🗓️ Planning Guide
When to Visit Costa Rica. An honest, month-by-month guide
The two seasons
Costa Rica's weather in plain language
Dry Season
Costa Rica’s dry season brings reliably sunny mornings, lower humidity, and less rain across most of the country, particularly on the Pacific coast. Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula are especially dry. Days are warm (24–35°C / 75–95°F), trails are clear, and road conditions are at their best. Brief afternoon showers are always possible, even in the dry season; this is still a tropical country.
Advantages
- Best weather for outdoor activities, beaches, and self-drive tours
- Clear skies for volcano views and wildlife spotting
- All roads, parks, and operators fully open
- Christmas and Easter are especially festive periods
Considerations
- Higher hotel and tour prices, especially December 20-January 5 and Easter week
- National parks and beaches are busier, book well in advance
- Guanacaste can feel very dry and dusty by March and April
Green Season
Costa Rica’s rainy season is when the country comes into its full natural glory. Vegetation is intensely lush, waterfalls are at full force, and wildlife is exceptionally active. Rain typically falls in the afternoons and evenings, leaving mornings clear and sunny, particularly from May to July. September and October are the wettest months across the Pacific and Central Valley, though the Caribbean coast is paradoxically dry during this period.
Advantages
- Significantly lower hotel rates, often 20-40% less than the dry season
- Far fewer tourists at parks, beaches, and wildlife areas
- Lush, green landscapes at their photographic best
- Best months for whale watching and sea turtle nesting
- Waterfalls like La Paz are at maximum power
- July has a mid-season “veranillo”. A mini dry spell of sunshine
Considerations
- September and October bring heavy rain and occasional road closures on the Pacific side
- Some remote lodges and activities in the Southern Pacific close in September-October
- Self-drive trips require more planning in the wettest months
The Caribbean coast runs on its own calendar
Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo follow a different pattern from the rest of Costa Rica. The Caribbean’s relatively drier months fall in February–March and September–October — the opposite of the Pacific. The Caribbean is wetter year-round, but September and October are particularly sunny and calm on this coast, making them excellent months for Tortuguero if you want drier conditions alongside the turtle season. Plan accordingly if your itinerary includes Caribbean destinations.
Month by month
What to expect every month of the year
A practical breakdown of conditions, crowd levels, and wildlife highlights for each month, based on long-term patterns, not ideal conditions.
January
peak season
Dry, sunny, and busy. Excellent conditions everywhere. Humpback whales (Northern Hemisphere) in the Pacific. Book well in advance.
February
peak season
One of the best months to visit. Dry and hot. Strong wildlife activity. Sea turtles nesting on the Pacific, humpback whales, and migratory birds.
March
peak season
Still dry season. Easter week (Semana Santa) brings crowds and price spikes. Book months ahead. Leatherback turtles begin nesting at Las Baulas.
April
shoulder
End of dry season. Easter can fall here; check dates. Crowds thin out in the second half. Guanacaste is very dry. Waterfalls returning to flow.
May
shoulder / Green start
The green season begins. Mornings are sunny, afternoon showers. Prices drop, crowds thin. Vegetation is turning intensely lush. Excellent value. Whales arrive late in the month.
June
Green season
Mix of sun and showers. Mornings usually clear. Ideal for tours. Waterfalls at impressive levels. Green sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.
July
Green season
Popular with European and family travellers. “Veranillo”. A natural dry spell mid-month. Green sea turtles nesting at Tortuguero peaks. Good whale watching begins. Prices rise slightly.
August
Green season
Peak month for sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero. Southern humpback whales are very active off Uvita. One of the best months for whale watching. Rain falls mostly in the afternoons.
September
Wettest (Pacific)
Peak month for sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero. Southern humpback whales are very active off Uvita. One of the best months for whale watching. Rain falls mostly in the afternoons.
October
Wettest (Pacific)
Wettest month overall. The Caribbean coast remains sunny and dry. A hidden gem month for Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo. Pacific adventure activities may be limited and very low-priced.
November
Shoulder / Transition
Rain eases as the month progresses. Good value still available. Parks quiet. Thanksgiving brings an uptick in US visitors. Excellent month to visit overall. Like shoulder season at its best.
December
Transitional → Peak
Early December is a good value with drying weather. From December 20, prices spike and availability drops sharply. Book holiday weeks many months in advance. Dry season returns.
Wildlife calendar
The natural events that define each season
These are the verified seasonal wildlife events tied to our destinations. Based on established biological patterns, not guesswork.
Green sea turtle nesting
Atlantic green sea turtles nest along Tortuguero’s 22 km of black sand beach in their hundreds. Peak activity is in July and August. Hatchlings emerge from September to December. Guided night tours only, strictly regulated by the national park.
Tortuguero National Park
Leatherback turtle nesting
The world’s largest sea turtle nests in smaller numbers along the Caribbean coast. Tortuguero has leatherback activity from March through May. Las Baulas National Marine Park in Guanacaste is the Pacific leatherback site (October-March).
Tortuguero - Las Baulas NMP
Humpback whales – Southern
Southern Hemisphere humpbacks migrate from Antarctica to breed in Costa Rica’s warm Pacific waters. This is the larger of the two annual whale seasons, with near-daily sightings in Uvita during August and September. The annual Whale and Dolphin Festival takes place in Uvita each September.
Uvita · Dominical · Drake Bay
Humpback whales – Northern
Northern Hemisphere humpbacks arrive from the US Pacific Northwest. A smaller population than the southern migration, but conditions during this dry-season period make for comfortable whale watching tours with good visibility.
