What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?

January and February are the best months overall for Pacific coast beach weather—driest, sunniest, and with manageable crowds. For value and green landscapes, May and June offer a great balance. December (early) is excellent with dry season arriving and festive energy. The 'best month' depends on your priorities: weather, budget, wildlife, or activities.

Which months are dry season in Costa Rica?

The dry season on the Pacific coast and Central Valley runs from December through April, with January and February being the driest months overall. Guanacaste in the northwest is the driest region during this period. The Caribbean coast doesn't have a true dry season but has drier periods in February–April and September–October.

Is June a good month to visit Costa Rica?

June is a good value month. The rainy season has begun with afternoon showers, but mornings are typically sunny. Prices are 25–35% below peak season. The Caribbean coast is relatively dry in September, which some travelers use for a combo Pacific green season/Caribbean dry season trip. Wildlife is active and waterfalls begin filling.

What month is the cheapest to visit Costa Rica?

September and October are the cheapest months, with hotel rates 40–50% below peak season. These are also the rainiest months on the Pacific coast. May, June, and November offer the next best value with better weather. The absolute budget sweet spot is late May or early June: prices down but not yet at maximum wetness.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in August?

August is a rainy season month with warm temperatures (81–86°F/27–30°C) and significant afternoon rainfall, especially on the Central Pacific coast. The veranillo in Guanacaste may continue into early August, bringing drier conditions. August is peak green sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero and peak humpback whale watching in the Southern Pacific. Prices are 30–40% below peak season.

Costa Rica Weather by Month: Complete Monthly Guide

January Through March: Peak Dry Season

January, February, and March represent the heart of Costa Rica's dry season on the Pacific coast. These three months deliver the most reliably sunny, rain-free weather of the year, making them the top choice for beach vacations and outdoor activities that require predictable conditions.

January: High 88–92°F (31–33°C) on Pacific beaches, Low 72–75°F (22–24°C). San José: High 79°F (26°C), Low 62°F (17°C). Guanacaste rainfall: Under 1 inch (25 mm). One of the most popular months—book in advance. Post-holiday crowds make early January slightly quieter than mid-January. The Fiestas de Palmares festival takes place mid-January.

February: High 88–92°F (31–33°C) on Pacific beaches. San José: High 80°F (27°C), Low 62°F (17°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 0.1–0.5 inches (3–13 mm). Statistically the driest month overall. Slightly fewer tourists than January. Caribbean coast begins its drier period. Excellent month for the quetzal bird in Monteverde. Leatherback turtle nesting at Playa Grande continues through the month.

March: High 92–95°F (33–35°C) on Guanacaste beaches. Hottest month of the year. San José: High 82–84°F (28–29°C). Guanacaste rainfall: Under 0.5 inches (13 mm). Spring break crowds mid-March through early April. Vegetation is golden-brown in Guanacaste. Resplendent quetzal breeding season begins. Lankester Botanical Garden's orchid festival typically in March. UV index at highest (11–12). Book 2–3 months ahead for spring break weeks.

Peak Season Summary

January–March is Costa Rica's most expensive and crowded period outside of the Christmas–New Year's week. Hotel rates run 20–40% above green season prices. Rental cars sell out without advance booking. The payoff is the most reliable sunshine, optimal water clarity for snorkeling, and the widest range of tour operations at full capacity.

April and May: Transition Months

April and May represent Costa Rica's two most transitional months, with April closing the dry season and May opening the rainy season. Each offers distinct advantages and trade-offs.

April: High 88–92°F (31–33°C) on beaches. San José: High 82°F (28°C), Low 65°F (18°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 1–2 inches (25–51 mm) increasing through month. First rains begin arriving late April. Semana Santa (Easter week) is Costa Rica's biggest domestic holiday—extremely crowded and expensive when it falls in April. Early April is still essentially dry season. By late April, afternoon showers begin and vegetation starts greening. Prices gradually decrease as month progresses.

