Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Jan

January is a fantastic time to visit Costa Rica with an average high of 68°F and low of 58°F. While it does see around 227mm of rain, this is often in short, refreshing bursts, leaving plenty of sunshine to enjoy the tail end of the dry season and lively local festivals.

• Palmares Fiestas
• Tempisque Festival

Feb

February continues to be a popular month, offering similar pleasant temperatures around 68°F high and 58°F low. Be prepared for slightly more rain than January, averaging 356mm, but still plenty of dry spells for exploring. Expect moderate crowds and consider booking in advance.

• Puntarenas Carnival

Mar

March sees temperatures creeping up to a comfortable 70°F high and 59°F low, with around 262mm of rain. This marks the transition towards the green season, offering lush landscapes with manageable rainfall. Crowds are likely still present, but perhaps a touch less intense than the peak dry season.

• Día del Boyero (Oxcart Driver's Day)

Apr

April brings warmer weather with highs around 70°F and lows around 61°F. Rainfall increases to 294mm as the green season truly begins, so expect more frequent showers. If travelling during Semana Santa, be aware that many businesses may close and transportation can be impacted.

• Semana Santa (Holy Week)

May

May is firmly in the green season, with highs of 72°F and lows of 63°F. This month sees a significant increase in rainfall, averaging 418mm, making it ideal for those seeking lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodation and tours may begin to drop.

Jun

June continues the trend of the green season, with warm temperatures around 71°F high and 63°F low. Rainfall hits a substantial 572mm, so rain gear is a must. While it rains more, you'll be rewarded with vibrant nature and far fewer tourists, often leading to better deals.

• Fiestas de San Juan

Jul

July offers a brief respite, often called 'veranillo' or little summer, with temperatures around 71°F high and 62°F low, and slightly less rain than June at 345mm. This can be a great time to visit for those who want to experience the green season with slightly drier conditions and fewer crowds than peak season.

• Guanacaste Day

Aug

August sees similar temperatures to July, around 71°F high and 62°F low, with rainfall increasing again to 407mm. Embrace the lush scenery and potentially lower prices that come with the green season. Wildlife is often more active during this time, making it excellent for nature enthusiasts.

• Assumption Day

Sep

September is one of the wettest months, with average rainfall of 533mm and temperatures around 72°F high and 62°F low. While it's very green and less crowded, be prepared for consistent rain, particularly in the afternoons. This is a time for budget travelers and those who don't mind getting wet.

• Independence Day

Oct

October is another very wet month, with rainfall peaking at 566mm, though temperatures remain warm at 71°F high and 62°F low. While the Caribbean coast experiences its dry season, the Pacific side and central highlands are very wet. This is definitely low season, so expect significant discounts and very few crowds.

• Carnaval de Limón

Nov

November marks the transition from the green season back to the dry season, with substantial rainfall still present at 583mm, yet pleasant temperatures around 70°F high and 61°F low. Early November can still be quite wet, but by the end of the month, the weather becomes more agreeable, and crowds begin to pick up. Book ahead for late November.

• Día de los Muertos

Dec

December is the start of the dry season and one of the most popular (and expensive) times to visit, with comfortable temperatures around 68°F high and 59°F low, and rainfall significantly dropping to 286mm. Expect large crowds, higher prices, and book all accommodations and tours at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

• Festival de la Luz
• Christmas