Best time to visit Costa Rica

Understanding Costa Rica’s Seasons: Dry vs. Green

Unlike the four distinct seasons you may be used to, Costa Rica operates on a simpler, two-season cycle. Locals refer to these as verano (summer) and invierno (winter), but these names correspond to the dry and green (or rainy) seasons, respectively, not to temperature changes. The climate remains tropical and warm throughout the year, with variations determined primarily by rainfall and altitude.

The Dry Season (Verano) – December to April

Weather Profile: This period is defined by abundant sunshine, clear blue skies, and minimal rainfall, particularly along the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley. Temperatures are consistently warm to hot, creating a classic tropical holiday atmosphere.

Pros:

• Ideal conditions for beach vacations, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastline.

– Excellent for hiking and other outdoor adventures, as trails are firm and dry.

• Ocean visibility is generally at its best, providing clearer water for snorkeling and diving excursions.

Cons:

• This is the high or peak tourist season, which means more people at popular national parks and beaches.
• Prices for flights, accommodations, and tours are at their highest point during these months.
• The landscape, especially in the northwestern Guanacaste region, can become arid and less lush.

The Green Season (Invierno) – May to November

Weather Profile: A typical day in the green season involves bright, sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers. These rains can be heavy but are often brief, clearing up to leave evenings fresh and cool. The entire country transforms into a vibrant, emerald landscape.

Pros:

• The country is exceptionally lush, green, and bursting with life, offering spectacular scenery.
• You will encounter fewer tourists, leading to a more tranquil and personal experience.
• Lower prices for accommodations and activities provide excellent value.
• With rivers full and flowing, this is the premier season for whitewater rafting.

Cons:

• Afternoon showers can interrupt plans, requiring a more flexible travel schedule.
• Humidity levels are noticeably higher than in the dry season.
• Some unpaved rural roads can become challenging to navigate, particularly on the Osa Peninsula.

The “Shoulder” Months: A Perfect Balance

Key Months: May, June, and November.

Why They’re Great: These transitional months offer a superb blend of both seasons. You’ll be greeted by the lush, vibrant scenery of the green season but with considerably less rainfall than the peak rainy months of September and October. Visitor numbers are lower than in the high season, and prices remain reasonable, making it an ideal time for a balanced Costa Rican experience.

Regional Weather Variations: It’s Not the Same Everywhere

It is crucial to understand that Costa Rica is a country of many microclimates. Due to its varied topography of mountains, valleys, and two distinct coastlines, the weather can differ dramatically from one region to another on the very same day. A sunny morning on the Pacific coast could coincide with a misty afternoon in a mountain cloud forest. This is a key consideration for both packing your bags and planning your daily activities.

Pacific Coast (Guanacaste, Nicoya, Manuel Antonio)

Climate: This region follows the classic dry and green season pattern most distinctly. The dry season in Guanacaste is the driest in the entire country, with very little precipitation.

Best Time: Visit from December to April for guaranteed sunshine and ideal beach weather. For greener landscapes and fewer people, consider May to July.

Central Valley (San José, Cloud Forests of Monteverde & Poás)

Climate: Due to its higher elevation, the Central Valley enjoys a more temperate, spring-like climate year-round. While the dry and green season pattern is a reliable guide, rain is possible at any time of year, and evenings are cooler.

Best Time: December to April typically offers the clearest skies for viewing volcanoes and is excellent for hiking. The green season is when the cloud forests are at their most mystical and verdant.

Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo)

Climate: This region has its own unique weather pattern and is generally more humid and rainy throughout the year compared to the rest of the country.

Unique “Dry” Season: The driest months here are September and October, which is the complete opposite of the Pacific coast’s weather pattern.

Best Time: For the best chance of sunny weather, plan your visit for September and October. However, if seeing nesting sea turtles is your priority, the peak season in Tortuguero is July to October, regardless of the rain.

A Month-by-Month Guide for Your Trip

To help you prepare, here is a breakdown of what you can generally expect during your travel dates, with highlights and planning advice tailored to the time of year.

Peak Season: December – February

What to Expect: You will find beautiful, sunny weather across the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley. Expect holiday crowds in late December and early January as both international and local tourists are on vacation.

Highlights: This is the time for perfect beach days and holiday festivities. It also marks the beginning of the Quetzal nesting season in the cloud forests.

Your Plan: This is the busiest and most expensive period. Ensure all accommodations, transport, and tours are booked far in advance to secure availability and the best rates.

End of Dry Season: March – April

What to Expect: This is typically the hottest and driest time of year. It is an excellent period for wildlife spotting, as many animals congregate around the remaining water sources, making them easier to see.

Highlights: Semana Santa (Holy Week) before Easter is a major holiday, with vibrant local celebrations and a significant increase in domestic travel.

Your Plan: Be prepared for peak-season crowds and prices during Holy Week. Pack light clothing and remember to stay well-hydrated in the heat.

Early Green Season: May – August

What to Expect: The first rains cause the landscape to burst into a brilliant, vibrant green. Days usually start with sunny mornings perfect for activities, followed by refreshing afternoon showers.

Highlights: Sea turtle nesting season begins, with Green Sea Turtles arriving in Tortuguero and Olive Ridley turtles on the Pacific. Humpback whales start to arrive on the Pacific coast in July.

Your Plan: This is a fantastic time for photographers and travelers looking for lower prices and fewer crowds. A light rain jacket and a flexible attitude are your best accessories.

Peak Green Season & Caribbean Sun: September – October

What to Expect: These are the rainiest months for most of the Pacific and Central regions. In a delightful reversal, this is the sunniest and driest time of year on the Caribbean coast.

Highlights: This is the peak season for humpback whale watching on the Pacific. It is also the peak for turtle nesting in Tortuguero and the best weather of the year in Puerto Viejo.

Your Plan: If your trip falls in these months, focus your itinerary on the Caribbean coast or book specific whale watching tours on the Pacific. Be aware that some remote lodges, especially on the Osa Peninsula, may close for annual maintenance.

The Golden Month: November

What to Expect: As a “shoulder” month, November offers a wonderful transition. The heavy rains are tapering off, but the entire country remains incredibly lush and green. It’s a month of great value and pleasant conditions.

Highlights: Coffee harvesting begins in the highlands, offering a chance to see this important cultural process. The landscapes are arguably at their most beautiful.

Your Plan: This month is often considered one of the best times to visit by locals and repeat travelers for its ideal balance of good weather, verdant scenery, and fewer people before the high season rush.

Planning Around Wildlife & Activities

For the Wildlife Enthusiast

• Humpback Whale Watching: Two distinct seasons occur on the Pacific coast. Migrations from the south are best seen from July to October, while migrations from the north are visible from December to March.
• Sea Turtle Nesting:
  • Tortuguero (Caribbean): The absolute peak for Green Sea Turtle nesting is from July to October.
  • Pacific Coast: Olive Ridley turtle arribadas (mass nesting events) are most frequent from August to November.
• Resplendent Quetzal Spotting: The nesting season from February to May is the best time to spot these magnificent birds in the cloud forests of Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota.

For the Adventure Seeker

• Whitewater Rafting: The best and most exciting conditions are from June to October, when the green season rains raise river levels.
• Surfing: While good year-round, the green season from May to November brings the largest and most consistent swells to the Pacific coast, delighting experienced surfers.
• Hiking & Ziplining: These activities can be enjoyed all year. The dry season (December to April) offers clearer long-range views and less mud on the trails, while the green season provides a more lush, atmospheric experience.