One of the most common questions people ask me about planning a trip to Costa Rica is: When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to travel to Costa Rica depends on you—what activities you’re interested in, your budget, your travel style, and what part of the country you want to visit.
To help you determine the best time to travel to Costa Rica, I’ve asked some local experts—Rodrigo Valverde (a Costa Rican ecotourism entrepreneur and the owner of Treetopia Park Monteverde), Dennis Abarca (a Costa Rican adventure guide and manager at Pura Vida Ride), and Tui Frye (the owner of event planning company Blue Butterfly Costa Rica)—to share their insight. Below, you’ll find their advice in addition to my own experiences of traveling to Costa Rica more than 20 times.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Contrary to what you might hear or read, there is not one specific “best” time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica has many microclimates, so the weather varies by location. But that’s a good thing; no matter when you travel to Costa Rica, you can find some version of the tropical climate you’re looking for. “At the same time of year that you can experience the hot, dry season on the Central Pacific coast, you’ll find a pleasant, cooler climate in the mountains of Monteverde,” Valverde says. “Thanks to the variety of microclimates, you can enjoy Costa Rica year-round.”
Costa Rica is a tropical country with incredible landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. As Frye puts it: “There’s not a bad time to visit Costa Rica.”
Consider your personal preferences
Your interests and budget also play a role in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. So, the only one who can decide the best time for you to visit Costa Rica is you! But don’t worry; we won’t leave you to figure it out on your own. Let’s get into some of the specifics to help you decide.
Get acquainted with Costa Rica’s seasons
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season and the green season.
Local lingo: In Costa Rica, you may hear the rainier season referred to as the “green season.” If you can shift your mind to consider how the rain helps keep Costa Rica so lush and green, perhaps you’ll appreciate—rather than avoid—it!
When is the dry season in Costa Rica?
Many people will tell you that the dry season in Costa Rica is December through April. While this is true for some of the country, Costa Rica has microclimates and diverse terrain. So the seasons and weather at the beaches are often not the same as in the jungles or mountains.
Historically, the dry season on the Pacific coast has been from December to March. However, due to climate change, the seasons are not as predictable as they used to be. For example, the Guanacaste region on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coast would usually be dry from December to April, but last December (2024), the area received quite a bit of rain. I’ve also seen some rain while staying in Guanacaste in January and February this year (2025), which was uncommon in the past. Read on for more details on the driest and wettest months in different regions of Costa Rica.
Expert tip: The weather varies throughout the country. If sunshine is your priority, research the weather for the regions you want to visit. And keep in mind that we can’t fully predict the weather here—and sometimes that means it can rain even during a typically “dry” month. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Costa Rica, bring a flexible attitude and enjoy every moment, whatever the weather.
What month is the driest in Costa Rica?
The driest month in Costa Rica depends on the location. Here’s some info on the driest months in the Pacific, Caribbean, Monteverde, and Arenal/La Fortuna.
Pacific
March is typically the hottest and driest month on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.
Caribbean
The Caribbean region of Costa Rica receives rain year-round, but there tends to be slightly less rainfall there from February to March and September to October.
Monteverde
If you’re planning to visit Monteverde, Valverde says their “summer” dry season is from January to April.
Local lingo: If you hear a Costa Rican refer to the “summer” season, don’t assume it means the same months as summer in your own country. Ticos (Costa Ricans) often call the dry season “summer.”
Arenal & La Fortuna
March and April may be considered the driest months in La Fortuna and the Arenal area. But, Frye says, keep in mind that it can rain anytime.
Expert tip: Come to Costa Rica prepared for rain, sun, hot, and cold. “The weather in Costa Rica can change very fast,” Abarca says. “Always bring water, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. If you’re visiting the mountains, a sweater is a good idea as well.”
What month is the rainiest in Costa Rica?
The rainiest month in Costa Rica depends on the location. Here’s some info on the rainiest months in the Pacific, Caribbean, Monteverde, and Arenal/La Fortuna.
Pacific
September and October are typically the rainiest months on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. That said, last year (2024) some of the region experienced heavy rains and flooding in November and additional rain in December.
Caribbean
December is generally the rainiest month on the Caribbean coast.
Monteverde
May is often Monteverde’s rainiest month.
Arenal & La Fortuna
In La Fortuna and the Arenal area, Frye says that May through November tend to be the rainiest, but things have been changing recently. “This past December [2024] was incredibly rainy,” she says, “and it was still raining into January and February [2025].”
