What are the best and worst months to go to Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.



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September and October are Costa Rica's rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero.

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The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

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The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is during the green season or rainy season, May to November. As the largest influx of tourists visit Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April), that is the most expensive time to visit. Read more about Costa Rica weather to know what to expect.

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Off-season in Costa Rica runs from May to mid-December – a period officially known as the green season – when Costa Rica gets lots of precipitation and fewer tourists.

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The hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November. The most severe hurricane to make landfall in Costa Rica in the past 12 months was »«.

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Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Although there aren't the four seasons in Costa Rica, rainy season is considered Costa Rica's “winter.” The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October.

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Top tips for finding cheap flights to Costa Rica. Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is May.

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January and February are peak travel months in Costa Rica. The weather around the country is gorgeous, with less rain and comfortable temperatures.

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We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another.

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You can have a great time on either side of Costa Rica but here are some reasons why you should visit one over the other. Two of the main reasons why you should visit the Pacific side of Costa Rica over the Caribbean are that there are more choices and a closer proximity to the international airport and attractions.

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For most of the country, the hottest months in Costa Rica are March and April. January and February are also very hot and may only differ by a one or two degrees (Celsius). The rainiest months are generally September and October (except for the Caribbean) so you will find that this depends on the region.

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Tap water in Costa Rica is generally clean and safe to drink. In some areas of the country, though, mainly on the Caribbean side and in non-touristy pockets around the country, it's best to stick to bottled water.

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It's easy to experience sticker shock when checking into eco-lodges and renting vehicles and booking tours in Costa Rica. Indeed, it is the most expensive country in Central America, thanks to a booming economy and well-developed tourist sector.

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The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a beautiful region that is generally less developed and touristy than the Pacific side. The weather here is in stark contrast to the other side as the best weather is in September and October.

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Cheapest flights to Costa Rica
  • Fort Lauderdale to San José flightsfrom $92 pp.
  • Orlando to San José flightsfrom $108 pp.
  • Los Angeles to Liberia flightsfrom $140 pp.
  • John F Kennedy Intl to San José flightsfrom $158 pp.
  • Los Angeles to San José flightsfrom $178 pp.
  • Atlanta to San José flightsfrom $199 pp.


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How far in advance should I book a flight to Costa Rica? It's recommended to book your flight at least six weeks in advance to get the best prices. However, you may still be able to find great deals within two or three weeks of your intended travel date. Keep an eye out for any last-minute discounts and special offers.

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CDC recommends travelers to any area of Costa Rica use mosquito avoidance measures to protect from malaria and other diseases spread by mosquito bites.

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