Costa RicaBest Time to Visit
January - KICK OFF THE YEAR IN COSTA RICA’S DRY SEASON
January is the heart of Costa Rica’s dry season, offering sunny skies and warm weather across the country. The Central Valley, including San José, sees temperatures of 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), perfect for exploring the capital’s museums or coffee plantations. The Pacific coast, like Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio, is hot and dry at 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F), ideal for beach days and surfing. The Caribbean coast is wetter but still pleasant (24°C to 29°C or 75°F to 84°F). Wildlife thrives, with sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero and monkeys active in Corcovado National Park. The Fiestas de Palmares bring rodeos and concerts. Key destinations include Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Tortuguero. Weather in Costa Rica in January is sunny and dry, making it a peak time for a Costa Rica tour package.
February - BASK IN COSTA RICA’S SUNNY PEAK SEASON
February continues the dry season, with clear skies and warm temperatures. The Central Valley (18°C to 26°C or 64°F to 79°F) is great for hiking Poás Volcano or visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The Pacific coast is hot and sunny (27°C to 33°C or 81°F to 91°F), perfect for snorkeling in Playa Flamingo or zip-lining in Monteverde. The Caribbean coast sees occasional rain (24°C to 29°C or 75°F to 84°F) but is ideal for uncrowded visits to Cahuita National Park. Wildlife spotting is excellent, with howler monkeys and sloths in abundance. The Puntarenas Carnival features parades and music. Recommended destinations include Monteverde, Guanacaste, and Puerto Viejo. Weather in Costa Rica in February is dry and warm, ideal for outdoor adventures.
March - ENJOY COSTA RICA’S DRY SEASON FINALE
March is one of the driest months, with sunny days across most regions. San José and the Central Valley (19°C to 27°C or 66°F to 81°F) are perfect for cultural tours or hiking in Irazú Volcano National Park. The Pacific coast is hot (28°C to 34°C or 82°F to 93°F), ideal for surfing in Nosara or relaxing in Jacó. The Caribbean coast is wetter (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F) but great for turtle watching in Tortuguero. National parks like Corcovado and Arenal are teeming with wildlife, including toucans and jaguars. The Día de los Boyeros in San Antonio de Escazú showcases colorful oxcart parades. Key destinations include Arenal, Nosara, and Cahuita. Weather in Costa Rica in March is hot and dry, a prime time for beach and jungle adventures.
April - TRANSITION TO COSTA RICA’S GREEN SEASON
April marks the shift to the green season, with occasional showers but plenty of sunshine. The Central Valley (19°C to 26°C or 66°F to 79°F) is great for exploring San José’s markets or coffee tours in Alajuela. The Pacific coast remains warm (27°C to 33°C or 81°F to 91°F), ideal for diving in Playa del Coco or wildlife tours in Manuel Antonio. The Caribbean coast is rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F) but lush, perfect for eco-lodges in Tortuguero. Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings vibrant processions, especially in San José and Cartago. Recommended destinations include Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Tortuguero. Weather in Costa Rica in April is warm with increasing rain, offering fewer crowds and lower prices.
May - EMBRACE COSTA RICA’S LUSH GREEN SEASON
May is the start of the green season, with morning sunshine and afternoon showers. The Central Valley (18°C to 25°C or 64°F to 77°F) is ideal for visiting Doka Estate coffee plantations or hiking in Rincón de la Vieja. The Pacific coast is warm and humid (26°C to 32°C or 79°F to 90°F), great for surfing in Santa Teresa or exploring Osa Peninsula’s rainforests. The Caribbean coast is rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F) but vibrant, with green sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero. Wildlife is active, with frogs and birds thriving. Key destinations include Osa Peninsula, Santa Teresa, and Puerto Viejo. Weather in Costa Rica in May is warm and wetter, but lush landscapes and fewer tourists make it appealing.
June - DIVE INTO COSTA RICA’S RAINFOREST ADVENTURES
June brings more rain, but mornings are often sunny, especially in the Central Valley (18°C to 24°C or 64°F to 75°F), perfect for Arenal Volcano hikes or hot springs. The Pacific coast is humid (26°C to 31°C or 79°F to 88°F), ideal for uncrowded beaches in Dominical or wildlife tours in Corcovado. The Caribbean coast is rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F) but great for spotting nesting turtles in Tortuguero. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is lush and misty, perfect for birdwatching. The Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo adds local flavor. Weather in Costa Rica in June is wet but vibrant, with lush jungles and fewer crowds.
