When you’re trying to decide the best time to visit Costa Rica, there are a lot of factors you’re going to want to weigh. For example, do you want a primarily beach vacation? Then you might want to skip the rainest months of September and October. Or are you a backpacker looking to save as much as possible on flights and hotels? September and October might be good months to travel for you if you don’t mind the rain.
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Best Time To Visit Costa Rica Quick Facts
- Dry Season: December to April
- Most Affordable: September and October (also the most rain!)
- Hottest Month: April
- Coldest Month: July
A Monthly Breakdown:
Costa Rica is generally a tropical country close to the equator with a dry season half the year and a rainy season half the year. That said, there are also many unique microclimates present here so we’re going to take that into account as we go month-by-month and plan your most optimal trip!
Keep reading to find ALL THE DEETS on the best time to visit Costa Rica!
January
- Best Area to visit: Beaches of Guanacaste
The Costa Rican dry season is from December-April, making January the perfect weather for a beach vacation. The beaches of Guanacaste like Tamarindo, Flamingo, and Conchal are known for their opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing on the white sand beaches.
It’s important to know that the dry season is always a busy time to come to Costa Rica so you’ll want to book in advance (5-7 months) to get the locations you want while they’re still available. With some proper planning you’ll have a wonderful time!
February
- Best Area to visit: Nicoya Peninsula
Another busy tourist month, beat the crowds and travel to towns that are less congested on the Nicoya Penninsula like Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Nosara. Living in this area of Costa Rica are biolumenescent plankton you can view after the sun goes down on a guided tour. You’ll be able to see the water appear as if it’s glowing after dark!
Nosara and the closeby town of Samara are well known for their opportunities for surfing, if that’s something you’re interested in learning. There is also a language immersion school in Nosara that could be a wonderful way to practice your Spanish and get to know the Costa Rican way of life firsthand.
March
- Best Area to visit: Manuel Antonio
March is a great time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park and not get rained out. Note that this is a popular tourist destination and the trade-off is that you may experience more crowds at the park.
That said, the dry weather will be great for being able to spot wildlife like sloths, monkeys and colorful birds. You’ll also be able to spend more time on the beach and swimming in the ocean (but make sure someone’s watching your stuff, the monkey’s will steal from you, I wish I was kidding!).
April
- Best Area to visit: The Osa Peninsula
In Costa Rica, Semana Santa usually falls in the month of April and is a big week for both international and local travel so if you’re planning to come to Costa Rica this month, look up the date in advance and try to avoid traveling here then. Or come and know that you’ll experience more crowds and need to book further in advance.
The Osa Peninsula is likely the most wild, untouched area in Costa Rica, only allowing visits to Corcovado National Park timed and with a naturalist guide. It’s the perfect destination for a busy tourism month where you can experience some of the wilder, more untouched beauty of Costa Rica and wildlife such as large mammals, snakes, and exotic birds.
May
- Best Area to visit: Rincon de La Vieja Volcano
May is the beginning of the Costa Rican rainy season, therefore it might be a good time to visit Rincon de La Vieja National Park, as the arid region starts to cool off.
Hike through the national park where you’ll find volcanic craters, mud pots, hot springs, and forests full of wildlife. Nearby the volcano are the Hacienda Guachipelín Hot Springs, where you can enjoy mud baths and spa treatments, or just relax in the natural pools.
I also highly recommend a visit to La Leona Waterfalls. The proximity to the volcano caused mineral productions that has transformed the water into an absolute clear blue. Hopefully, not yet being in the full swing of rainy season (which turns the waters more muddy), you’ll be able to experience the falls in all their glory.
June
- Best Area to visit: Tortuguero
You have to visit Tortuguero in Costa Rica in June because it is the beginning of the sea turtle nesting season!
This small village on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is known for its network of canals, rivers, and wetlands, you’ll feel like you’re in the Amazon. It’s a great idea to take a nighttime tour and witness the sight of turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Tortuguero National Park is full of biodiversity and an amazing place to find monkeys, exotic birds, and other wildlife.
July
- Best Area to visit: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
Since July means we are in the middle of Costa Rica’s rainy season, it’s possible you’ll see some rain, La Fortuna is a great town to visit in July because the climate tends to be a little more temperate than the rest of the country.
That said, the rainy season means that Costa Rica will be even more lush and green than it usually is, making the landscapes totally iconic with Arenal Volcano as your backdrop.
There is so much you can do in La Fortuna, from hiking the volcano, swimming in waterfalls, and relaxing in hot springs, to adventure activities like rappelling, ziplining, or doing a tour of local coffee or chocolate farms.
Usually a very crowded tourist destination, you might love visiting Arenal in July when it’s more green and less packed with tourists.
August
- Best Area to visit: Uvita
August is the start of whale-watching season on the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica, drawing visitors to Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita.
Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Uvita’s coast, and you can do a boat tour to witness these amazing creatures up close. Uvita is also less touristy than other towns in Costa Rica and a great place to hike, visit waterfalls, and experience nature up close.
September
- Best Area to visit: Turrialba
An off-the-beaten-path destination, you might want to visit the region of Turrialba in the month of September if you’re craving some adventure. The Turrialba Volcano has been among the most active in Costa Rica so while you may not be able to access the crater, you can still experience hiking in the jungle close by.
The Pacuare River is perfect for whitewater rafting this time of year due to the rainfall in the rainy season, making this the perfect adventure activity.
Turrialba is also a region famous for its “squeaky” cheese unlike what you’ll find anywhere else in the world. You can try going on a tour to learn more about how cheese is farmed and produced in this region of the country.