I experienced this myself. I was in the La Fortuna area during the second half of December 2024 and the first few days of January 2025. It rained nearly non-stop the entire time I was there. The skies cleared briefly only on my last day while a friend and I were hiking The 1968 Trail and visiting Arenal Lodge for lunch (and the view!). It was magical.
Expert tip: Don’t put too much stock in weather apps. “It’s a mistake to think there is any pattern or reliable weather forecasting here,” Frye says. “With all of our microclimates and lack of weather reporting stations, predicting the weather is nearly impossible.”
If you do check a weather app, don’t be surprised if it shows rain every day. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will rain all day and night. Rain on the Caribbean side tends to fall overnight and in the morning. On the Pacific side, the rain mostly comes in the afternoon and early evening. And in Arenal, it can be pouring one moment, sunny the next, and pouring again a few moments later.
When is the best time to visit Arenal and La Fortuna?
If you’re hoping for a bit less rain, the best time to visit Arenal and La Fortuna is in March and April. But keep in mind, even then, you’re not guaranteed blue skies. The weather in Arenal and La Fortuna can be quite fickle and often wet (it’s the tropics, after all!). So come prepared with your rain jacket, waterproof boots, and quick-dry clothes. Ultimately, as Frye says, “If rain is going to ruin your time, maybe it’s best not to visit the rainforest!”
Expert tip: “Don’t be afraid to visit due to the potential of rain. And don’t try to outsmart it,” Frye advises. “The rain can last a few seconds or it can last a few days. Just be ready for it and embrace it. So many of our local activities involve you getting wet anyway—rafting, rapelling down waterfalls, and hanging out in the hot springs can be even better in the rain.”
I always include a stay in La Fortuna on my itinerary, no matter what month I travel to Costa Rica. I love the hot springs, rainforests, and wildlife (yes, you can find sloths, monkeys, toucans, and more here). And the energy around Arenal Volcano is something special that draws me back time and again. I think seeing the volcano in all kinds of weather is part of the unique experience here.
Consider the off-peak months
While September and October are the rainy season in much of Costa Rica, Frye says those months sometimes offer some of the best visibility for Arenal Volcano. “September and October tend to be some of my favorite months. There are fewer people and the weather is often beautiful.”
Slow down and be flexible
If you’re planning to visit Arenal and La Fortuna, don’t try to cram everything in one or two days. Having more time and flexibility with your schedule will allow you to adjust if an outdoor activity gets canceled. And if you need to wait out a rainstorm indoors, you can also try a cooking or dance class.
Local lingo: Due to the unpredictability of the weather in the San Carlos district, (the area where Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna town are located), Frye says there’s a local saying: “En San Carlos tienen el cielo roto,” which means “In San Carlos, the sky is broken.”
When is the best time to visit Monteverde?
Monteverde is a year-round destination for nature lovers interested in experiencing the cloud forest. “Monteverde has a very pleasant temperature all year, ranging from 62 to 77 Fahrenheit (17 to 25 degrees Celsius), depending on the month,” Valverde says. “During the dry season, we have one of the best sunsets in the country. And in the green season, the forest remains humid, keeping the trees and plants vibrant.”
Monteverde is often windy between December and January, but Valverde says it’s normal and you can still participate in outdoor activities. This area is known for its cloud forest and can get cool at night, so it’s wise to pack a sweater and rain jacket.
When is the best time to visit Guanacaste and the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica?
If you’re planning a beach vacation to the Pacific coast, the best time to visit is the dry season, typically from December through March or April. But many Costa Ricans, like Abarca, also recommend visiting during (or at the beginning or end of) the green season when sunsets are spectacular and the temperature is comfortable. “If you want to visit the Pacific side of the country, the best time is between November and early June,” he says. “November is right at the end of our rainy season so all the vegetation is green which is nice to see.”
Local lingo: Some refer to July and August in Guanacaste as “veranillo,” meaning “little summer,” when the rain decreases a bit. This is another good time to visit the Northern Pacific Coast.
When is the best time to visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
If you’re hoping to hit the beaches on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, the best time may be September and October. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica receives rain year-round and doesn’t have a well-defined dry season. But there is generally more sun and less rainfall in September and October.
However, if you’re planning to experience the Pacific coast on the same trip, you may want to choose February or March. There can be slightly less rain on the Caribbean coast during that time and it’s the dry season for the Pacific side (whereas September and October are the rainiest months on the Pacific coast).
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica on a budget?
