Best Time To Visit Costa Rica

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica by Season

The consistently tropical climate has the interesting effect of making Costa Rica a country without a clear difference between winter and summer. Seasons are generally split into dry and rainy.

The warmer and drier season generally runs from December through to April. This is by far the most popular season for travelers and visitors to Costa Rica. When the weather starts getting cold up north, many choose to head to the tropics to enjoy the warmer climate and dry weather. So if you want some true tropical heat, these are the months you should consider.

If you prefer the weather to be cooler, consider visiting between November and January. This cool weather is thanks to the mild northeasterly winds, which blow gently through the mountains. This can be a nice change from the sometimes intense heat of the warmer, drier months. At this time the number of visitors begins to decrease with the changing seasons.

The wetter season, or ‘Green Season’ is from May all the way through to November. The local Costa Ricans consider this their ‘winter’, but if you’re used to the cold winters of the north, it will still feel pleasantly tropical. Despite the wetter weather, the Green Season is a wonderful time to visit. You will find far fewer crowds, lusher and greener landscapes, as well as more active wildlife. For a country as ecologically diverse as Costa Rica, this is something special indeed! Because of this, May – June or September -October are great months for Costa Rica tours.

In recent years, July and August have seen a large rise in tourism, with many travelers from Europe. So, during these months the availability of quality accommodation will generally be lower.

This is, of course, a rough guide, and even when the weather in Costa Rica is cool, it is rarely cold, and the rainy days during the Green Season often start out warm and sunny. So no matter when you go, the weather in Costa Rica is never unpleasant.

What to Pack

Don’t worry about a dress code! Central America is generally very relaxed and almost adventure-styled in some remote regions such as Arenal. You might want to pack something fancier for a night out in a bustling metropolis but only five-star hotels and a few restaurants actually expect some sort of etiquette in the evening.

Some tours, such as the turtle watching tour of Tortuguero, are best enjoyed in the evening, so taking a flashlight and dark clothing is advisable. The dark clothing will make you less visible to the local wildlife and you will be able to get closer to and observe them more naturally. Of course, much of this is dependent on your expectations and plans. So a little bit of research beforehand can ensure that you pack exactly what you need for your journey.

Important: If you are taking domestic flights we recommend you pack light because the baggage limits are much lower than on international flights. Please check the ‘Luggage Transport Allowance’ section.

Our destination specialists can offer you extensive information on Costa Rica tourism and attractions, and create a tailor-made itinerary for you. Get in touch with us today!