Uvita · Manuel Antonio · Drake Bay
Resplendent quetzal
The quetzal, Costa Rica’s most sought-after bird, is most reliably sighted in the cloud forests during its February-April nesting season, when males display their spectacular tail feathers. Present year-round but significantly harder to spot outside nesting season.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Dolphins year-round
Spinner, bottlenose, and Pacific spotted dolphins are resident along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast year-round. They are regularly encountered on whale watching tours, and sightings on the Isla Damas mangrove tour (Manuel Antonio) are common throughout the year.
Manuel Antonio · Uvita · Tamarindo
Sloths, monkeys & wildlife
Two-toed and three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys are present year-round across all our destinations. They are slightly easier to spot in the dry season when foliage is thinner, but a good naturalist guide will find them in any month.
All destinations
Migratory birds
Over 600 North American bird species winter in Costa Rica, arriving from October and departing by April. Birdwatching conditions are exceptional in the dry season months of January–March across all regions, with resident tropical species joined by northern migrants.
Tortuguero · Monteverde · Arenal
Match your trip to the season
When to take each of our packages
GUIDED TOUR · 10 DAYS
Forest, Volcanoes & Beaches
This tour visits Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. A mix of Caribbean rainforest, volcanic highland, and Pacific coast. It runs well in any season but has distinct sweet spots depending on what you want to prioritise.
Best timing
Dec – Apr (dry season)
Jul – Aug (turtle season)
May – Jun · Nov
December-April gives the clearest weather for Manuel Antonio beach days and Monteverde trails. July–August adds Tortuguero’s peak green turtle nesting season to the experience. A compelling reason to travel in green season.
Self-Drive · 10 Days
Costa Rica On The Road
1,000 km of self-drive freedom across three regions. Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo), Arenal, and Tamarindo on the Pacific. Road conditions are the primary consideration for this package.
Best timing
Dec – Apr (ideal road conditions)
Jul – Aug (surf + green)
Nov · May
For self-drive tours, the dry season is strongly recommended as the roads are in their best condition and the Tamarindo Pacific finish is at its most beautiful. Avoid September and October for self-drive itineraries. Tamarindo’s surf is best April to August if surf culture matters to you.
Signature Guided Tour · 13 Days
The Essence of Costa Rica
Our most comprehensive journey includes Tortuguero, Pacuare River rafting, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Corcovado. The Pacuare rafting and Corcovado boat access both have seasonal considerations.
Best timing
Dec – Mar
Jul – Aug
Nov · Apr · May
Pacuare River rafting is excellent year-round, with slightly higher water levels in the green season adding to the thrill. Corcovado is accessible year-round, but conditions are best in the dry season. July-August adds turtle nesting at Tortuguero and whale watching near Dominical as bonus highlights.
Nature Tour · 10 Days
Natural….ly Costa Rica
A nature-focused journey through Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls, Tortuguero, Arenal Hanging Bridges, and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Waterfalls and cloud forest conditions vary meaningfully by season.
Best timing
Feb – Apr (quetzal season)
Jul – Aug (waterfalls + turtles)
Nov – Jan
February-April is prime for the Monteverde quetzal and dry-season trails. July-August brings La Paz Waterfalls to full power and coincides with green turtle nesting at Tortuguero. The cloud forest is rewarding in any season; mist is part of the experience regardless of the month.
Self-Drive Family Package · 13 Days
Costa Rica Family Tours
Our family itinerary covers Poás Volcano, Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, and Playa Carrillo. School holiday dates are a significant factor for families, and Playa Carrillo’s calm water makes it an excellent family beach in any season.
Best timing
Dec – Apr (dry, beach-perfect)
Jul – Aug (school holidays)
Nov · Easter
December-April aligns with the best beach conditions at Playa Carrillo and clear skies for volcano views. July and August are popular with European families during school holidays. Playa Carrillo remains calm and safe for children. Book early for Christmas, Easter, and July: these are the most-booked family travel weeks.
Planning tips
Practical advice before you book
Book Christmas and Easter well in advance
December 20 – January 5 and Easter week are the two peak travel periods. Hotels at quality properties in Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Tamarindo sell out months ahead. If these are your dates, don’t wait.
May, June, and November offer exceptional value
These three transition months give you good weather, significantly lower prices, and uncrowded parks. Often, the best balance of all factors. Many experienced Costa Rica travellers consider November their preferred month.
Rain in the afternoon is normal; plan around it
In the green season, rain typically arrives in the afternoon and clears by early evening. Schedule outdoor activities and tours in the morning, and leave afternoons for travel, hotel time, or hot springs. This pattern suits most itineraries perfectly.
Temperatures don’t change much between seasons
Unlike northern hemisphere seasons, Costa Rica’s temperature stays broadly consistent year-round at sea level (24-32°C / 75-90°F). The change is in rainfall, not warmth. Cloud forest destinations like Monteverde are cooler regardless of season – 15–20°C / 59–68°F.
To see turtles, time your Tortuguero visit carefully
Green sea turtle nesting peaks in July and August. To see both nesting and hatching, visit in September. For leatherbacks (much rarer), March–May is the window. All turtle watching at Tortuguero requires a licensed guide and is conducted at night. Guided tours must be booked in advance.
August and September are the best months for whale watching
Southern Hemisphere humpbacks arrive in late July and are most active and abundant in August and September off Uvita and Dominical. This coincides with the green season, combine whale watching with the Essence of Costa Rica or the Natural…ly package for maximum wildlife impact in a single trip.