When Is the Best Time to Go to Costa Rica?
Any time is a good time to visit Costa Rica, so come when your schedule permits.
The Dry Season
The majority of visitors come during the dry season, which takes place from mid-November to March. That works out well for travelers who want a break from cold weather.
The Pacific coast has generally sunny weather during the dry season, although there are occasionally small amounts of rain.
The Caribbean coast has a varied climate, and generally has a mixture of sun and rain year-round.
The Rainy Season
The rainy season takes place from May till Mid-November.
The rainy season throughout Costa Rica is often characterized by morning sun and afternoon rain. But you should keep in mind that Costa Rica's tropical climate and varied terrain creates unpredictable weather patterns throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit
The high tourism season corresponds to the dry season. During this time hotels are moderately more expensive.
For the Christmas season and Semana Santa (Easter week), prices go up even further. Holiday weeks attract many international visitors as well as Costa Rican travelers. Locals typically travel to the beaches and mountains, so roads, restaurants and hotels near these destinations become crowded quickly.
Although there is more rain in the afternoon during the rainy or "green" season, there are some areas that flourish under these conditions. Areas that are often very dry - such as Guanacaste - become beautiful and green, with lush forests that contrast with the blue Pacific waters.
Related Questions
- Is Costa Rica Family Friendly?
- Where Is the Best Fishing in Costa Rica?
- Where Is the Best Surfing in Costa Rica?
- Where Are the Nicest Beaches in Costa Rica?
- What are the Top Activities in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is all you've heard and more — from adventure vacations to romantic getaways, and family trips to solo travel, part of the magic of Costa Rica is that it almost seems to transform itself based on your travel needs. You can explore mountains, cloud forests, beaches, and more. In each of these unique destinations, you'll find hotels to match your activities and personality. Enjoy a honeymoon or anniversary of romance and indulgence when you stay in Uvita or Dominical, or a sustainable adventure for two when you find yourselves in Sarapiqui or Drake Bay. Perhaps the person you're celebrating and learning to love again is yourself; Costa Rica can accommodate your inner journey. Choose a hotel that offers yoga courses or a full-fledged yoga retreat — you can find them all over the country, from Tamarindo to Arenal. Want to take the family on a vacation where everyone can unplug? How about lodgings that double as working farms? Costa Rica's farm hotels will have you in the heart of the country — explore destinations including Arenal, Monteverde, and San Isidro General. Not only will you enjoy peace and quiet, you can even teach the children about sustainability and where their food comes from. The best part? Most farms offer an opportunity to assist with some of the chores, so you'll get to know the animals and harvest some of the produce you've been enjoying! Wherever you choose to stay, you won't be too far from adventures such as zip lining through rainforests, observing amazing wildlife in cloud forests, trekking across mountains and volcanoes, and napping on beaches. Your perfect vacation begins with the perfect hotel, and both are waiting for you in beautiful Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Beaches
You know Costa Rica is an adventurer's paradise, but did you know that it's also a great country for a beach getaway? The nation boasts nearly 300 beaches, each with a unique draw and distinct setting. Whether you find yourself on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast exploring Puerto Viejo or Costa Rica's Pacific coast exploring Esterillos Oeste, you'll find something to discover and enjoy. Even on nearby beaches, the sand can vary from white, to black, or brown coloration, but it can get even more unique than that. Playa Conchal's sand is actually made of millions of crushed seashells! Some beaches even have sand so soft and fine it can only be described as 'fluffy.' The best part about Costa Rica's beaches is how diverse they are; from swimming and surf adventures to basic rest and relaxation, there's bound to be a beach for you. Even better? There are plenty of Costa Rica beach resorts which will allow you to relax and indulge due to the variety of services and activities they'll have on-site. Meanwhile, beachfront hotels in Costa Rica will ensure that you're never more than steps from your next snorkeling expedition. In the morning you can sip your coffee whilst listening to the waves roll in — instead of listening to talk radio or your a.m. commuter mix. So, choose your own adventure and discover which of Costa Rica's beaches is right for you.
Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica's Caribbean province of Limon runs 125 miles (200 km), from the northern Nicaraguan border to the southern border with Panama. Exotic nature reserves, such as the famous Tortuguero National Park, beckon adventurous travelers, while alluring southern beaches allow visitors to relax in an easy Caribbean vibe. With a mesh of Tico and Afro-Caribbean culture, Limon Province displays a unique side of Costa Rica.
Central Pacific
The Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica is a narrow strip of coastal land that stretches from north of Jaco to south of Manuel Antonio. Sandy beaches and protected wildlife are two primary draws to this area. The magnificent beaches, flanked by spectacular cliffs, create an awe-inspiring landscape; and with its combination of ocean panorama and lush tropical vegetation, Costa Rica?s Central Pacific has scenery unlike any other.
Guanacaste
With sun-splashed beaches and great Pacific surf, Costa Rica's northwestern province of Guanacaste teems with visitors from around the globe. The region's dry tropical climate encompasses a varied landscape. Popular white-sand beaches line the coast, and to the east, the Guanacaste Mountains feature fascinating national parks and caldera volcanoes. Travelers of every type can enjoy Guanacaste's myriad of activities, and Liberia's international airport (LIR) provides excellent regional access.
