Costa Rica Weather: Discover the Best Time to Visit
Traveling to Costa Rica but don't know when? Let us make your planning easier with this month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. We'll also cover the worst times to visit Costa Rica (in general, there aren't any!) for any specific type of activity or vacation.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Let's be clear. Costa Rica is a great place to visit year-round. We know this because we live here year-round, after all! But you need to know the best time weather-wise, too. If you're looking for the best weather, the best time to go to Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to the end of April. You can expect hot and sunny weather during this time with minimum rain. Perfect for beaches and outdoor activities!
But don't discount traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season either. That's also a good time to come down. Sure, there's more rain, but there are also fewer tourists between that early May to mid-December period. That means Costa Rica is less crowded and, crucially, less expensive.
There are great deals during the rainy season! More bang for your buck. And, we should also point out, the rainy season in Costa Rica doesn't mean a lot of rain. It's rare that it rains all day. While you can expect a shower in the late afternoons, mornings are usually sunny so you can still enjoy the beaches and all the fun activities. Plus get to experience a lusher, greener, Costa Rica!
If all-but-guaranteed hot sunny weather is the most important to you, then anytime between mid-December and the end of April is the best time to visit Costa Rica. If not, then pick any one of the twelve months that works best for you, and come on down!
Tell Me More: What’s the Weather in Costa Rica Like?
Two main factors determine the weather in Costa Rica: time of year and altitude. Let's take a look at both.
Altitude
The first thing to know about the weather in Costa Rica is the concept of micro-climates and altitude. Due to its topography, the weather can be very different from one place to the next. Costa Rica is a mountainous country, so altitude affects the weather far more than latitude. In fact, Costa Rica's latitude just north of the equator means more stability, weather-wise, than you'll find in North America or Europe. In Costa Rica, temperatures don't fluctuate much throughout the year. And it's either raining or it isn't. That's basically it, as far as Costa Rica's latitude goes.
As we say, it's all about the altitude. In Costa Rica, you can expect an average annual temperature of 80°-90° Fahrenheit on the coasts and 75°-85° in the inland areas and Central Valley. Further up in the highlands (Monteverde, for example), expect slightly cooler climes of around 65°-70° but not much less than that. Unless you're hiking the highest mountains of Costa Rica, frosts are unknown. We recommend you get into the mindset of considering your altitude in Costa Rica when figuring out what to pack.
Time of Year
We touched on this earlier: when determining a general guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica, the time of year you travel in deserves consideration.
The dry season—sometimes called "summer" or "verano", in Spanish—runs from mid-December through to the end of April. The average temperature ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs in the mid to high 90s. There is still some rain during this time, but it is usually very short-lived.
The rainy season in Costa Rica —often called "winter" or the "green season", and "invierno" in Spanish—is from May through mid-December. Expect rain during this period, especially in September and October, but don't be surprised if there's less than you think. The average rainfall is about 100 inches per year, but it is spread out across the whole green season, and usually occurs during the afternoons. The weather is still warm and humid during this time, with average temperatures ranging from 75°-80° Fahrenheit.
Costa Rica Weather Overview
Temperature
The average temperature in Costa Rica ranges from 75°-85° Fahrenheit (24°-29° Celsius) year-round. Coastal areas are warmer than inland, and it gets colder the higher up you are.
MonthLow AvgHigh AvgJanuary68 °F82 °FFebruary69 °F84 °FMarch70 °F85 °FApril71 °F86 °FMay72 °F84 °FJune72 °F83 °FJuly71 °F82 °FAugust71 °F82 °FSeptember70 °F81 °FOctober70 °F80 °FNovember69 °F80 °FDecember68 °F82 °F
Costa Rica: Average Monthly Temperatures (°F)
These are general averages and temperatures can vary depending on specific location and elevation.*
Rainfall
Average annual rainfall in Costa Rica is about 100 inches (250 centimeters). The rainiest months are August, September, and October, but it can rain at any time of the year.
Humidity
Generally, humidity in Costa Rica is high throughout the year, particularly in coastal regions. The rainy season, from May to November, brings the highest humidity levels, often accompanied by afternoon cloud cover and rain showers. However, these showers are typically brief, and clear skies return quickly.
