Best Time to visit Costa Rica

Are you traveling to Costa Rica soon? To plan your holiday, you should know the weather and climate in the country and the best time to visit Costa Rica.

This guide helps you to know which activities you can do in which month and in which region you should book your hotel.

It is fascinating to know that when one side of Costa Rica is drenched in the rain, another side is basking in the sunshine.

This leaves you with choices of activities to book and provinces to discover whichever month you decide to go – with proper planning, of course.

In this article, we aim to understand the weather and, in the process, establish the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Dry Season vs Green Season

There are only two seasons in Costa Rica. The dry season in the country means the wind is warm, and the rainforests are thirsty. The season runs from December to April.

On the other hand, the green season means its wettest months – May to November. This signifies day-long rain showers, a thriving marine ecosystem, and big swells. Costa Rica’s rainforests are also at their greenest. 

Costa Rica weather in January

Climate: You will feel that the dry season is coming to Costa Rica.

Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the lowest temperature is around 21 degrees Centigrade. 

January is the best time to visit Costa Rica – and everyone seems to know it. After the holidays, prices start going down, so tourist places get more crowded. Adding to that, the dry season is in full effect, making tours more pleasant.

Specifically, you will find the best weather in Costa Rica in January within the provinces of  Guanacaste, Jaco, and Manuel Antonio. These places, due to their good location, receive a lot of sunlight and only light rain.

January is a good month to go hiking in the mountains. If you plan on surfing, head to the Caribbean region, where the season is still green.

Costa Rica weather in February

Climate: It is the dry season in the Central and Pacific while the Caribbean region is still experiencing wet conditions.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 21 degrees Centigrade.

Less rain, better prices, and fewer tourists equal good travel conditions. If this is your idea of the ultimate Costa Rica vacation, fly into the country in February.

You will find many beach destinations enjoying a hot and dry climate, making it a perfect time for water activities. Animals also prefer this kind of weather, so there is a good chance of spotting rich wildlife during your tours. Sea turtles are in their nesting season, too.

Head to the Central and Pacific sides to enjoy the best February weather.

The Caribbean region continues to experience slight rain showers with less heat than the rest of Costa Rica, making surfing a viable activity to partake in. Humidity is still high, though, so be prepared to cool off in between tours. Beaches are crowded in February as Costa Ricans scramble to have some family bonding before summer vacation comes to an end.

Costa Rica weather in March

Climate: It is the dry season in all parts of Costa Rica. 

Temperature: Average high temperature is 32 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 22 degrees Centigrade.

It is the start of the hottest weather of the year in Costa Rica. You can head up to the highlands of Monteverde or Savegre to enjoy a better climate because there is not a day of rain shower expected to cool off major parts of the country.

The Caribbean is an exception, with occasional rains giving relief to the region. In general, much of Costa Rica’s average weather conditions do not apply to the Caribbean.

Birdwatching and wildlife tours are at their prime as many animals come out of their habitats to bask in the weather and find ways to battle humidity.

Surfing season has officially taken over the beaches. You can find nice breaks to surf in both the Pacific and the Caribbean during March. 

Costa Rica weather in April

Climate: It is the end of the dry season.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 32 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 23 degrees Centigrade.

The hottest weather in Costa Rica continues as the dry season comes to an end. Semana Santa or Holy Week is just around the corner, and this proves to be a busy season for many parts of the country.

Travelers flock to Costa Rica’s best resorts to unwind. In effect, rates are higher than usual. Tours and hotels get sold out quickly, so better plan your holiday ahead. 

Leatherback turtles are nesting in the Caribbean, so if you plan to surf there, you’ll have the chance to see this natural spectacle. Unfortunately, humpback whales will not be on site.

Costa Rica weather in May

Climate: Green season starts this month.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 32 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 24 degrees Centigrade.

Expect rain to come in gradually until it builds up towards the end of May. The Caribbean is wetter than the rest of the country.

This is the time when people do not usually travel to Costa Rica, so prices are at their lowest, and crowds are minimal. You can enjoy discounts of up to 20% just by traveling to Costa Rica in May. 

Be ready for unpredictable weather, though. Plan your tours accordingly and be ready for some plan alterations should the weather change.

It’s the Pacific region’s turn to have good surfing spots. Snorkeling and diving in Costa Rica around May are not recommended as marine animals are harder to spot.

