Month by Month
January
Peak dry season, warm and sunny nationwide
Dry season delivers consistent sunshine and minimal rainfall across the country. Pacific beaches run hot, the Caribbean coast stays humid but rain-free, and national parks offer clear trails and active wildlife. Hotel prices spike as North American winter escapees fill resorts and ecolodges.
February
Driest month, hot Pacific coast, ideal conditions
The driest month brings dusty trails, cloudless skies, and the year's hottest temperatures on the Pacific side. Rivers run low, making some waterfalls less impressive, but wildlife congregates around remaining water sources for easier spotting. Envision Festival draws international crowds to Uvita's beaches mid-month.
March
Hot and dry, windier on Pacific beaches
Late dry season heat peaks, pushing afternoon temperatures past comfortable on the coast. Pacific beaches turn windy, kicking up sand and waves that challenge casual swimmers. Crowds thin slightly after spring break, but Semana Santa brings domestic tourism surges to beach towns.
April
Late dry season, hottest temperatures, occasional showers
The hottest, driest month transitions into rainy season with occasional afternoon downpours that break the heat. Dust coats everything until the first rains arrive, typically mid-to-late month. Wildlife activity slows in the midday heat, making dawn and dusk the only productive viewing times.
May
Green season begins, afternoon rains, fewer tourists
Green season begins with afternoon thunderstorms that drench the Pacific coast but leave mornings clear. Tourists vanish, dropping accommodation prices by 30-40% across the board. Roads stay passable and wildlife viewing improves as animals emerge for the fresh vegetation.
June
Rainy afternoons, Caribbean coast drier, good value
Rainy afternoons become routine on the Pacific while the Caribbean coast experiences its annual dry window. Mornings stay clear enough for most activities before clouds build around 2pm. Turtle nesting begins on both coasts, with leatherbacks arriving at Tortuguero.
July
Mid-rainy season with brief dry spell, turtles nesting
A brief dry spell called veranillo interrupts the rainy season for 1-2 weeks, though timing varies yearly. Pacific coast beaches dry out temporarily while the Caribbean continues its driest stretch. Turtle nesting peaks at multiple sites, drawing ecotourists to nighttime beach walks.
August
Brief dry period within rainy season, turtle nesting peaks
Veranillo extends into early August before rains return, heavier than June but lighter than September. Turtle nesting reaches its annual peak on Caribbean beaches. Rivers swell but remain navigable for rafting, and cloud forest canopies drip constantly between downpours.
September
Wettest month, heavy afternoon rains, Pacific coast soaked
The wettest month dumps heavy afternoon rains that turn dirt roads to mud and swell rivers past safe crossing points. Pacific coast takes the worst of it, with some remote lodges becoming inaccessible. Only serious wildlife watchers and committed surfers brave this month.
October
Peak rainy season, muddy roads, Caribbean side accessible
Peak rainy season continues with all-day downpours replacing the predictable afternoon pattern. Mud closes roads in Osa Peninsula and Monteverde, stranding vehicles and forcing itinerary changes. The Caribbean coast stays relatively accessible, offering an escape from Pacific deluges.
November
Rains tapering off, landscapes lush, roads improving
Rains taper off through the month as dry season approaches, leaving landscapes impossibly green and waterfalls at full force. Roads begin drying out, though 4WD remains necessary for remote areas. Día de los Muertos brings local celebrations but minimal tourist disruption.
December
Dry season returns, crowds build for holidays
Dry season returns, bringing crowds that build toward Christmas and New Year holidays. Early December offers the year's best combination of clear weather and manageable tourist numbers. Festival de la Luz illuminates San José mid-month, while beach towns prepare for their busiest two weeks.
Beaches and Swimming
Pacific beaches hit their stride December through April when rainfall stops and swells build for swimmers and snorkelers. Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo pack in crowds during these months, but drive 30 minutes in either direction to find empty sand. Skip September and October entirely unless you enjoy swimming in rain and dodging rip currents strengthened by storm runoff. The Caribbean coast flips the script with its driest weather June through August, when Cahuita and Puerto Viejo offer calm, clear water while the Pacific side drowns.
Rainforest and Wildlife
Rainy season—May through November—delivers better wildlife viewing than the sunny months tourists prefer. Animals emerge to feed in the fresh vegetation, muddy trails show fresh prints, and guides spot movement more easily against wet leaves. Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula requires serious commitment during October rains when trails flood, but June through August offers the sweet spot of active wildlife and passable paths. Don't bother with Monteverde cloud forest during dry season; February and March turn the trails dusty and the canopy brown.
Surfing
Pacific coast breaks fire December through March with consistent swells and offshore winds, drawing crowds to Tamarindo, Nosara, and Pavones. Salsa Brava on the Caribbean side works backwards, producing its legendary barrels December through March but requiring advanced skills and a tolerance for sharp reef. May through August on the Pacific brings smaller, mushier waves perfect for learning at spots like Jacó and Playa Grande, with surf schools dropping rates 40% and lineups thinning to nothing. Avoid September entirely—onshore winds and storms chop up even the most protected breaks into unsurfable mush.
Budget Travel
Green season—May through November—cuts costs dramatically, with beach hotels in Guanacaste dropping from $150 to $60 and ecolodges negotiating rates they'd never consider in February. Rental car companies slash 4WD prices when demand falls, though you'll actually need that clearance for muddy roads. September and October push discounts highest but close some remote lodges entirely and turn highway potholes into axle-breaking craters. Don't fall for December's early-month shoulder season pricing; rates jump 200% without warning once Christmas week hits.
Hiking and Volcanoes
Arenal Volcano's trails stay open year-round, but December through April offers the clearest views of the cone and surrounding lake from Cerro Chato's crater rim. Cloud cover obscures volcano views 90% of the time during rainy months, turning summit hikes into muddy exercises in faith. Poás and Irazú volcanoes close randomly when seismic activity spikes, regardless of season, so check park service updates the morning you plan to visit. Skip Rincón de la Vieja's trails entirely during October rains when river crossings swell past safe wading depth and trail markers disappear under rushing water.
Festivals & Events
Envision Festival
FebruaryWeek-long transformational gathering in Uvita combining music, yoga, art, and sustainability workshops. Draws international crowds and books up months ahead, so reserve lodging early if attending.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
MarchCosta Rica essentially shuts down for Easter week as locals head to beaches and mountain retreats. Expect higher prices, fully booked hotels, and closed businesses, particularly Thursday through Sunday.
Fiestas de Palmares
JanuaryTwo-week celebration in Palmares featuring rodeos, concerts, carnival rides, and traditional foods. Costa Rica's largest community festival, attracting half a million attendees annually.
Independence Day
SeptemberSeptember 15th celebrations include lantern parades the night before, with children carrying homemade lanterns through streets. School bands perform nationwide, though rainy weather often dampens outdoor events.
Día de los Muertos
NovemberDay of the Dead traditions are quieter here than in Mexico, but San José holds cemetery visits and some families prepare traditional foods. Not a major tourist event.
Festival de la Luz
DecemberSan José's Festival of Lights parade in mid-December features elaborate floats, marching bands, and fireworks. Draws large crowds to the capital's central avenues.