May: High 84–88°F (29–31°C) on beaches. San José: High 80°F (27°C), Low 65°F (18°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 5–9 inches (127–229 mm). Rainy season begins in earnest. Prices drop 20–30% from peak. Lush green vegetation begins. Mornings typically sunny. Afternoon rains become regular. Less crowded than previous months. Good month for budget travelers who prefer manageable rain to dry season prices.

Value Window: Late April and May

Late April through May offers an underrated value window. Prices drop from their peak season high, yet the first rains of the green season are light and manageable. The landscape begins greening up beautifully. Waterfalls start filling. This period is particularly good for the Central Valley, where rains are less intense and afternoon showers are short. It's also before the peak wet months of September–October, making it a comfortable rainy season introduction.

costa rica weather by month - April and May: Transition Months

June and July: Early Green Season

June and July establish the full green season pattern across Costa Rica. The rainy season is in effect but still manageable, with the sunny morning/rainy afternoon rhythm clearly established. These months offer excellent value and rewarding nature experiences.

June: High 82–86°F (28–30°C) on beaches. San José: High 79°F (26°C), Low 65°F (18°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 7–11 inches (178–279 mm). Caribbean coast relatively dry. Full rainy season underway on Pacific. Mornings usually sunny. Afternoon rains 2–5 PM. Prices 25–35% below peak. Whale shark season at Cocos Island (liveaboard only). Waterfalls beginning to fill. Good month for white-water rafting.

July: High 82–87°F (28–31°C) on beaches. San José: High 78°F (26°C), Low 65°F (18°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 3.5–8 inches (89–203 mm)—veranillo may reduce this significantly. Veranillo (little summer) in Guanacaste: mid-July dry spell. Green sea turtle nesting begins at Tortuguero. Humpback whale watching begins in Southern Pacific. Excellent surf on south swells. Prices 25–40% below peak. Popular month for North American and European summer vacationers. Second most popular travel month after December–January period.

June and July Wildlife Calendar

June: Sea turtle leatherback nesting wraps up at Playa Grande. Scarlet macaw fledglings becoming independent. June–September is hawksbill turtle nesting season on Caribbean. July: Green sea turtle nesting begins at Tortuguero (peak August–September). Humpback whale watching begins in Southern Pacific. Frog activity at peak with abundant rain. Blue morpho butterflies highly visible in forest clearings. Great for birding in all ecosystems.

August and September: Mid Green Season

August continues the July pattern, with the veranillo potentially extending into early August in Guanacaste. September is the single wettest month nationally and the least recommended for beach vacations on the Pacific coast.

August: High 81–86°F (27–30°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 7–14 inches (178–356 mm). Veranillo may continue in Guanacaste. Peak humpback whale watching (Southern Pacific). Green sea turtle nesting peak at Tortuguero. Best white-water rafting conditions of the year. Caribbean coast wetter than usual. Prices 30–40% below peak. Good for nature-focused travelers. Surf conditions excellent on Pacific.

September: High 80–84°F (27–29°C). San José: High 77°F (25°C), Low 65°F (18°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 10–18 inches (254–457 mm). Wettest month nationally on Pacific coast. Caribbean coast DRIER—September is one of the better Caribbean months. Deepest hotel discounts (40–50% below peak). Flooding possible in some lowland areas. Multi-day rain events can occur. September 15 is Costa Rica's Independence Day—national celebration. Good for budget travelers focused on indoor/cultural experiences or Caribbean coast.

September: Caribbean Coast Advantage

While September is the rainiest month on the Pacific coast, it's one of the drier months on the Caribbean. Puerto Viejo and Cahuita in September often have several sunny days per week, relatively calm seas, and excellent snorkeling at Cahuita's coral reef. This counterintuitive weather pattern makes September an excellent month for Caribbean coast visits at peak Pacific rainy season discounts on Central Valley hotels.

costa rica weather by month - August and September: Mid Green Season

October and November: Late Green Season

October is typically the second wettest month on the Pacific coast and another period when the Caribbean coast enjoys relatively better conditions. November is the transition month when the rainy season begins to wind down and conditions start improving.

