Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: The Ultimate Seasonal Travel Guide

Looking for the best time to visit Costa Rica? It may not be when you think!

Costa Rica is one of our happy places. We’ve visited several times over the years at different times of the year and we’ve never been disappointed. Its popularity has definitely grown since we first started visiting but its charm remains intact.

With its lush, green rainforests, beautiful beaches and activities for all ages it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

The best time to visit Costa Rica varies dramatically based on your priorities. This may include things like weather reliability, budget, crowds, and which regions you want to explore. We’ll get into all of that plus we’ll give you some insight as to what it’s like to visit at certain times of the year.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect time for your trip!

Timing Your Trip to Costa Rica: What to Know About Seasons and Regional Climate

Deciding the best time to visit Costa Rica isn’t as straightforward as one might think due to its complicated regional climates.

One month might be perfect for visiting the Pacific coast while the Caribbean coast might be in the heart of the rainy season. Then there’s other areas, such as Monteverde, which are susceptible to rain and/or drizzle year round.

Striking the perfect balance is a bit of an art form so it helps to get an understanding of exactly what you’re dealing with when it comes to the seasons, climate and regional considerations.

Understanding Costa Rica’s Two Seasons

Costa Rica has two main seasons which are the dry season and rainy season. You’ll often hear the rainy season referred to as the “Green Season”.

We’re going to give you an in-depth look into each season and what to expect when visiting during each one.

Your first instinct might be to avoid Costa Rica in the rainy season. Honestly, we were worried that we were making a mistake the first time we planned a trip in the rainy season. However, we’re going to tell you why this is actually our favorite time to visit.

Dry Season (December – April): Peak Tourism Time

The dry season runs from mid-December through April, making these the busiest months across much of the country.

During this period, the country typically experiences hot, sunny days with little to no rain. This makes it ideal for beach vacations, outdoor activities, and first-time visitors who want predictable conditions. There are some exceptions to this which will get into a bit later.

The dry season offers predictable sunny weather, especially on the Pacific coast which is why this is a go-to destination for travelers from the U.S during the winter months.

However, with the nicest weather comes with the highest prices of the year for hotels, tours, and flights. You’ll also encounter the largest crowds at popular destinations.

Larger crowds mean that accommodations and tours should be booked well in advance during these months.

Within the dry season, December, January and February represent peak conditions with lush landscapes still remaining from recent rains.

March brings the hottest and driest conditions with perfect beach weather, while April marks the end of dry season with very hot temperatures but fewer crowds after Easter passes.

Green Season (May – November): The Hidden Gem

The rainy season, or “Green Season,” runs from May through November. Despite the rain, it’s a beautiful time to visit with much more lush and green vegetation compared to the dry season.

This period is perfect for budget travel, wildlife viewing, and anyone looking to avoid crowds.

The green season provides significantly lower prices with savings of 20-50% on accommodations, tours, and flights.

You’ll encounter fewer tourists and less crowded attractions, while experiencing the best the rainforests have to offer.

The trade-offs include afternoon and evening rain showers most days, with some unpaved roads becoming muddy or impassable.

Higher humidity levels are common, and some remote eco-lodges close for maintenance during the wettest months. There’s also potential for activity cancellations due to weather conditions.

May is an excellent shoulder season month with lighter rains. July and August offer a “little summer” with some drier periods. September and October represent the wettest months but provide the best conditions for visiting the Caribbean coast.

Regional Differences: Location Matters for Timing

Choosing when to visit Costa Rica depends heavily on which regions you plan to explore. Different areas experience dramatically different weather patterns.

We’ve talked about the two main seasons so let’s take a deeper look at the regional differences in the weather.

Pacific Coast Weather Patterns

The Pacific coast has the most predictable weather pattersn. This includes Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific areas like Jacó and Manuel Antonio, and South Pacific regions like Dominical and Uvita. This makes timing decisions much easier for travelers.

December through April offers guaranteed sunshine, while the green season typically brings sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers. September and October represent the wettest period with the heaviest rains, making these months less ideal for Pacific coast travel.

Caribbean Coast: A Different Climate Story

The Caribbean coast, including Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero, and Limón, doesn’t follow the same seasonal patterns as the rest of the country.

Rain is possible year-round regardless of the time of day. However, February through March and September through October tend to be the driest periods.

This creates a unique advantage since the Caribbean coast offers beautiful weather when the Pacific coast experiences its wettest conditions.

Highland Areas: Consistently Cool Conditions

Highland regions including the Central Valley, Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota, and Poás sit at elevations of 1,000 to 3,000 meters. This creates mild, cool temperatures regardless of the season.

December through April provides the clearest skies, though temperatures remain pleasant year-round with afternoon clouds common. Even during dry season, pack layers for cool evenings in these elevated areas.

