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.
Monthly climate chart in Costa Rica
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast | ● 33°C ☀️ | ● 34°C ☀️ | ● 35°C ☀️ | ● 35°C ☀️ | ● 33°C 🌦️ | ● 31°C 🌧️ | ● 31°C 🌧️ | ● 31°C 🌧️ | ● 30°C 🌧️ | ● 30°C 🌦️ | ● 31°C ☀️ | ● 32°C ☀️ |
| Caribbean Coast | ● 29°C 🌦️ | ● 30°C 🌦️ | ● 30°C ☀️ | ● 30°C ☀️ | ● 29°C 🌧️ | ● 28°C 🌧️ | ● 29°C 🌦️ | ● 29°C 🌦️ | ● 29°C ☀️ | ● 29°C ☀️ | ● 28°C 🌦️ | ● 28°C 🌦️ |
| Central Highlands | ● 24°C ☀️ | ● 25°C ☀️ | ● 26°C ☀️ | ● 27°C ☀️ | ● 26°C 🌦️ | ● 25°C 🌧️ | ● 25°C 🌧️ | ● 25°C 🌧️ | ● 24°C 🌦️ | ● 24°C 🌦️ | ● 24°C ☀️ | ● 24°C ☀️ |
Costa Rica weather by month
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.
Costa Rica’s weather month-by-month
January
January is one of the most popular times to visit Costa Rica, and for a good reason. The Pacific coast is dry and sunny, making it ideal for beach trips, wildlife spotting, and rainforest adventures. It’s a great time to explore national parks like Manuel Antonio or head inland to the cloud forests.
February
February is a fantastic month to travel around Costa Rica. The dry season continues on the Pacific side, with plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures and good road conditions. Wildlife is active, especially in national parks and coastal areas and it’s also a great time for birdwatching.
March
March offers some of the best weather of the year, with long sunny days and little rain across most of Costa Rica. It’s an excellent time for beach holidays, wildlife spotting, and exploring national parks. As Easter approaches, prices can rise and some areas get busy, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
April
April marks the end of Costa Rica’s dry season, a warm, sunny month in most regions, especially in the Pacific coast. It’s a popular time for Easter holidays, which makes it a bit busier. . It’s a good month for wildlife spotting and active travel, with everything from ziplining to hiking in full swing.
May
May is the start of green season in Costa Rica, with frequent afternoon rain, but warm and sunny mornings. The landscape is lush and vibrant thanks to the rains, and it’s a much quieter time to visit.
June
Green season continues with afternoon showers, sunny mornings and lush landscapes. It’s a good time for wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking to visit without peak season crowds.
July
July often brings a brief break in the rain known locally as the “veranillo” or little summer. It’s a great month for families travelling during the school holidays, with plenty of sunshine on the Pacific side and wildlife still active in national parks. Sea turtle nesting season begins on the Caribbean coast too.
August
Green season continues in August, so expect beautifully green landscapes and national parks full of life. A great month to see sea turtles nestling on the Caribbean coast. A great time to visit for those happy to experience the occasional downpour, alongside a quieter Costa Rica.
September
September is one of the rainiest months on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, with frequent showers and cloud cover. While this makes it a quieter time to visit, the Caribbean coast is often drier and sunnier, making it a great time to explore places like Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero.
October
October is the peak of the rainy season in most of Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific side. However, the Caribbean coast tends to have the opposite weather pattern and can be a great option with sunshine and fewer visitors. It’s also a good month for wildlife spotting in the eastern regions. If you’re flexible with where you travel and enjoy lush scenery, October can be a surprisingly good time to visit.
November
November marks the transition between Costa Rica’s rainy and dry seasons. Early in the month you may still see some showers, but by mid to late November, the weather usually begins to improve, especially on the Pacific side.
December
December is the start of Costa Rica’s dry season, with warm weather and clear skies returning to most regions. Early December can still bring the occasional shower, but the weather becomes more reliable as the month goes on.