October
- Best Area to visit: Puerto Viejo & the Carribean Coast
While the rest of the country is getting drenched during the peak of rainy season, Puerto Viejo and the rest of the Carribean coast experience more temperate weather.
Puerto Viejo is known for its laid-back vibes and stunning beaches like Playa Negra, Play Cocles, and Punta Uva. It’s also the ideal time to explore the nearby Cahuita National Park where you can hike and spot wildlife like sloths, howler monkeys, and snorkel over the colorful coral reef.
Given its the rainy season, you should still expect to see some rain, but I loved Puerto Vijeo in the month of October. I thought it was the perfect time to visit and make the most of my time.
November
- Best Area to visit: Monteverde
As Costa Rica transitions from it’s rainier season to the dry season, I think this is the perfect time to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The jungle will be lush and green, while also covered with mist and vibrant with diverse plant and animal life.
You’ll find the beautiful quetzal bird, howler monkeys, and reptile and amphibian species (I highly recommend a nightwalk for the best chance of seeing active wildlife!).
While you’re in Monteverde, you also might want to do some adventure activities like zip lining, hiking, or visiting waterfalls. The benefit of visiting in November is that while the weather is beginning to dry up, you wont face the same heavy crowds as in the months of December to April.
December
- Best Area to visit: Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is undoubtably a hidden gem of Costa Rica that not many tourists even know about. This makes it a good destination if you’re planning to visit in December, which is likely the busiest month of all in Costa Rica tourism.
The cooler, clear weather is perfect for hiking the trails that led to the famous Bajos del Toro Waterfall close to 300 feet high. You can also check out Blue Falls, which are famous for their crystal blue colored waters (due to volcanic minerals) that are perfect for a swim.
Best Things to Do During Dry Season in Costa Rica
The dry season of Costa Rica is between December and April, and while it can be the busiest tourism season (and the most expensive), it’s also a beautiful time to travel here without experiencing heavy rains. Here are some of the best things to do during the dry season in Costa Rica.
- Relax on the beach in Guanacaste. If you love relaxing on the beach, you need to visit Costa Rica during the dry season. Popular beaches are Playa Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Playa Coco.
- Visit a tropical island. Isla Tortuga is one of my absolute favorite spots in all of Costa Rica and you’ll love visiting in the dry season where you can spend all day on the beach or swimming in the tranquil water.
- Experience the turquoise waterfalls of La Leona or Rio Celeste. The volcanic minerals turn these bodies of water a brilliant blue color that unfortunately becomes muddy during Costa Rica’s rainy season.
- View diverse wildlife like bird, mammal, or marine species. It can sometimes be tough to spot wildlife when it’s pouring rain and the animals are taking shelter. Visit in the dry season for your best shot of seeing wildlife and visit hubs of biodiversity such as Manuel Antonio or Corcovado National Park.
Best Things to Do During Rainy Season in Costa Rica
May to November might not the best time to plan to relax on the beach or swim in the ocean, but I absolutely love the rainy season in Costa Rica. That’s because it’s really the best time to experience the rainforest at it’s most lush, green state. Here are some of the best things to do during the rainy season in Costa Rica.
- See sea turtles nesting. In Costa Rica, green sea turtles nest along the beach from July to October, making August the idea time to witness them coming ashore to lay eggs.
- Do cultural tours such as coffee, chocolate or cheese production. I love spending a rainy day to learn more about the culture in Costa Rica, such as how popular exported goods such as coffee are processed here.
- Adventure activities like whitewater rafting. The water in the rivers and bodies of water swell during the rainy season so it’s a great time to do some adventure activities here like white-water rafting or waterfall rappelling. The rainforest is also so much more lush and green this time of year, making it beautiful for hiking if you don’t mind getting wet.
- Experience the laid back vibes of the Caribbean coast. While the rest of Costa Rica experiences heavy rains, the Caribbean coast tends to experience more moderate rainfall due to the mountain pattern. This makes it a great time to visit Caribbean towns like Puerto Viejo or Cahuita (and don’t forget to try the famous rice and beans made Caribbean style!)
SO, When is the BEST time to visit Costa Rica?! (+ some FAQ’s)
In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica totally depends on what kind of vacation you’re after. If you want to spend all your time at the beach swimming and snorkeling, you’ll be disappointed if you visit Costa Rica during it’s rainy season. That said, if you’re an adventure lover looking for cheaper rates on hotels, you might love the rainy season with it’s decreased crowds, lower prices, and lush, green landscapes.
Here are my answers to any last minute questions you might have about the best time to visit Costa Rica!
Q: I want to relax on the beach, when should I visit Costa Rica?
A: For a beach vacation, visit Costa Rica during its dry season between December and April. Remember that Christmas, New Years, and “Semana Santa” in April are the busiest tourist times, for both international and local tourists, so expect some crowds! Avoid those specific holiday dates if possible or visit less touristy towns like Uvita, Drake Bay, or Santa Teresa.
Q: I need to visit on a budget, when is the most affordable time to visit Costa Rica?
A: The height of rainy season in September and October will be the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica. That said, it’s also the height of rainy season! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get a little muddy. Come prepared with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, a rain jacket, and a plastic bag for your phone. The rainy season in a tropical country is no joke!
Q: When is turtle nesting season in Costa Rica?
A: The most famous place to view sea turtles in Costa Rica is on the Caribbean coast of in Tortuguero. From the national park, you can view green turtles nesting from July to October, with peak activity in the month of August.
Q: I’d love to see whales! When is whale-watching season in Costa Rica?
A: You can view the migration of Humpback whales on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica from December to Mid March or from the end of July to mid-October, with Uvita being one of the most popular towns to do so.
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
