humpback whales, while dolphins can be seen all year round. Birdwatching is also a year-round activity, with different species more visible in certain months. The green season offers the chance to see nesting turtles on both coasts, including Leatherback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and green sea turtles.
When is the rainy season in Costa Rica?
May–November is considered the green season or rainy season in Costa Rica. These months bring increased rainfall to most of the country, and especially to the Pacific coast. On the Caribbean coast, it’s relatively rainy all year round. September and October are the wettest months in most places, but among the driest months on the Caribbean coast.
When is the dry season in Costa Rica?
December–April is the dry season in Costa Rica. Most regions experience the sunniest weather during these months, making it an ideal time of year to enjoy the country’s beaches (particularly on the Pacific coast) and explore its forests, volcanoes and valleys. There’s sometimes also a mini dry season in July, known as the veranillo.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast?
The best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is during the dry season from December to April. This is when you’ll get the best weather for outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting and beach days, with less rainfall and sunny skies. It’s also a good time to learn how to surf, visit the geothermal areas of the Guanacaste Province or explore Manuel Antonio National Park.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast?
The best time to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast isn’t as clearly defined as it is in other regions, as this area has relatively consistent temperatures and weather year round. February, March, September and October are usually the driest months and the best for snorkelling and diving. If you want to watch sea turtles nesting and hatching, aim for March–October.
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