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When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
by Matt Lloyd in Costa Rica
Visiting Costa Rica is on many travelers’ bucket list. And rightfully so! Pristine beaches, lush dense jungle, rich biodiversity, and a warm climate all make it into a popular destination.
But the weather can sometimes make it difficult to plan your itinerary. After all, Costa Rica has a tropical climate, which means that there’s lots of sunshine, but it can also rain, rain, rain.
In this article, we’ll explain what this means for your trip and when is the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Climate
Costa Rica is located near the equator and enjoys a tropical climate all year round. Temperatures and weather patterns vary depending on where you are in the country. Therefore, to determine the best month to visit Costa Rica, it really depends on where you want to go.
Towns like Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, Tortuguero, and Cahuita on the Caribbean side, for example, are best visited in September and October, since that side of the country is the driest during those months, whereas these are the quietest months on the Pacific.
Unlike many parts of the US, this paradise has only two seasons, the dry season and the wet season or rainy season.
Dry Season
The dry season starts somewhere in mid-December and usually lasts until April. The temperature during this period remains at a pleasant 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.5 ⁰C).
Since you have the most chance of good weather, this is also the best time to visit this beautiful country. Who likes to try and spot birds in the pouring rain, right?
One of the best times to visit Costa Rica is in January because the forests are still green while the beaches are sunny and warm. This is also the time that migratory birds, humpback whales, and sea turtles can be spotted.
Unfortunately, this is also the busiest season in tourism, with National Parks being the most crowded and beaches to their fullest. Some national parks allow only a limited number of visitors a day, so make sure you make a reservation upfront. Needless to say, prices also skyrocket.
Wet Season
During the wet season, the day might start out nice and sunny and often showers move in during the afternoon. And when it rains in Costa Rica, the heavens open. On average, the country gets around 100 inches (2,54 m) of rain per year. Some mountainous areas, however, receive up to 25 feet (7,6 m) of rain annually. Yes, that’s feet, not inches…
Temperatures don’t get any lower than in the upper 50s (15 ºC) during the rainy season. Activities like zipline or canopying, ATV, and other tourist activities, are still possible during rainfall. However, in case of extreme weather, your activity might get canceled by the tour operator. Having said that, during the mornings it’s often quite nice and sunny, so make sure you don’t sleep in for too long!
Photo by 10000birds.com
Another trick to get more bang for your buck is to book hotel rooms during the weekdays, instead of the weekends. Since a lot of locals also go out and enjoy their country, prices of hotel rooms double, sometimes even triple.
So, the best time to visit Costa Rica really depends on what you want out of your trip. But in general, you can’t go wrong when you visit in late December and January. The next best option would be July and August. Keep in mind though that during these periods, prices can easily double, and it’s unlikely you’ll have a beach all to yourself.
If this article was useful for you, make sure to let us know in the comment section below!
Discover everything you need to know about moving to Costa Rica while enjoying 7 relaxing days at a beachfront resort, click here.
About The Author
Matt Lloyd runs a hotel in Costa Rica since 2016. He's based on the Pacific Coast side of the country, outside the town of Jaco.
If you'd like to discuss options for moving to Costa Rica with me on a phone call, you can book a free 30-minute session here.
