Best time to visit Costa Rica: A monthly guide

Whether you’re drawn to misty volcanoes, lush rainforests, or sun-soaked coastlines, Costa Rica offers it all — but not always at the same time. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on what you want to experience.

Costa Rica has two main seasons, but the weather patterns vary from region to region. This guide breaks down Costa Rica’s climate by month so you can find the perfect time for chasing sun, surf, or misty mountains.

Of course, choosing when to go is only part of a well-planned trip. Finding the best places to visit in Costa Rica makes your vacation unforgettable. That’s where a travel advisor can help — they’ll craft an itinerary designed entirely around you, and find memorable experiences that rarely show up on Google.

Costa Rica's 3 climate zones: What to expect in each region

No matter your travel style, Costa Rica’s shifting seasons offer something for everyone. In the dry season (January to April), you can expect sunny days and little rain, perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures. The green season (May to December) offers clear mornings and afternoon rain showers, ideal for lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

While these patterns are pretty consistent, each region has its own unique temperatures and humidity levels. Here’s what to expect in every area so you can pick the perfect region and season for your trip.

1. Caribbean region

In the Caribbean region, a warm climate and tropical showers are the norm, with temperatures ranging from 75–90°F (24–32°C). It rains often, and showers are usually short but powerful. September and October are the driest months in the Caribbean, making them a great time to lounge on the golden sands of Playa Cocles or snorkel the coral reefs off Cahuita.

Top activities in the Caribbean region:

• Snorkeling and diving in Cahuita National Park
• Wildlife watching in Tortuguero National Park
• Embracing Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine in Puerto Viejo
  

2. Central region

Thanks to its higher elevation (around 3,000–5,000 feet above sea level), the central region enjoys a spring-like climate. Temperatures here range from 60–80°F (16–27°C), with cooler mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons, which makes the Central Valley one of the most comfortable places to explore. It’s perfect for sipping coffee at a finca or strolling San José’s colonial streets. 

Top activities in the central region:

• Coffee plantation tours near Heredia or Alajuela
• Visiting volcanoes like Poás and Irazú
• Day trips to museums and markets in San José
  

3. Pacific region

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has a tropical climate with more dramatic seasonal shifts. The northern Pacific is hotter and drier, while the central and southern coasts are more humid and green. Temperatures range from 85–95°F (29–35°C), making this an ideal destination for surfing warm Pacific swells and unwinding on the beach.

Top activities in the Pacific region:

• Surfing in Tamarindo and Santa Teresa
• Relaxing at luxury resorts in Papagayo
• Whale watching near Uvita during migration seasons

Not sure which coast suits you best? Plan with an advisor on TravelJoy — they’ll work with you one-on-one to design a trip with the perfect destinations and timing.

What are the best months and seasons to visit Costa Rica?

Whether you’re chasing the perfect surf conditions, mapping a hike through a rainforest, or hoping to spot exotic wildlife, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your goals. Here are the top activities to enjoy throughout the year.

Dry season (January to April): Hiking in national parks

Costa Rica’s dry season (also its busy season) runs from January to April, perfect for a spring break escape. Full of sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rain, these months are great for outdoor adventures.

For instance, parks like Manuel Antonio and Corcovado offer excellent hiking and wildlife viewing. But thanks to the season’s popularity, things can get a bit crowded. Travel advisors can help you secure national park entrance times or guides during this busy season, when availability is limited and logistics matter most.

• Weather: Dry and sunny with temperatures between 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Top places to visit: Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks, and Arenal Volcano
• Best activities: Hiking the rainforest, exploring volcanoes, and wildlife watching

Early green season (May to June): Whitewater rafting 

The early green season in Costa Rica lasts from May through June and is a fantastic time for whitewater rafting. Seasonal rains fill the rivers just enough to create fast, exciting rapids without constant downpours. Mornings are usually dry and clear, while afternoon rain adds a refreshing touch for adventure activities later in the day.

• Weather: Afternoon rain with temperatures between 75–90°F (24–32°C)
• Top places to visit: Pacuare River, Tortuguero National Park, and Playa Hermosa
• Best activities: Whitewater rafting, jungle tours, and rainforest hikes

Veranillo (July to August): Whale watching

July and August are prime months for wildlife watching in some of the most pristine Costa Rican vacation spots along the Pacific coast. This short dry spell in the middle of the rainy season, known as veranillo, is a great time to see humpback whales as they migrate south from the northern Pacific.

If you visit during veranillo, destinations like Marino Ballena National Park and the Osa Peninsula offer a once-in-a-lifetime front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring migrations.

• Weather: Mostly dry with occasional rain and temperatures between 75–85°F (24–29°C)
• Top places to visit: Marino Ballena and Corcovado National Parks, and Osa Peninsula
• Best activities: Whale watching, kayaking, and snorkeling

Shoulder season (September to October): Surfing on the Caribbean coast

The rainy season in Costa Rica peaks in September and October, especially along the Pacific coast. Because of all the rain, this stretch often offers more value for your money, making it ideal if you’re seeking luxury without peak-season prices.

If you want to visit in September or October, consider going to the Caribbean side, where it’s not as wet as the rest of the country. It’s a great time to slow down, soak up the scenery, and enjoy a more peaceful pace of travel.

• Weather: Humid with rain showers and temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
• Top places to visit: Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park
• Best activities: Surfing, beach lounging, and watching the turtle nesting

Transition to dry season (November to December): Bird watching 

As the rainy season fades into the dry season in November and December, the weather clears and birds start to arrive. The green landscapes make it easier to spot them in parks and reserves during this transitional stretch. With less rain and cooler temperatures, places like Monteverde Cloud Forest are popular for spotting toucans, hummingbirds, and the resplendent quetzal.

• Weather: Less rain and cooler mornings with temperatures between 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Top places to visit: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Caño Island, Arenal hot springs
• Best activities: Birdwatching, nature walks, visiting wildlife reserves

What are less ideal times to visit Costa Rica?

Deciding when to visit Costa Rica depends on your travel style, but some people prefer avoiding the green season, especially September and October. These are the rainiest months, and you may come across muddy paths and road closures due to flooding or landslides in more remote areas. But if you don’t mind the rain, visiting Costa Rica during the green season is a quiet, lush experience.

Stop guessing: Enjoy Costa Rica even more with a personalized itinerary

Exploring Costa Rica is truly extraordinary when you team up with a travel advisor. They can design a trip entirely around you and your interests, whether that’s adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both. Travel advisors can also add VIP touches like private naturalist-led wildlife tours, hard-to-get tickets for popular parks, or tailored recommendations for boutique resorts that turn a great getaway into something unforgettable.

Connect with a travel advisor on TravelJoy today to make the most of your Costa Rican vacation. They'll build a personalized itinerary that fits your unique travel style, featuring seasonal highlights and expert insider tips. This way, you can save hours of research and feel confident your Costa Rica trip is timed just right.

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