Costa Rica Weather & Best Time to Visit | Month by Month

Costa Rica weather

Find the best time to visit Costa Rica with our complete weather guide. Explore seasonal trends, rainfall charts, and real-time forecasts to plan your perfect trip. Stay informed about Costa Rica’s tropical climate, dry and rainy seasons, and regional variations.

When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s weather is a key factor in planning your trip, whether you’re looking for sunny beach days, lush green rainforests, or ideal conditions for adventure activities. The country enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with two distinct seasons:

  • Dry Season (December – April): Warm temperatures, minimal rain, and perfect beach conditions.
  • Rainy Season (May – November): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great surf conditions despite afternoon rain showers.

Choosing the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on what you want to experience. Below, we break down Costa Rica’s weather month by month, highlight key travel seasons, and provide insights for different regions.

Costa Rica’s Two Seasons: Dry & Rainy

Dry Season (December – April)

  • Best for: Beaches, outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting
  • Expect sunny skies, low humidity, and warm temperatures
  • Top destinations: Pacific Coast (Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio, Nicoya Peninsula), Arenal, Central Valley

Rainy Season (May – November)

  • Best for: Lush scenery, fewer crowds, budget travel, surfing
  • Expect afternoon rain showers, cooler evenings, and vibrant landscapes
  • Top destinations: Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo), Monteverde, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Weather by Month

A month-by-month breakdown of what to expect:

MonthTemperature (°F)Rainfall (in)Daylight (hrs)Best For
January80-90°FLow12 hrsDry, great beach weather
February80-90°FLow12 hrsPerfect for wildlife & hiking
March85-95°FLow12 hrsHottest month, best for beaches
April85-95°FLow-Moderate12 hrsStart of rainy season
May80-90°FModerate12 hrsGreen landscapes, lower prices
June80-90°FHigh12 hrsRainy afternoons, great for surfers
July80-90°FModerate12 hrs“Mini Dry Season” in some areas
August80-90°FHigh12 hrsGood for adventure travelers
September75-85°FVery High12 hrsGreen season, best for rainforests
October75-85°FVery High12 hrsWettest month, Caribbean drier
November80-90°FModerate12 hrsEnd of rainy season, budget travel
December80-90°FLow12 hrsDry season begins, peak travel

(Data varies by region; use as a general guide.)

Costa Rica Rain Month by Month

Costa Rica Rain Totals Month by Month

Regional Weather Differences

While Costa Rica is a small country, weather varies significantly by region:

  • Pacific Coast (Guanacaste, Nicoya, Manuel Antonio) – Hot and dry in the summer, occasional rain in the wet season.
  • Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) – Wetter year-round, with September and October being drier months.
  • Central Valley (San José, Arenal, Monteverde) – Moderate temperatures, cooler nights, higher chance of rain.
  • Osa Peninsula & Southern Pacific – Some of the heaviest rainfall but also the most biodiverse landscapes.

👉 Planning tip: If you want to visit during the wet season, consider the Caribbean Coast, which stays drier in September & October!

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Activities

☀️ Best Time for Beaches & Sun

📅 December – April (Dry Season)

  • Best on the Pacific Coast
  • Sunny days, warm ocean temperatures

🌿 Best Time for Rainforests & Nature

📅 May – November (Rainy Season)

  • Lush landscapes, waterfalls at their fullest
  • Fewer tourists, lower prices

🦥 Best Time for Wildlife Watching

📅 December – April (Dry Season) – Monkeys, toucans, and sloths
📅 July – OctoberTurtle nesting (Tortuguero, Ostional)
📅 August – NovemberWhale watching (Osa Peninsula, Uvita)

🏄 Best Time for Surfing

📅 May – November (Rainy Season) – Best waves for experienced surfers
📅 December – AprilBeginner-friendly conditions


Costa Rica Weekly Weather Forecast

We provide real-time weather updates for Costa Rica’s major cities, including:

San José
Liberia
La Fortuna (Arenal)
Tamarindo
Manuel Antonio
Puerto Viejo

Check our 7-day forecast to stay ahead of the weather before your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica?
A: The cheapest time to visit is during the rainy season (May – November) when hotels and tours offer discounts. September & October have the lowest prices.

Q: Is Costa Rica too rainy in the wet season?
A: While it does rain daily, showers are often brief and occur in the afternoon. Mornings are usually sunny, and the green landscapes are stunning.

Q: What should I pack for Costa Rica’s weather?
A: Lightweight clothes for the dry season, waterproof gear for the wet season, and layers if visiting higher elevations.

Q: Can I visit Costa Rica during hurricane season?
A: Yes! Costa Rica is outside the hurricane zone, so while the Caribbean may see storms, the Pacific side is rarely affected.

Plan Your Costa Rica Trip

Now that you know what to expect from Costa Rica’s weather, start planning your perfect trip. Whether you’re coming for sunny beaches, amazing rainforests, or adventure travel, Costa Rica has something for every traveler—no matter the season.