The high humidity can make the heat feel more intense, so staying hydrated and wearing loose, breathable clothing is recommended. The average humidity ranges from 70 to 80%.
Sunshine
Costa Rica is known for its sunshine throughout the year, with an average of around 2,000 sunshine hours annually. The sun tends to be strongest during the dry season, stretching from December to April. Visitors during this time can expect plenty of warm, sunny days, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? The Pros and Cons of Visiting Each Month
Weather aside, each month of the year has its pros and cons for visitors. Below, we take a look at each month of the year to determine if it's a good time for you to travel or not.
What is Costa Rica like in January?
Pros: January in Costa Rica boasts perfect weather, marking the start of the dry season with minimal rainfall. Ideal for beach lovers looking to escape the northern winter.
Cons: January brings New Year's prices, making Costa Rica comparatively costly. Hotel availability is limited, so booking in advance for a January vacation is advisable.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica Is February
Pros: February offers the best weather in Costa Rica, with hot and sunny conditions and minimal rain. It's a pleasant time temperature-wise, with cooling breezes.
Cons: Like January, February is a busy period as visitors escape northern winter weather. Advance booking and flexibility with hotel choices are essential due to limited space.
Costa Rica in March Is Busy, but Beautiful
Pros: March continues the dry season, with weather similar to January and February, albeit hotter and less humid. It's a peak high season, ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
Cons: March remains busy, especially during spring break. Availability is scarce, and it's one of the hottest months of the year, which may not suit those preferring cooler weather.
Costa Rica in April: Mind the Semana Santa
Pros: April often coincides with Easter, offering a great time to celebrate with local festivities. It's also the peak of the dry season, characterized by hot, dry, and sunny conditions. After Easter, crowds thin, and you may find some deals.
Cons: Easter week in tourist and beach areas are crowded and hectic. Traffic congestion and limited hotel availability are common.
Transitional Costa Rica Weather Starts in May
Pros: May is a transitional month with occasional afternoon rains, but it brings lush, green scenery after four months of heat and sunshine. Fewer crowds and more deals make it ideal for nature lovers. Turtle season and excellent deep-sea fishing are notable highlights.
Cons: May doesn't guarantee continuous sunshine, as it marks a transition from dry to rainy season. Travelers seeking consistent dry weather might prefer other months.
June in Costa Rica: Low Crowds and Good Deals
Pros: June offers lower crowds, tranquility, and good deals. The weather is generally green and lush, with sunny mornings and brief afternoon showers. It's a good time for cheaper flights.
Cons: June can be unpredictable weather-wise, with occasional rainy afternoons.
What's Costa Rica Like in July?
Pros: July has a more predictable climate, with a brief dry season called the "Little Summer of San Juan." Expect dry season-like weather and lush landscapes for two weeks. It's one of the best months for fishing, surfing, and observing humpback whales and turtle nesting.
Cons: Apart from the "Little Summer," July sees occasional rainy afternoons. It's a busy month, especially during North American summer holidays, with fewer deals compared to May or June.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Pros: August is ideal for nature enthusiasts. It offers green landscapes, whale and turtle seasons, and excellent eco-tourism opportunities. The weather typically includes sunny mornings and afternoon showers.
Cons: While August is less busy than July, it's still the summer holidays, so some planning is advisable. Rain can occur, but it rarely disrupts plans.
Watch for Rain when Visiting Costa Rica in September
Pros: September is quieter and cheaper, due to increased rainfall in this month. Nature lovers can enjoy the peaceful environment and still experience sunny mornings. It's an excellent time for exploring the Caribbean side.
Cons: September and October are the wettest months, with lots of rain. Many hotels and eco-lodges close, making some areas feel deserted. Avoid the Osa Peninsula during this period.
Travel to the Caribbean Side if Visiting Costa Rica in October
Pros: October is a great time to explore the Caribbean coast, while the rest of the country is wet. Hotel deals are abundant.
