What is the best time of year to visit 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.



The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to April. This "summer" period offers nearly guaranteed sunshine and dry trails, making it ideal for hiking through the rainforests or relaxing on the Pacific beaches. However, this is also the "high season," meaning hotel prices are at their peak and popular spots like Manuel Antonio can be crowded. For those looking for a balance of lower costs and lush scenery, the "Green Season" (May to June or November) is highly recommended. During these transitional months, you can expect sunny mornings followed by brief afternoon rain showers that keep the landscape vibrant and green. In 2026, savvy travelers often target July and August for a "mini-dry season" (veranillo) on the Pacific coast, though they generally avoid September and October, which are the wettest months with a high risk of tropical depressions on the Caribbean side.

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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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When is the best time to visit 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.

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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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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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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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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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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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Thus, Costa Rica has no winter season. Costa Rica enjoys mild temperatures all year ranging usually ranging from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit although it is hotter on the beaches and temperatures can get up into the mid-90's. The coolest months are November-January March through May are the hottest and most tropical.

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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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When it comes to security, Costa Rica is generally a safe place for travelers. Still, visitors should be aware of potential dangers before starting their journey. It is important to take the necessary precautions, as in any urban city, to stay safe while traveling in this beautiful country.

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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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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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Costa Rica's rainy season (aka “Green Season”) lasts from May to November. But these “wet” months are actually a great time to visit.

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We spent 2 weeks in CR last month and spent about $1,000 US. We used credit cards for hotel and rental car, but paid cash for everything else. We averaged about $100 in cash per day for food and incidentals, including tips, gas (for rental car), entrance to parks (but not organized tours).

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Costa Rica Travel Costs: Food Food costs vary in the country. Touristic areas are no doubt more expensive than local or rural areas. The average price for a typical Costa Rican lunch in a soda (typical local restaurant) located in a touristic beach town can be around $10 USD including taxes and a drink.

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