Costa RicaBest Time to Visit

The best time to visit Costa Rica largely depends on your preferences and the type of experience you seek. Costa Rica has two main seasons, but they vary with the country’s geography. The Pacific Coast is at its driest from December to April, while the Caribbean enjoys better weather between March and September. Each season offers a unique set of advantages, making Costa Rica a year-round destination.

The dry season is the most popular time to visit. During these months, Costa Rica enjoys sunny weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, beach outings, and wildlife exploration. The lush green landscapes and abundant wildlife make this a prime time for nature enthusiasts to take a Costa Rica trip. However, this is the peak tourist season, resulting in higher prices and more crowded attractions.

On the other hand, the wet season showcases Costa Rica's rainforests at their most vibrant. The landscape flourishes with lush greenery, and the rivers are at their fullest. While rain showers are common, they are usually short-lived and followed by clear skies. This season is perfect if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly, less crowded experience. It’s also an excellent time for surfers, as the Pacific coast experiences larger waves.

When is the ideal time to visit Costa Rica?

March to April is the golden point on Costa Rica’s weather calendar where the Pacific Coast and Caribbean dry seasons meet. That being said, a Costa Rica vacation is a great idea year-round, depending on where you go. May, June and November are particularly lush, so if you’re not put off by a little rain, you’ll likely come away with some fantastic photos. For Costa Rica’s best surfing, visit the Pacific Coast during its wet season, from May to November.

When is Costa Rica’s peak tourist season?

Costa Rica tourism peaks in the dry season from December to April, with the end-of-year holidays and Spring Break being the busiest times. Costa Rica vacation packages are often booked far in advance for these periods.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Costa Rica?

Those who brave the wet season can pick up some good deals on a variety of Costa Rica tours while enjoying the country at its greenest and most lush. Wet season showers don’t tend to last too long anyway, so there really is no bad time to visit Costa Rica in terms of weather.

How long should I plan to visit Costa Rica?

Seven to 12 days is a good timeframe for a Costa Rica vacation, and most Costa Rica tours fall within this range. Costa Rica is also a popular snowbird or long-stay destination during North America’s winter, so it isn’t unheard of for visitors to stay several weeks or even months.