WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT COSTA RICA?

Visiting Costa Rica is a great idea for a vacation, honeymoon or working holiday if you are a digital nomad.

If you are planning a trip to this beautiful country with coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, you need to know the best time to visit so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Here’s our travel guide with handy travel tips on the best time of year to visit Costa Rica month after month.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CITY OF COSTA RICA

Simply put, Costa Rica has two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.

The summer season is the dry season and lasts from January to April, which is the most popular and at the same time the most expensive time of the year to visit Costa Rica.

In high season, you can count on visiting every national park in the country without any hassle. Costa Rica’s sunny days are also a popular time for beachgoers to swim, sunbathe, snorkel and enjoy other water sports.

As for the rainy season, also called the rainy season, Costa Rica still receives a lot of tourists. It lasts from May to December and can also get expensive during holidays such as New Years and Christmas.

The difference between hot summer days and the slightly cooler season is that during the rainy season, activities must be planned according to the weather. Mornings can be dry and sunny with less than expected precipitation, while several showers or thunderstorms can fall in the afternoon.

THE MONTHLY GUIDE TO TRAVEL TO COSTA RICA

Vacations in Costa Rica are enjoyed by many types of tourists. This is a wonderful country to reminisce with kids or loved ones, which is why you need to know what it’s like to travel to Costa Rica every month.

JANUARY IN COSTA RICA

Although traveling to Costa Rica at this time of year can be expensive because it is right after the holidays and many people go on vacation during this time, January is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica. It is high season and little rain. And perfect for outdoor activities.

January is also a transitional month, when the rainy season has just ended and strong winds are still blowing along the Pacific coast. Also, the weather in Costa Rica is different on each coast, and while it hardly ever rains on the Pacific side, it still rains on the Caribbean side because of the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.

FEBRUARY IN COSTA RICA

February has the best weather, as the dry season is already difficult. It is also the time of year for the humpback and bird migrations that last through April. The South Pacific is the perfect escape for all nature lovers this time of year.

MARCH IN COSTA RICA

The tourist season is starting for many as it is almost Easter and the hotels are filled with holidaymakers. At the same time, it is the dry season, when nature lovers gather at national parks and beaches for wildlife viewing, nature photography and other outdoor activities.

APRIL IN COSTA RICA

One of the driest months is also one of the most popular months of the year in Costa Rica. April is the month of Easter and Spring Break, when several people arrive in this beautiful Central American country.

If you’re here for Easter, you can experience what Costa Rica is like during Semana Santa, the country’s largest religious holiday week. In the week before Easter there are many festivities that you can enjoy together with the locals.

MAY IN COSTA RICA

May is known as the green season, when the weather is cooler than the hot dry season months.

When is the mid-season in Costa Rica? May is considered the shoulder season in Costa Rica along with June and November.

May is a month of transition where you can enjoy exploring nature and the ocean. You can look for sea turtles at turtle hatcheries. On the Pacific coast you will find hawksbill, green or olive sea turtles, while on the Caribbean side you will find hawksbill and leatherback turtles.

JUNE IN COSTA RICA

It is the green season month again, when the rainy season starts slowly and nature blooms. The travel season starts again as families with children arrive for a beach vacation. June is even drier than later months, so rain showers aren’t a big deal. June is a good time to visit Costa Rica.

JULY IN COSTA RICA

July is a good time to enjoy different parts of the country and activities like rafting or waterfalls. July has cheaper prices and good weather earlier in the day that you can take advantage of.

During the green season through December, long-term travelers including digital nomads enjoy Costa Rica. Popular destinations among digital nomads in Costa Rica include Santa Teresa, Playas del Coco, San Jose, Tamarindo, Puerto Rico Viejo, and Lemon

AUGUST IN COSTA RICA

August is another family month in the country where you can explore hiking trails, rainforests, waterfalls, and places like Tortuguero National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Corcovado National Park, or Manuel Antonio National Park. If you are a beginner surfer, you can take surf lessons on the Nicoya Peninsula or the Osa Peninsula.

SEPTEMBER IN COSTA RICA

This is also the best time to explore Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Monteverde and other fascinating sites around the country. As you explore the interior, visit Central Valley towns for more traditional and authentic cultural experiences.

OCTOBER IN COSTA RICA

October is the peak of the green season, when you can enjoy nature, wildlife and the sea despite the rain. Head to the province of Guanacaste for the best combination of rainforest and coast, where you can stay in amazing eco-friendly hotels and feel connected to nature.

NOVEMBER IN COSTA RICA

This is the month that connects the two seasons in Costa Rica. There is less rain and more tourists come. Both coasts still have plenty of wildlife to see and the weather is cooler, making walks more pleasant than during the dry season.

DECEMBER IN COSTA RICA

Until mid-December the country is full of tourists. Prices rise and hotels are booked up in advance. If your vacation is short and you can’t waste much time on rainy days, your best bet is to come to Costa Rica during the dry season starting in December.

WHEN YOU GO TO COSTA RICA

Although Costa Rica is beautiful all year round, it is good to know the best time to visit Costa Rica. It all depends on your preferences, budget and time.

For those who like slow travel, don’t be afraid of the rainy season, and for those who love sun and sand, Costa Rica’s dry season is the best.