October: High 80–84°F (27–29°C). San José: High 76°F (24°C), Low 64°F (18°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 7–15 inches (178–381 mm). Second wettest month on Pacific. Caribbean coast relatively drier (one of its better months). Humpback whale watching continues in Southern Pacific. Olive ridley sea turtle arribadas at Ostional peak. October 12 is Columbus Day—national holiday with celebrations. Deepest discounts of the year. Some road flooding in Pacific lowlands. October 29 national holiday (change).

November: High 80–86°F (27–30°C). San José: High 77°F (25°C), Low 63°F (17°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 3–7 inches (76–178 mm) and decreasing. Excellent transition month. Pacific coast rains tapering off significantly. Prices beginning to rise as dry season approaches. Good value—improving weather at below-peak prices. Caribbean coast entering wetter period. Leatherback turtles begin nesting at Playa Grande (Pacific). Resplendent quetzals still present in highlands. Often underrated month overall.

November: The Underrated Month

November doesn't get the attention it deserves. By mid-to-late November, Pacific coast conditions improve substantially toward dry season levels—particularly in Guanacaste and the northern Pacific. Prices haven't yet reached December peak, and availability is good. For travelers with flexibility, late November (especially after Thanksgiving, which is primarily a US holiday) offers very good conditions at value prices. It's one of Costa Rica's best-kept travel secrets.

December: Dry Season Returns

December marks the return of the dry season to Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The month divides neatly into two periods: early December (1–15) when the dry season is establishing itself, and late December (16–31) when it's fully underway but also peak holiday season with maximum crowds and prices.

December: High 86–92°F (30–33°C) on Pacific beaches. San José: High 78°F (26°C), Low 62°F (17°C). Guanacaste rainfall: 0.5–1.5 inches (13–38 mm). Dry season firmly established by mid-month. Caribbean coast entering wetter period. Christmas and New Year's (Dec 16–31) most expensive travel period. Festival de la Luz in San José (mid-December). Book 4–6 months ahead for Christmas week. Early December offers excellent weather with better availability than late December. Leatherback nesting at Playa Grande active throughout month.

Early December Sweet Spot

December 1–14 is one of Costa Rica's most underappreciated travel windows. The dry season has arrived on the Pacific coast, conditions are excellent, and the holiday madness hasn't fully set in. Prices are high (dry season rates) but below the Christmas premium. Most popular attractions have good availability. The Festival de la Luz parade in San José (usually second or third week of December) is a fun cultural event to plan around. This window is ideal for travelers who want excellent weather without Christmas-week pricing.

Best Months by Purpose

Best for beach vacations (Pacific coast): January and February—driest, sunniest, manageable crowds after holidays. November (late) and early December also excellent at slightly lower prices.

Best for wildlife: March–May for quetzals and scarlet macaws. July–October for sea turtle nesting (Tortuguero) and humpback whales. February–March for leatherback turtles at Playa Grande.

Best for budget travel: September and October for deepest discounts. May, June, and November for good value with better weather than peak wet months.

Best for adventure sports: September–October for white-water rafting at peak water levels. July–September for surfing on south swells. Any month for zip-lining (though dry season is more comfortable).

Best for Caribbean coast: February through April for driest conditions and best snorkeling at Cahuita. September through October as alternative when Pacific is wettest.

Best for families: January–March for reliable beach weather. July–August for summer vacation timing with veranillo possibility in Guanacaste. All months offer family-friendly activities at major destinations.

Month-by-Month Rating Summary

January: 5/5 stars for weather; 3/5 for value (peak prices). February: 5/5 stars for weather; 3/5 for value. March: 4/5 for weather (very hot); 3/5 for value. April: 3.5/5 weather (transition); 3.5/5 value. May: 3/5 weather; 4/5 value. June: 3/5 weather; 4/5 value. July: 3.5/5 weather (veranillo factor); 4/5 value. August: 3/5 weather; 4/5 value. September: 2/5 weather (Pacific); 5/5 value. October: 2.5/5 weather; 5/5 value. November: 3.5/5 weather; 4.5/5 value. December: 4.5/5 weather; 3/5 value (holiday pricing).

Costa Rica Weather by Month: The Complete 12-Month Guide