Which side of Costa Rica is the Caribbean?

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica stretches from the border with Panama to the border with Nicaragua. Above all, it captivates guests by its unique climate, its cultural variety and a breathtaking nature including an immense biodiversity.



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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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Exploring the entire coast would make an excellent itinerary and take a good week or ideally two. If this is your first trip and you're wondering where to go in Costa Rica, the Caribbean coast would be a good intro to the lush ecosystem and wildlife Costa Rica is known for.

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The Southern Zone — This hot, humid region is one of Costa Rica's most remote and undeveloped. It is characterized by dense rainforests, large national parks and protected areas, and rugged coastlines. Much of the area is uninhabited and protected in Corcovado, Piedras Blancas, and La Amistad national parks.

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Climate and Weather The Caribbean coast tends to experience more rain than the Pacific coast in Costa Rica. The climate along the Pacific coast is typically drier, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The dry season typically lasts from December to April and features bright days and little rain.

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Costa Rica's Caribbean coast has some of the country's best beaches. The southern Caribbean — Cahuita to Manzanillo — boasts beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise water and pristine coral reefs.

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In the South Pacific – one of the rainiest places in Costa Rica – the dry season lasts just three months (January to March), and average annual rainfall is 5 meters (16.5 feet). The Caribbean coast, meanwhile, has no clearly defined dry season, and average annual rainfall is 3.5 meters (11.5 feet).

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With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea pounding the other side, Costa Rica's beaches are famous for having big waves and fast currents. These are perfect for surfing, but not so much for gentle, safe swimming.

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If you're wondering “Is Costa Rica expensive?”, the answer is yes and no. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.

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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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Safest places to visit in Costa Rica:
  • Manuel Antonio.
  • Monteverde.
  • Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
  • Dota, Savegre Valley, Costa Rica.
  • Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay, Corcovado, Costa Rica.
  • Tortuguero.
  • Arenal Volcano & surrounding areas.


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Avoid the crowds at 10 of the best secret spots in Costa Rica
  • Any way you size it up, Costa Rica has a lot of tourists – both from home and abroad. ...
  • Wild coastline in Cahuita National Park. ...
  • Pristine Playa Cocolito. ...
  • Jungle trekking, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. ...
  • Playa Conchal, the seashell beach.


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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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