Cons: October remains wet, and some regions may experience travel challenges. Avoid visiting the Central or South Pacific, as many hotels and activities close. Guanacaste is a better option due to reduced rainfall.
November in Costa Rica: Transition to the Dry Season
Pros: November resembles May, a transition month from the rainy to dry season. It's a great time for travel, with some good deals available.
Cons: Tropical rains still occur in November. Hotel prices rise from September and October. Travelers planning a Thanksgiving vacation should book in advance.
December in Costa Rica Is a Great Time to Visit
Pros: December marks the start of the dry season. The beginning of the month has lower-season prices and fewer crowds. Light afternoon showers keep the countryside green, with cooling breezes at the beach.
Cons: Around December 20th, the peak season begins because of the holidays and Christmas season, leading to limited hotel availability. It's essential to book well in advance if you prefer to avoid crowds and high costs.
Seasons in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. In most of the country, the dry season runs from December to April, with May to November being rainy. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern, with its dryer months running from May to November. Please note, though, that the Caribbean is pretty wet all year round, the main exception being October.
Costa Rica Dry Season: December to April
The dry season, also known as high season or “summer,” runs from December to April. During this time, most of Costa Rica enjoys hot and sunny weather with less rain. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to the high 90s. Some parts of the country experience cooler winds in January and February, especially Guanacaste. These offshores provide relief from the heat as temperatures rise.
This time is popular for American and European visitors escaping northern hemisphere winters. There's nothing like sitting on a tropical beach while it's snowing at home! Keep in mind, though, that hotels and airfares are more expensive in the dry season.
Costa Rica Rainy Season: May to November
The rainy season attracts fewer tourists but Costa Rica is at its most beautiful in these months. The rain freshens the vegetation and the country becomes lush and vibrant. While temperatures don't change that much from the dry season, the climate is wetter. Expect frequent thunderstorms, heavy rains, and tropical depressions.
Typically, the days start hot and sunny, with afternoon cloud cover and rain lasting a few hours until it clears up in the early evening. There may be days with more rain, especially in September and October, but sunny days are common. It's possible to experience days with no rain at all.
Transitional Months
Travelers often consider May/June and November as the best months to visit. These transitional months mark the shift from dry to rainy and vice versa, with minimal rain. The countryside transforms from dry browns to lush greenery during this time.
FAQs about Costa Rica Weather
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica to avoid humidity?
To avoid the worst humidity, come to Costa Rica from January to April, the driest months. It's best to avoid September and October, although humidity levels can vary depending on your location. Guanacaste has the lowest year-round rainfall in the country, and is the least humid province.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Costa Rica?
Christmas has excellent weather, but it's also the peak season. That means increased tourist crowds, availability issues (booking early is key), and higher prices.
When is the optimal time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Costa Rica?
Nature lovers will find the rainy season ideal for their adventures. It's prime time for activities like whale watching and turtle nesting tours. Prices tend to be more budget-friendly during this time.
What's the best month to visit Costa Rica?
It depends what you're looking for. Surfers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts will love May through November. Sun seekers and beach enthusiasts will enjoy the hot dry weather from December through April. We love the transitional months of May and November for the best of both worlds!
When should you avoid visiting Costa Rica?
September and October can be challenging times to visit Costa Rica due to the rainy weather. However, these months can offer excellent deals for travelers.
What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica?
For most of the country, October is the rainiest month. Be prepared for rain if you're on the Pacific coast or in the Central Valley/mountain region. But on the Caribbean coast, October is the driest month of the year.
Which month is the hottest in Costa Rica?
Temperatures in Costa Rica don't vary much throughout the year. It's always warm. The hottest months, however, typically fall between April and July. For precise information, consult weather apps.
When is the worst time to visit Costa Rica?
This depends on your preferences. Late December through January can be challenging due to the high number of visitors and increased costs. If you wish to avoid any rainfall, your safest bet is to stick with the dry season, from mid-December to the end of March.
When is the most budget-friendly time to travel to Costa Rica?
For the best deals, September to mid-November are best. Most hotels offer great deals and the lack of crowds can afford you exceptional service at premium accommodations.