Costa Rica weather in June

Climate: It is the green season, and the constant rain is watering Costa Rica’s rainforests.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 24  degrees Centigrade.

Jungles now start to thrive, and rivers start to get filled. San Jose and other parts of the central valley are enjoying even better weather conditions. 

June is the start of extreme water activities in Costa Rica. You can enjoy class II white water rapids during this time. The Pacific region’s waves get bigger than in the previous months, attracting experienced surfers to visit the spots. 

You will find bookings and reservations during June to be quite favorable, as fewer people are coming in. This is also the time when airfares to Costa Rica are at discounted rates. 

Costa Rica weather in July

Climate: Green season continues and intensifies.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 24 degrees Centigrade.

Stay in the mountainous side of Costa Rica if you want relief from the hot mornings. Otherwise, you can go beach hopping and enjoy the warm sun.

Be aware of flash floods that may occur in certain areas. All water activities must be partaken with caution in the Caribbean region, especially because it experiences heavy rainfall. 

Waves are perfect for experienced surfers on all coasts. Sea turtles begin nesting again this month.  

The central valley proves to be popular during July. Often people go on guided tours in town in the morning while the weather is favorable and stay indoors at night when the rain starts to pour.

Costa Rica weather in August

Climate: It is a green, rainy season in Costa Rica.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 24 degrees Centigrade.

Rain may stop you during nighttime. The August weather in Costa Rica is perfect for rainforest explorations and walking tours. Some days will see no rain; other days, you have to listen to the forecast and hang your coat. 

August is starting to get popular amongst travelers because the rates can get pretty low. As many flocks to Costa Rica in the middle of the year to avoid the crowd during holidays, the tours get packed as if it’s December. 

Costa Rica weather in September

Climate: It is the green season – and the prelude to the rainiest season in the Pacific.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 30 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 23 degrees Centigrade.

You have to carefully plan your itinerary if you wish to travel to Costa Rica during September. Rains are at their heaviest, and many areas are forced to close their businesses for the time being.

Unfortunately, you cannot travel to the Osa Peninsula, and its nearby towns as the major accommodations are not in operation and roads are not accessible. 

The Caribbean side, on the other hand, is enjoying its high season. The weather is dry, with light rain showers in the afternoon. Guests come in to take advantage of the low rates and the uncrowded spots.

Costa Rica weather in October

Climate: It is the green season in the Pacific but the dry season in the Caribbean.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 23 degrees Centigrade.

It will continue being wet in the Osa Peninsula – Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito. All these and the surrounding towns are experiencing high amounts of rainfall.

October is actually the rainiest month in Costa Rica. The rainfall is nonstop most days, and businesses in the south are forced to close and wait until the green season ends.

Thanks to the mountains acting as natural shields to the harsh winds, the Caribbean is experiencing good, if not its best, weather within the region. Focus your planning on Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.

View full blog post: Best things to do in Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica weather in November

Climate: It is the end of the green season, and the weather is highly unpredictable.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 22 degrees Centigrade.

November is not the time to see Costa Rica’s wildlife, nor is it the time to dive and snorkel. Although the humpback whales are in the Pacific the whole time, the waters prove to be too rough for a boat ride to commence.

Canopy rides still do push through rain or shine, but extreme water activities like white water rafting can be canceled any minute.

Your best bet for November lies in the Caribbean. It’s time to enjoy its warm weather and soak in natural hot springs. It’s cheaper, it’s less crowded, and it’s comfortably sunny. 

Avoid long road trips if you can, as Costa Rica is prone to mud and landslides.

Costa Rica weather in December

Climate: Dry season starts this month.

Temperature: Average high temperature is 31 degrees Centigrade, while the low temperature is 21 degrees Centigrade.

At the beginning of December, you will see a huge part of the country still soaked in rainwater. Driving can still be hazardous, and some roads are even closed for safety purposes.

Come mid-December, and people start pouring in to enjoy their Christmas holidays in Costa Rica. Weather cooperates, too, as much of the country enjoys sunny mornings and scattered rain showers in the evening. 

The Pacific region is thriving; different turtle species are nesting, and the wildlife is coming out. The Caribbean, though, is back from being wet. Whales can be sighted in the area while huge swells for surfing are formed.

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