Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Discover the best of Costa Rica all year round with Scott Dunn…

Whether you dream of trekking through its lush rainforests or enjoying the sunshine along the Caribbean Coast, there’s lots to see and do in Costa Rica throughout the seasons.
Need help deciding when to plan your trip? Luckily our destination experts have a wealth of knowledge about this amazing country and are ready to advise you as you plan your holiday. From when to go surfing in Guanacaste to the best times to visit Costa Rica’s famous Manuel Antonio National Park, our travel experts can arrange the perfect holiday based on what you want to see and when you’d prefer to travel.
When is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?
When you should go to Costa Rica depends completely on what kind of experiences you’re interested in and what parts of the country you’d like to visit.
This beautiful Central American destination has a tropical climate, so no matter the time of year, be prepared for humidity and some rain. The best time to go to Costa Rica, though, is typically from December to April, when the weather is drier and brighter. Summer is also ideal, with fewer crowds and ample wildlife spotting opportunities.
Whenever you’d like to travel, our destination experts will gladly create a bespoke itinerary for your trip so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy your time away.
Our Experts Say...
"Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so you should be prepared for rain at any time of year! The 'green season' and wetter months run from May until November, with a little respite in July and August. The Caribbean side including Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo has the opposite climate, and is best visited in February - April or September/October. Travelling during the shoulder months of May/June and November can offer an opportunity to take advantage of cheaper rates and fewer tourists, and you may be lucky with the weather. If you are keen to see turtles in Tortuguero, then make sure you travel between July and October, and depending on where you travel, whales can be seen at different times of year on the Pacific coast (best from August to October). School holidays are especially popular, with Costa Rica being an amazing family destination; Christmas and Easter breaks should be booked well ahead of time."
Eli Hardcastle, Latin America Specialist
Climate guide for Costa Rica
, Costa Rica
Average temperatures (Celcious) and rainfall (mm)

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