Costa Rica weather
Best time to visit Costa Rica: weather by month and region
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on where you are going and what you want to do. The weather can be wildly different from one region to the next, and every month has its own vibe. Here’s how to plan around the weather you’ll love most.
Dry season Green season Wettest on the Pacific
At a glance
The quick weather facts
Average temps
24 to 35°C (75 to 95°F), depending on region
Sunrise
5:15 to 5:45am, year-round
Sunset
5:30 to 6pm, year-round
Time zone
No daylight saving time. See the time zone →
Live forecasts
Check before you go
10-day forecasts for San José, Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Viejo. Surfers can check tides and swell.
Pro tip
Ignore “rain all day”
In rainy season, storms usually roll through in the afternoon, not all day. The forecasts just aren’t accurate this time of year.
Sun
The sun is strong
Pack SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat and a long-sleeve swim shirt for beach and boat days.
By region
Costa Rica climate by region
Costa Rica is small, but it packs seven very different climate zones.
Pacific Northwest
Guanacaste
Hot, sunny and dry most of the year. Rainy season (May to October) brings short afternoon storms.
Nosara, Santa Teresa, Sámara
Nicoya Peninsula
A long dry season and a lush, green rainy season. December to April is hot and dusty; September and October bring heavy downpours.
Jacó, Manuel Antonio
Central Pacific
Warm and humid in the dry season. Sunny mornings and afternoon showers from May to August, then wetter and unpredictable.
San José, Heredia, Alajuela
Central Valley
A mild “eternal spring” all year. Rainy May to November, dry December to April, with cooler nights.
Arenal, Monteverde
Northern Mountains
Cooler and mistier. Even in the dry season, you might get brief showers.
Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero
Caribbean Coast
Opposite of the Pacific. Best August to October and April to May, rainier in December and January. Mornings here are magical.
Corcovado, Drake Bay
Osa Peninsula
A true rainforest climate: hot, humid and very green, with intense rain in September and October.
Pick your season
Dry season vs. green season
By activity
Best time to visit Costa Rica by activity
The weather is only half of it. Depending on what you want to see and do, some months are a lot better than others.
| If you want to… | Best time to go |
|---|---|
| See humpback whales | July to October and December to March in the South Pacific. See our Marino Ballena guide |
| Watch sea turtles nest | July to October in Tortuguero, and mostly August to December for the arribadas at Ostional |
| Spot a resplendent quetzal | February to May, when they nest around San Gerardo de Dota |
| Surf | The Pacific gets its biggest swells April to October. December to April is easier for beginners |
| Go white water rafting | Green season, when the rivers are full |
| See waterfalls at their best | Green season, especially July to November |
| Hike and get clear volcano views | Dry season, December to April, early in the morning |
| Hit the Caribbean beaches | August to October, and again in April and May |
| Save money and skip the crowds | May, June and September to November |
Prices and crowds
When Costa Rica is busiest (and cheapest)
Costa Rica is busiest from mid-December to April, when the weather is driest and North Americans escape the winter. A few weeks are extra busy, so it helps to know them before you book:
- Christmas and New Year. From about December 20 to January 5, prices peak and hotels sell out early. See Christmas in Costa Rica.
- Semana Santa (Easter week). Beach towns fill up with Tico families. See Easter in Costa Rica.
- Local school holidays. Costa Rican kids are off from mid-December to early February and for about two weeks in early July, so beaches are busy then too.
- Green season deals. From May to November, outside the July break, you will usually find lower hotel rates and fewer people.
If you are traveling in peak season, I would book hotels, rental cars and tours 3 to 4 months ahead.
Free planning checklist
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Coast to coast
Pacific vs. Caribbean weather
Surf, sunsets, beach-hopping
Pacific coast
Wildlife, culture, calmer crowds
Caribbean coast
Be prepared
Natural events
Major disasters are rare, but heavy rain, flooding or small quakes can happen. Register with STEP and get travel insurance that covers weather delays.
Packing
What to pack for the weather
December to April
Dry season essentials
May to November
Rainy season essentials
Free trip planner
Build your own Costa Rica itinerary
Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
FAQ
Costa Rica weather FAQ: your questions
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
For the Pacific coast and most of the country, the dry season from December to April is sunniest. For the Caribbean, August to October and April to May are usually best.
What is the rainy season like in Costa Rica?
Most days start sunny, with storms in the afternoon, usually between 2 and 4pm on the Pacific. September and October are the wettest months.
What is the hottest region in Costa Rica?
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula are the hottest and driest. The Central Valley and the mountains around Monteverde are much cooler.
Does Costa Rica have hurricanes?
Hurricanes are rare in Costa Rica, though heavy rain from nearby storms can happen in the green season.
Does Costa Rica use daylight saving time?
No. Costa Rica stays on the same time all year, and sunrise and sunset barely change.
What month has the best weather in Costa Rica?
For most of the country, February and March are the driest and sunniest. On the Caribbean side, September and October are usually the nicest.
What is the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica?
Green season, especially May, June, September and October. Hotels often drop their rates, and you will share the beaches and parks with far fewer people.
When is whale season in Costa Rica?
Humpback whales visit the South Pacific twice a year, from July to October and from December to March.
Is it worth visiting Costa Rica in rainy season?
Yes. Mornings are usually sunny, everything is green, waterfalls are at their best and prices are lower. Just plan outdoor activities early, since rain usually comes in the afternoon.
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