July - EXPERIENCE COSTA RICA’S “LITTLE SUMMER”
July offers a brief dry spell known as “veranillo” (little summer), especially on the Pacific coast (26°C to 31°C or 79°F to 88°F), ideal for beach days in Tamarindo or surfing in Playa Hermosa. The Central Valley (18°C to 24°C or 64°F to 75°F) is great for exploring San José or hiking in Braulio Carrillo National Park. The Caribbean coast remains rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F), but Tortuguero’s turtle nesting peaks. The Virgin of the Sea Festival in Puntarenas features boat parades. Wildlife, including humpback whales off the Osa Peninsula, is abundant. Key destinations include Tamarindo, Arenal, and Tortuguero. Weather in Costa Rica in July is warm with occasional dry spells, perfect for eco-adventures.
August - EXPLORE COSTA RICA’S LUSH RAINFORESTS
August is deep in the green season, with frequent showers but lush landscapes. The Central Valley (18°C to 24°C or 64°F to 75°F) is ideal for cultural tours in San José or hiking in Monteverde’s cloud forests. The Pacific coast is warm and rainy (26°C to 31°C or 79°F to 88°F), but Manuel Antonio’s beaches and Corcovado’s wildlife thrive. The Caribbean coast is wet (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F), with vibrant turtle nesting in Tortuguero. Humpback whales are visible off the Pacific coast. The Día de la Virgen de los Ángeles pilgrimage in Cartago is a cultural highlight. Weather in Costa Rica in August is wet but lush, offering budget-friendly travel.
September - DISCOVER COSTA RICA’S QUIET GREEN SEASON
September is the wettest month, but morning sunshine allows for exploration. The Central Valley (18°C to 24°C or 64°F to 75°F) is great for coffee tours or visiting Poás Volcano. The Pacific coast is rainy (26°C to 30°C or 79°F to 86°F), but uncrowded beaches in Nosara and Santa Teresa appeal to surfers. The Caribbean coast is wet (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F), but Cahuita’s coral reefs are vibrant. Independence Day (September 15) brings parades and lantern processions. Wildlife, including nesting turtles, is active. Key destinations include Monteverde, Cahuita, and Osa Peninsula. Weather in Costa Rica in September is rainy but lush, with the lowest crowds and prices.
October - REVEL IN COSTA RICA’S WILDLIFE HAVEN
October is the peak of the green season, with heavy rain but vibrant ecosystems. The Central Valley (18°C to 24°C or 64°F to 75°F) is ideal for indoor attractions like the Gold Museum in San José. The Pacific coast is wet (26°C to 30°C or 79°F to 86°F), but Corcovado and Manuel Antonio offer incredible wildlife spotting, including sloths and scarlet macaws. The Caribbean coast is rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F), but Tortuguero’s canals are perfect for kayaking. The Limón Carnival celebrates Afro-Caribbean culture with parades. Weather in Costa Rica in October is wet but rich in biodiversity, ideal for eco-tourists.
November - TRANSITION TO COSTA RICA’S DRY SEASON
November marks the start of the dry season on the Pacific coast, with decreasing rain and warm temperatures (26°C to 31°C or 79°F to 88°F), perfect for beach days in Guanacaste or hiking in Rincón de la Vieja. The Central Valley (18°C to 25°C or 64°F to 77°F) is great for exploring Arenal’s hot springs. The Caribbean coast remains rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F), but Puerto Viejo’s laid-back vibe shines. Wildlife, including migrating raptors, is abundant. The Día de los Muertos celebrations add cultural depth. Key destinations include Tamarindo, Arenal, and Puerto Viejo. Weather in Costa Rica in November is transitioning to drier conditions, with moderate crowds.
December - CELEBRATE COSTA RICA’S FESTIVE DRY SEASON
December ushers in the dry season, with sunny skies and warm weather. The Central Valley (18°C to 25°C or 64°F to 77°F) is perfect for San José’s Christmas markets or coffee tours. The Pacific coast is hot and dry (27°C to 32°C or 81°F to 90°F), ideal for surfing in Santa Teresa or wildlife tours in Manuel Antonio. The Caribbean coast is rainy (25°C to 30°C or 77°F to 86°F), but Cahuita’s beaches are uncrowded. The Festival de la Luz in San José features dazzling parades, and New Year’s celebrations light up the coasts. Key destinations include Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and San José. Weather in Costa Rica in December is sunny and festive, a great time for a Costa Rica tour package.
