Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica

When to Visit? 

Although Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it a fantastic year-round destination, the best time to travel is during the dry season between December and April. Blue skies and warm sunshine are perfect for beach getaways and encounters with wildlife. Keep in mind though, that this season is Costa Rica’s peak season, and accommodation and tours will have higher costs.
 
If you’re trying to save money and avoid crowds, aim to travel from May to November. These months make up the country's wet season, commonly called the "green season," as rain showers nourish and bring out the best of Costa Rica's lush foliage.
 
Keep in mind that temperatures in Costa Rica are as varied as the country's landscape. When the Pacific coast and central region are enjoying the dry season during the first half of the year, the Caribbean coast is generally wet and humid. Similarly, when the west coast sees its heaviest rainfall in September and October, the Caribbean side tends to experience its driest weather. 

Altitude also plays a part in Costa Rica’s temperatures. The coast enjoys warm and sunny temperatures between 71º and 81ºF (21-27ºC), while higher elevations can dip into the 50s. In the highlands, temperatures can be between 5-10℉ cooler than the coast.

 

Monthly Guide to Costa Rica

January & February
Bright, warm, and dry, the first two months of the year are some of the best times to visit Costa Rica, particularly along the Pacific. Wildlife is thriving, with sea turtles nesting and humpback whales frequenting the Pacific coast. 

February is a great month to visit the Osa Peninsula, with warm waters and plenty of sunshine for swimming and other outdoor adventures.

As travelers from snow-strewn countries usually flock south for Christmas and New Year’s, we recommend you hold off on your trip until the second or third week of January to avoid the tourist rush and higher prices.

 
March & April
Clear skies and rising temperatures in March and April make it perfect for beach days. However, the heat also dries out rivers and forests on the northern Pacific coast. Leatherback turtles begin to show up on the Caribbean side, while humpbacks are seen from Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula as they migrate back to northern waters. This is usually the best time to spot the quetzal bird as it builds nests in cloud forests.
 
Spring Break in the United States can bring in a wave of revelers in Costa Rica as students seek out the tropics. Keep an eye out for Easter and Holy Week (Semana Santa) as this is vacation time for locals, which leads to increased tourist traffic.
 
May & June
The green season starts as the rain falls more regularly, particularly in the afternoon and night. May and June are an enjoyable time in Costa Rica for wildlife watchers as it’s not as wet as the following months and keeps having cooler temperatures. By June, the rains have transformed the dry forests of Guanacaste into more vibrant foliage.
 
Impressive swells in the Pacific Ocean offer fantastic surfing conditions from June to September. Large numbers of Atlantic green sea turtles start nesting along the northern Caribbean coast from mid-June through November. National parks and beaches are a little emptier during these months, despite the start of summer break for students and families.

 
July & August
The Costa Rica rainforests are green and thriving by the time July and August roll around. During these months, a short dry spell allows travelers to explore outdoors under clear skies in the Pacific. Heavy rain is expected on the Caribbean side, although it starts easing up by the end of August.  
 
Rain has filled inland rivers with water in previous months, making them ideal for rafting and waterfall rappelling. Nesting and hatching season for Atlantic green sea turtles at the Tortuguero National Park starts in July and ends in October. August also kicks off the best time for whale watching along the south Pacific coast.
 
September & October
The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. Many travelers avoid the peak of the wet season, but the off-season may be suitable if you want the Pacific coast all to yourself. On the other hand, the Caribbean coast enjoys its driest and most travel-friendly weather in these two months. Expect good weather on southern Atlantic beaches.
 
Surfing is superb as the Pacific gets the biggest waves of the year. Whale watching is also fantastic, especially in Golfo Dulce, where humpback whales nurse their young this time of year. However, it’s essential to plan ahead of time as some regions are inaccessible during these months.
 
November & December
Rain isn’t as heavy in November, making it a good shoulder month for visiting Costa Rica. However, the country really hits its stride during the holiday season. Fresh off the rainy season yet sunnier than in recent months, Costa Rica is extra spectacular in December. Rainforests are vibrant, with wildlife coming out to play, including monkeys and sloths. Expect prices and crowds to spike as this is the busiest time of the year in the country.
 

At A Glance

Best Time to See Sea Turtles
The peak nesting season of the Atlantic green sea turtle in the Caribbean’s Tortuguero National Park is from July to October. Olive ridley sea turtles converge in large numbers on Pacific Coast beaches like Ostional between August and November. Endangered leatherback turtles frequent the Pacific in March and April.
 
Best Time for Whale Watching
August to October is the best time to spot whales, especially in areas along the southern Pacific Costa Rican coast like Manuel Antonio National Park and Osa Peninsula.

 

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Best Time for Birding
Although birdwatching is a year-round activity, the dry season from December to April provides the clearest visibility. The dry months, especially March and April, are the best time for spotting beautiful quetzal birds in flight. Many migratory birds also show up from colder climates this time of the year. 
 
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Wildlife
Although animals can be found all year round, the peak season is December to April when wildlife like monkeys and sloths are out and about enjoying the sunny weather.
 
Best Time for Rafting
Rainwater is a must for good rafting opportunities, so adventurers are recommended to visit well into the green season in July and August.
 
Best Time to Surf
Head to the Caribbean side for impressive waves in January, February, and March. Salsa Brava at Puerto Viejo is an excellent spot for experienced surfers, while Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula also offer good sets this time of year. On the other hand, popular Pacific surf spots in Guanacaste, Nicoya, Puntarenas, and Golfo Dulce boast their biggest swells from May to November. September and October are especially gnarly.

 
Let our Adventure Life travel experts assist you in crafting your perfect Costa Rica vacation. Reach out for queries on the best time to visit Costa Rica and the various regions in the country.