When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
The ideal time to visit Costa Rica depends on your travel goals. For beachgoers and hikers looking for dry trails and sunny skies, the months from late December through April are the most popular. During this time, the Pacific regions are especially appealing, with reliable weather that supports outdoor adventures and coastal relaxation. This period also sees the highest number of visitors, especially around holidays, so early planning is recommended.
If you’re more flexible and looking for lower prices, the mid-year months can offer excellent value. While this part of the year sees more rainfall, it also brings out the lush, green beauty of Costa Rica’s forests. Crowds are thinner, accommodations are often more affordable, and wildlife sightings – such as sea turtle nesting along coastal areas – can be rewarding.
Nature-focused travelers might plan around specific events: July and August often feature a short pause in rainfall, and certain times of the year are better for spotting migratory birds, whales, or nesting turtles. Travelers seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path experiences may enjoy September and October, which are less busy, though travel conditions in remote areas can be affected by rain. Still, certain regions, like the Caribbean coast, are known to have drier conditions at that time.
Your ideal visit will depend on what you want to experience—be it active adventures, serene retreats, or unique wildlife encounters. No matter the month, Costa Rica offers memorable opportunities year-round.
Recommended Tours in Costa Rica
What to do when in Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit Arenal & the Northern Lowlands
December–April for clear volcano views and hot-spring soirées. Shoulder months May–June and November balance greenery with decent visibility
Best Time to Visit the Pacific Beaches
December–April equals sun-lounger perfection; surfers prefer May–August for bigger swells, while whale-watchers flock to Marino Ballena July–October to see humpbacks.
Best Time to Visit the Caribbean Coast & Tortuguero
February–March and September–October is sunniest. Turtle-nesting season peaks July–October (green & leatherback) and March–May (leatherback).
Best Time to Explore Monteverde Cloud Forests
December–April offers the driest trails; May–June adds verdant foliage and lively birdlife without heavy crowds.
What is the Weather Like in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s weather is shaped by its tropical location and varied terrain, leading to noticeable differences across the country. Instead of four traditional seasons, Costa Rica has a dry season and a rainy season, which shift in timing and intensity depending on the region.
Pacific/Northwest region
In the Pacific/Northwest region, including Guanacaste, the dry season typically lasts from December through April. This area experiences some of the sunniest and driest weather in the country, making it a favorite for beach vacations. Rainfall increases sharply starting in May, peaking in September and October. Temperatures stay warm throughout the year, often exceeding 90°F (32°C) during the dry months.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast, particularly around Limón, follows a different weather pattern. This area tends to receive rain year-round, with fewer distinct dry periods. Interestingly, September and October—peak rainy months elsewhere—are often drier on the Caribbean side. High humidity is consistent, and daytime temperatures typically range from 77 to 88°F (25 to 31°C).
Central Valley
In the Central Valley, where cities like San José and Alajuela are located, the climate is milder due to elevation. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24–28°C), and evenings are cooler, sometimes dipping into the 60s°F (16–20°C). The rainy season runs roughly May to November, with frequent afternoon showers but dry, pleasant mornings.
What is the best region to visit in Costa Rica
The best region to visit in Costa Rica depends on your travel priorities. For sunseekers and beach lovers, the Pacific Northwest, particularly Guanacaste, offers dry, warm weather during much of the year along with scenic coastlines and easy access to national parks. If you’re interested in biodiversity and fewer crowds, the Caribbean coast near Limón provides lush rainforest surroundings, strong Afro-Caribbean culture, and excellent wildlife viewing—though rain is more frequent.
The Central Valley is a practical base for first-time visitors, with a mix of urban convenience and access to volcanoes, cloud forests, and coffee farms. It’s also home to San José’s international airport, making it a convenient starting point.
For those drawn to outdoor adventure and natural beauty, areas around Arenal and Monteverde deliver hiking, hot springs, and canopy tours. Each region has distinct advantages—choosing the best one depends on your interests, the season, and how much time you have to explore.
Top Experiences by Season in Costa Rica
Activities vary by season and location. Here are some ideas about what to do in Cost Rica and when is the best time to do it.
Experience
Best Time to Go
Why
Watch turtle nesting at Tortuguero or Ostional
Jul – Oct (green turtles & olive ridleys)
Peak arribadas and hatchings.
Surf Pacific breaks (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa)
Year-round; biggest waves May – Aug
Consistent swells; dry-season sunshine for beginners.
Trek Corcovado National Park
Jan – Apr
Drier trails, river crossings are safer.
Zip-line & bird-watching in Monteverde
Dec – Apr
Clear mornings, with abundant quetzal sightings Feb – Apr.
Raft the Pacuare River
Jun – Oct
High water creates thrilling rapids.
Attend Festival de la Luz
Mid-Dec
San José lit by giant floats and fireworks.
Join Envision Festival
Late Feb
Music, yoga and sustainability workshops on the beach.
Costa Rica Cultural Festivals by Month
January
Año Nuevo (New Year)
Fireworks, beach parties, family gatherings
February
Carnaval de Puntarenas
Parades, concerts, fireworks, dancing (mid-Feb)
March
Semana Santa (Holy Week / Easter)
March or April - Religious processions, passion plays, beach getaways
April
Juan Santamaría Day (April 11)
Military parades and civic ceremonies commemorating a national hero
May
Labor Day (May 1)
Parades, family barbecues
June
Corpus Christi
Processions and Catholic mass in some towns
July
Festival of the Virgin of the Sea
(Saturday closest to July 16). Boat parades and religious ceremonies in Puntarenas
August
Mother’s Day
(Aug 15) Major national holiday, family gatherings, flowers and gifts
September
Independence Day
(Sept 15) Lantern parades (faroles), student marches, traditional dances
October
Limon Carnival
(mid-Oct) Celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture with music, food, and parades
November
All Souls’ Day
(Nov 1) Quiet remembrance, visits to cemeteries in rural areas
December
Festival de la Luz
(mid-Dec) Light parade with floats and fireworks in San José
Navidad (Christmas)
Family dinners, tamales, nativity scenes
Año Viejo (New Year’s Eve)
Burning of effigies, fireworks, street celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?
December–April for Pacific beaches and volcano views; September–October for Caribbean sunshine; May–June and November for fewer crowds and lush scenery.
Is it worth visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season?
Yes, mornings are often bright, prices drop, and wildlife is active in Costa Rica. Just pack a light rain jacket.
When should I go for turtle nesting in Costa Rica?
Green and leatherback turtles nest July–October; leatherbacks also appear March–May on the Caribbean side.
How hot does Costa Rica get?
Coastal highs reach 32 °C (90 °F). Highland areas like Monteverde and San José average 20 °C (68 °F) by day and can dip to 15 °C (59 °F) at night.
Can I visit Costa Rica year-round?
Absolutely. With two coasts and varying elevations, there’s always a region enjoying good weather somewhere in Costa Rica.
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