Costa Rica

When to go to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a year-round destination. Generally speaking the dry season is from the end of November to April when the weather is at its most reliable and there is plenty of sunshine. The wet season is from May to mid November but this is slightly misleading as, apart from in the wettest months of September and October, there is actually still plenty of sunshine and this is still a good time to visit. When the rains do come, it is often in the late afternoon and will take the form of a short, very sharp shower, after which is clears.

January

This is a great time to visit. It is likely to be sunny and dry throughout the country, although there may be the odd bit of rainfall around Tortuguero National Park. Costa Rica gets VERY busy over the Christmas holidays so it is advisable to book as far in advance as possible.

February

Fantastic weather across most of the country, particularly on the Pacific (west) coast.

March

Fantastic weather across the whole country. Easter is very busy so book as far in advance as possible if travelling during school holidays.

April

Fantastic weather across the whole country. Easter is very busy so book as far in advance as possible if travelling during school holidays.

May

This is when the dry season transitions to the wet season. The exact time varies from one year to the next, but the month usually starts out dry and sunny with increasing amounts of rainfall as the month progresses. However, this is still a good time to visit.

June

A good time to visit. This is now the ‘wet season’ but the skies are often clear in the morning and then clouds develop through the day, resulting in a downpour in the later afternoon and evening. The landscape looks lush, bountiful and beautiful!

July

A good time to visit. Although July is the wet season, the end of July and beginning of August is often drier than other times – sometimes referred to as the ‘mini dry season’. Expect plenty of sunshine but also bring a rain jacket and be prepared for a bit of everything!

August

A good time to visit. As above, although August is the wet season, the end of July and beginning of August is often drier than other times – sometimes referred to as the ‘mini dry season’. Expect plenty of sunshine but also bring a rain jacket and be prepared for a bit of everything!

September

Much of Costa Rica is very wet in September. Travel is still possible but can be disrupted due to heavy rains. We can still arrange tours during this month but if you have any flexibility we suggest that you consider travel at another time. On the plus side, this is a great time to travel to the Caribbean coast and prices are lower.

October

Costa Rica is very wet in October. Travel is still possible but can be disrupted due to heavy rains. We can still arrange tours during this month but if you have any flexibility we suggest that you consider travel at another time. On the plus side, this is a great time to travel to the Caribbean coast and prices are lower.

November

This is when the country transitions from wet season to dry season. Travel during this time can be a bit of a gamble as you can have day after day of blue skies and sunshine but in other years it may rain a lot. If you want guaranteed sunshine this is not the month to come but if you are happy with a mixed bag as far as the weather is concerned, then please come!

December

By the middle of December the last of the rains have usually disappeared, except on the north east coast and around Tortuguero. Expect plenty of sunshine! Note that Costa Rica gets VERY busy over the Christmas holidays so it is advisable to book as far in advance as possible.