While there is more opportunity for clear skies in the highland areas during the dry season, it’s by no means a guarantee. We’ve visited during the dry season and we’ve often experienced cool and windy conditions in addition to drizzle or rain.

If you plan to visit this region at any time of the year, hope for the best but be prepared for less than ideal conditions.

The Best Season in Costa Rica for What You Want to Do

Different activities have optimal timing windows that don’t always align with the traditional high and low seasons.

Beaches

Beach activities are best from December through April on the Pacific coast. September through October offer ideal conditions for Caribbean coast beaches.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing reaches its peak during the green season from May through November when animals are most active. September and October provide maximum wildlife activity.

Surfing

Surfing conditions vary by coast, with the Pacific offering bigger swells from May through November. The Caribbean coast provides better conditions from December through March.

Hiking

Hiking and adventure activities benefit from the reliable weather of December through April. May and November offer excellent alternatives with fewer crowds and decent weather conditions.

Photography

For photography enthusiasts, the green season delivers lush, vibrant scenery perfect for landscapes, while also providing the most active wildlife. Those seeking clear skies for mountain and volcano photography should plan for the dry season months.

How Timing Affects Your Travel Budget

Your travel budget significantly impacts when you should visit Costa Rica.

Budget travelers will find the green season from May through November offers savings of 20-50% on accommodations, tours, and flights. December through January have some of the highest prices of the year.

Mid-range travelers should consider the shoulder seasons of May or November. These months provide an excellent balance of good weather with moderate pricing.

If money is no object, you may prefer December through April. This is when properties operate at full capacity. In addition, January through March offer guaranteed perfect weather conditions for most experiences.

What to Expect in Costa Rica Each Month

The year in Costa Rica breaks down into distinct periods with varying advantages. December through February represents peak season with the best weather, highest prices, and biggest crowds.

• December through February – the peak of the dry season and high tourism demand, especially around the holidays. Expect sunny days, ideal beach weather, and premium prices so book well in advance.
• March and April – continue the hot and dry conditions while remaining crowded, though crowds diminish slightly after Easter.
• May – serves as an excellent shoulder season offering great value as light rains begin.
• June through August – forms the heart of green season, with July’s “little summer” providing particularly good value.
• September and October – bring the wettest conditions and lowest prices, making them ideal for focusing on the Caribbean coast.
• November – serves as a transition month with improving weather and great deals before high season returns.

If you’d like more detailed information regarding dry season or green season, check out these posts!

• 

  Costa Rica Dry Season: Travel Guide for December to April

• 

  Costa Rica Rainy Season: Travel Guide for May to November

Our Pick for the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

After multiple visits to Costa Rica, our favorite time to visit is during the green season, specifically in May, July and November. Overall, our favorite month is July.

May and November are shoulder months which means the landscapes are greener and more lush, particularly in November. There are also fewer crowds and lower prices with relatively light rainfall.

July experiences “Veranillo de San Juan” or “Little Summer,” which offers a break in the more consistent rainy pattern of other green season months.

November has improving weather conditions and lower price. It also has the advantage of avoiding both the wettest months and peak season crowds.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to avoid rain altogether during these months but it’s predictable enough that you can schedule your activities around the afternoon showers.

For first-time visitors who prioritize weather reliability over budget considerations, we recommend visiting during the dry season, particularly early December, January, early February and after Easter.

Costa Rica Trip Planning Tips

Deciding when to visit Costa Rica ultimately means aligning your travel style, budget, and desired experiences with a time of year with will give you the best balance of all of them.

Here are some final tips to think about when deciding which season works best for you.

• Book accommodations early for dry season travel – Popular hotels and lodges fill up months in advance during peak periods
• Maintain flexibility during green season – Have backup indoor activities planned for rainy days
• Prioritize your must-haves – Consider whether weather, budget, crowds, or specific activities matter most for your trip
• Plan regional strategies – Combine Pacific and Caribbean coasts to maximize good weather windows throughout your visit
• Pack appropriately for your season – Rain gear remains essential even during dry season for highland areas

FAQs

What are the best and worst months to go to Costa Rica?

Some of the best months to visit Costa Rica are May, July and November. These months offer less crowds, lower prices and decent weather. September and October are the least ideal months since because they are the rainiest months of the year.

What is the cheapest time to go to Costa Rica?

September and October are two of the least expensive months to visit Costa Rica. This is because they are historically the wettest months for most of the country.

What months are hurricane seasons in Costa Rica?

Hurricanes are very rare in Costa Rica. While the rainy season does coincide with the normal hurricane season in the Caribbean, you will most likely only experience heavy rain at times.

Final Takeaway: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Both the dry season and green seasons offer incredible opportunities to explore this biodiverse paradise. It’s simply a matter of choosing the best time to visit Costa Rica that works for you.

Whether you choose the reliable sunshine of dry season or the lush beauty of green season, Costa Rica will deliver unforgettable experiences year-round.