Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is extensively covered in rainforest, flanked by oceans and with a spine of mountains in the middle. For all these reasons Costa Rica gets quite a lot of rain. So is there a ‘best’ time to come here? Well, we would argue that you could come any time, but realistically, a lot of people prefer to be here when there is less chance of rain.
From December to about April/early May Costa Rica is generally drier than the rest of the year. You can come across rain at any time in this small country, it is just a question of the amount. For this reason May to November should not necessarily be discounted.

COSTA RICA'S SEASONS

Dry season in Costa Rica

(December to late April/ May)

• As you’d expect you get very little rain during these months.
• This is generally the more popular and busy time to visit Costa Rica.
• Lodges and hotels are busier.
• April and May tend to be less busy than other dry season months.

Rainy season in Costa Rica

(May to November)

• Mornings are generally sunny and most of the rain comes in afternoon downpours. So you do get some good sunny times most days.
• Flowers bloom and trees fruit. Birds and butterflies love this time of year.
• The heaviest rains tend to be in September and October.
• The rainy season prices are cheaper than the dry season.
• It’s quieter in the green season.
• It’s a great time for river rafting.
• November can be a good time as the rains are calming down and prices are still low.
• Roads can become difficult to negotiate in the rains.
• From July to October in Tortuguero turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
• Humpback whales can often be seen around October as they come to calve.
• The coffee harvest comes in around October to December.