Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. This eco-tourism destination offers world-class wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and a laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle that welcomes travelers from around the globe.
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (verano, December-April) and the rainy season (invierno, May-November). The country's varied topography creates microclimates ranging from hot, dry Guanacaste to cool, misty Monteverde cloud forests. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern, receiving rainfall year-round with drier periods in March and September-October. Average temperatures in the Central Valley range from 17-27°C, while coastal areas reach 28-35°C.
Best time to visit
Best: December to April (dry season)
Peak Season: December to April (dry season)
Shoulder Season: July to August (little summer)
Avoid: May to June, September to November (green season)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
27C/81F (coast), 22C/72F (highlands)
Peak dry season, clear skies, most popular month. Beaches and national parks at their best.
February
28C/82F (coast), 22C/72F (highlands)
Dry and sunny, second most popular month. Excellent for all activities and both coasts.
March
29C/84F (coast), 23C/73F (highlands)
Still dry season, slightly lower prices than December-January. Excellent conditions throughout.
April
29C/84F (coast), 23C/73F (highlands)
Dry season ending, first rains arrive in late April. Semana Santa brings Costa Rican beach crowds.
May
28C/82F (coast), 21C/70F (highlands)
Rainy season begins, daily afternoon showers. Lush green landscapes emerge. Budget prices.
June
27C/81F (coast), 20C/68F (highlands)
Regular afternoon rains on Pacific. Cheaper and less crowded. Caribbean coast having drier period.
July
28C/82F (coast), 21C/70F (highlands)
Mini dry season in Guanacaste (veranillo). Arenal and Pacific still rainy. Humpback whales arrive.
August
27C/81F (coast), 21C/70F (highlands)
Rainy season continues except Guanacaste. Turtle nesting peaks at Tortuguero. Good wildlife activity.
September
26C/79F (coast), 20C/68F (highlands)
Wettest month on Pacific coast. Best month for Caribbean coast. Lowest prices of the year.
October
26C/79F (coast), 20C/68F (highlands)
Still wet on Pacific, excellent on Caribbean. Whale watching season. Osa Peninsula inaccessible.
November
27C/81F (coast), 20C/68F (highlands)
Rains decreasing on Pacific, beginning to dry out. Transition month with improving conditions.
December
27C/81F (coast), 21C/70F (highlands)
Dry season returns, Christmas celebrations, Festival de la Luz in San José. Peak season begins.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
March is peak dry season transitioning to first rains in April-May. Shoulder season crowds, slightly lower prices. Wildflowers emerge and vegetation turns lush green as rains begin in May.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Rainy season in full swing on Pacific coast but a brief 'little summer' (veranillo) in July-August in Guanacaste. Lush, green landscapes, waterfalls at full flow, active wildlife. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
September-October is the wettest period on the Pacific coast. Caribbean coast becomes drier and can be excellent. November signals beginning of dry season return. Many waterfalls and rivers at spectacular levels.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Peak tourist season December-April. Clear skies, dry trails, and best beach conditions. Christmas and New Year bring Costa Rican holidaymakers alongside international tourists. January-February are the driest months.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December-April (dry season), especially Christmas-New Year and Semana Santa
- Shoulder Season
- May, July-August (veranillo in Guanacaste), November
- Low Season
- June, September-October (wettest Pacific months)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Fiestas de Palmares
Costa Rica's largest festival featuring concerts, carnival rides, bullfighting (Costa Rican style - no killing), and topes (horse parades). Massive celebration with international music acts.
Envision Festival
Transformational music and arts festival in Uvita combining electronic music, yoga, workshops, and sustainability. Beach setting attracts international crowd.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Major religious celebrations and beach exodus. Many businesses close Thursday-Sunday. Beaches packed with Ticos on vacation. Book accommodation months ahead.
Día de Juan Santamaría
National holiday celebrating Costa Rican hero. Parades and celebrations in Alajuela. Commemorates 1856 Battle of Rivas against William Walker.
Annexation of Guanacaste
Guanacaste province celebrates annexation from Nicaragua. Traditional music, food, rodeos, and folkloric dancing throughout the province.
Independence Day
National celebration with lantern parades (Desfile de Faroles) night before, school parades, and festivities. Patriotic displays across the country.
Día de los Muertos
Day of the Dead celebrations less elaborate than Mexico but families visit cemeteries to honor deceased with flowers and prayers.
Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light)
San José's spectacular Christmas parade with elaborate floats, lights, marching bands, and fireworks. Signals start of holiday season.
Las Fiestas de Zapote
Week-long festival in San José suburb featuring carnival rides, rodeos, concerts, food stalls, and celebrations. Traditional year-end party.
Turtle Nesting Season
Green sea turtles nest at Tortuguero. Leatherback turtles October-March at various beaches. Night tours to witness nesting available.
Whale Watching Season
Humpback whales from both hemispheres visit Costa Rica waters. Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park prime viewing locations.
Transitional Music Festival
Electronic music festival rotating locations between beach venues. Brings international DJs and local talent to Costa Rica's coast.