The best time for budget travelers to visit Costa Rica is the opposite of peak season. Peak season is generally from December to April, which coincides with the dry season in many regions of Costa Rica, the cold weather in much of the Northern Hemisphere, and major holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. So budget travelers should consider the green season or shoulder seasons.
Expert tip: If you’re a budget traveler or simply want to avoid the crowds, “green” season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. You may encounter more rain, but you’ll also likely see lush forests, beautiful sunsets, and better prices. “We love off season and shoulder seasons,” Frye says. “It’s a chance to see more at a lower cost.”
I agree! I brought a group of high school students to Costa Rica during the green season in July 2018. It did rain at some point on most days. But we just kept our rain jackets within reach and enjoyed our trip—rain and shine—which included birdwatching, white water rafting, ziplining, hot springs, a night hike in the rainforest, a tour of an organic farm, a cooking class and salsa lesson at a local home, the chance to witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach, and more. It was one of the rainiest trips of my life, but it was also one of my favorites.
Other best times to visit Costa Rica
Best time for whale watching
The best time for humpback whale watching along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is December to mid-March and late July to mid-October.
Best time for observing sea turtles
- January and February are the best months to observe Pacific Green sea turtles in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.
- March through June are the best months for finding Leatherback sea turtles on the Caribbean coast.
- In May, you can find Olive Ridley and Loggerhead turtles along both coasts.
- If you’re interested in Olive Ridleys, you can see them coming out of the water at night in Ostional on the Pacific coast between July and November.
- In July, you can also observe green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast between Tortuguero (this is where my student group and I witnessed turtles nesting in July 2018) and Parismina.
- October is the beginning of another Leatherback and Green turtle season on the Pacific.
Best time for birdwatching
Generally, the best time for birdwatching in Costa Rica is during the dry season. Drier weather means easier access to trails and less foliage for birds to hide behind. Some migratory birds are also in Costa Rica during the dry season, so you’ll have an opportunity to see them too.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica in the green season, you can still find plenty of birds. If you’re hoping to spot the Resplendent Quetzal in Monteverde, you have the best chance during their mating season, from February to July. Every time I’ve stayed at Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat in Sarapiqui, no matter what time of year, I’ve seen Keel-billed Toucans, Green Macaws, and more. And when it rained for weeks while I was in La Tigra last December 2024, I saw plenty of birds including Collared Aracari toucans, Oropendolas, and Rufous Motmots (one of my favorites!).
The Experts
Dennis Abarca is a Costa Rican adventure guide and a manager at Pura Vida Ride, an outdoor sports, adventure tours, equipment rental, and retail shop with locations in Flamingo Marina and Las Catalinas. He is a fourth-generation resident of Potrero, a Northern Pacific beach town in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Abarca previously worked on a catamaran and has years of experience guiding visitors (including me!) on paddle boarding, hiking, and mountain biking tours.
Tui Frye is the owner and operator of Blue Butterfly Costa Rica, an eco-ethical event planning company. Frye has lived in the La Fortuna and Arenal area for 14 years and has extensive experience with weather considerations while planning events and preparing guests for their Costa Rica trips.
Rodrigo Valverde is a Costa Rican ecotourism entrepreneur and a third-generation resident of Montverde. His grandfather arrived in Monteverde in 1948 as one of the first settlers in the area. Valverde has 27 years of experience in tourism, and he and his family operate multiple businesses, including Treetopia Park Monteverde (formerly Sky Adventures Monteverde). He’s the former president of the Adventure Tourism Commission for International ISO Standards and the former president of the Costa Rican Adventure Operators Association. He also served as president of the Monteverde Chamber of Tourism for four years and is currently a board member.
Sunny Fitzgerald is a travel expert and travel writer with 15+ years of experience traveling and living around the world. She first visited Costa Rica in 2009 and has returned more than 20 times, staying for weeks or months on each trip. She now splits her time between Costa Rica and Jordan. In her previous job, Sunny helped design and execute a pilot program for student groups traveling to Costa Rica. She’s also covered Costa Rica for well-known travel outlets including National Geographic and Reader’s Digest. You can learn more about Sunny on the “About” page or check out her writing portfolio.
Additional Sources
- Visit Costa Rica, The Official Travel & Tourism Website: Important aspects of the Costa Rican climate
- Visit Costa Rica, The Official Travel & Tourism Website: Wildlife Spectacles on Land
- Instituto Costarricense de Turismo: Statistical Reports