The best time to visit Costa Rica is the dry season from December to April, with the most sunshine and the best beach and outdoor conditions. The green (wet) season from May to November is cheaper, lush, and quieter, with rain often falling as predictable afternoon showers rather than all day.
Costa Rica has two seasons rather than four: the dry season (roughly December–April) and the green or wet season (May–November). The dry season is the classic time to visit, but the green season has real charm — fewer crowds, lower prices, vibrant rainforests, and excellent wildlife watching.
Microclimates matter here. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern from the Pacific, often staying drier in September–October when the rest of the country is wettest — a useful trick for green-season travelers.
Costa Rica Month by Month
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January | Peak dry season — sunny, ideal for beaches and wildlife. Busy and pricier; book ahead. |
| February | Driest, sunniest month. Perfect conditions across the country, especially the Pacific coast. |
| March | Hot and dry, excellent for beaches and outdoor adventures. Still peak season. |
| April | End of the dry season — great weather with crowds easing after Easter. A sweet spot. |
| May | Green season begins with afternoon showers; landscapes turn lush and prices drop. |
| June | Sunny mornings, afternoon rain. Quiet, green, and good value, with great wildlife. |
| July | A brief mid-year dry spell ("veranillo") often brings sunnier weather — a green-season highlight. |
| August | Wetter again, but lush and uncrowded. Good wildlife and whale watching on the Pacific. |
| September | Among the wettest on the Pacific — but the Caribbean coast is often sunny and at its best. |
| October | Wettest on the Pacific; head to the Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo) for the driest, sunniest conditions. |
| November | The rains taper off and the dry season returns late month — green, quiet, and good value. |
| December | Dry season returns in full; sunny and lush at once. Festive and increasingly busy late month. |
Best Good Fair Avoid
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Best Time for Specific Activities
The dry season delivers reliable sun on the Pacific coast — ideal for beaches, surfing, and outdoor adventures.
Wildlife is abundant always; the green season's lush conditions and quiet trails can make sightings even better.
Humpback whales visit the Pacific coast in two windows, with the July–October season particularly good around Marino Ballena.
The green season brings noticeably lower prices, thinner crowds, and vibrant, rain-fed landscapes.
When the Pacific is wettest, the Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) is often sunniest — a green-season secret.
⚠️ When to avoid
September and October are the wettest months on the popular Pacific coast, with the heaviest rain of the year. If you must travel then, the Caribbean coast is the better bet, as it often enjoys its driest, sunniest weather at that time.
💰 Cheapest time
The green season (May–November) offers the lowest prices and fewest crowds, with the wettest months of September–October cheapest of all — ideal if you don't mind some rain or focus on the Caribbean side.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dry season from December to April is the best time, offering the most sunshine and ideal beach and outdoor conditions. The green season (May–November) is cheaper, lusher, and quieter, with rain typically falling as afternoon showers rather than all day.