Best time to visit Costa Rica
Climate and weather
The best time to visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, especially if you’re focused on the Pacific coast or looking to explore during the driest months. However, despite Costa Rica’s compact size, there are several different climates to consider across the country, so choosing when to go to Costa Rica also depends on precisely where you’re planning to go.
If you’re hoping to avoid the wet weather altogether, that’s unlikely in this tropical country, where the lush greenery is one of the highlights of a visit, along with sunny beaches, fabulous wildlife, volcanoes, cloud forest and jungles. There’s rain almost year-round on the Caribbean coast, while in the Central Valley, enticingly known as ‘The Land of Eternal Spring’, it gets wetter as you head to higher ground, including the Monteverde Cloudforest and the Arenal Volcano.
Shoulder season means you’ll have fewer people to share the experience with, while the wet season can be the best time to see the rainforests in full bloom. So, apart from a few months when the rain makes it hard to explore, it’s best just to pack some waterproofs along with your SPF and embrace the showers.
Costa Rica weather by region
Pacific Coast
In Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the dry season runs from December to April. There still may be afternoon showers during this period, but we’re pretty sure you’ll welcome these because they really do clear the air. There’s also usually a gentle ocean breeze to keep you refreshed while you laze on the beach. From May to November, the rain falls more regularly, and during September and October, the swells are perfect for surfers. The further south you travel on the Pacific Coast, the more rain you’re likely to see.
Caribbean Coast
Along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the temperature is around 28°C throughout the year. There is no real dry or wet season. The climate is influenced by winds and weather conditions on the Atlantic Ocean. When it rains, it is in the form of short, heavy tropical downpours and shouldn’t affect your enjoyment at all. There is less rain in January, February and March, and from August to September, there is a short dry period. If it does rain, the day usually starts bright, and the rain comes late in the afternoon.
Central Valleys
Central Costa Rica, including San Jose, is known invitingly as ‘The Land of Eternal Spring’. It’s fresh, mild and almost impossibly green. The actual temperature and rainfall depend on your height above sea level. From 600 to 1650 metres, which includes San Jose, Monteverde Cloudforest and Arenal Volcano, the average daytime temperature is a balmy 25°C. Again, it can rain anytime, but that’s all part of the magic. The highlands are much cooler, so you’ll need warmer gear if you’re heading for higher ground, and the temperature drops to about 7°C on the high peaks of the Chirripo and the Irazu volcano.
