How Does Weather & Best Time Work in Costa Rica?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
The dry season (December–April) is the most popular time with sunny Pacific beaches, while the green season (May–November) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
2What You Need to Know
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (verano, December–April) brings reliable sunshine to the Pacific coast and is peak tourist season with the highest prices; and the green/rainy season (invierno, May–November) brings afternoon and evening rains that make the jungle lush and waterfalls dramatic. The Caribbean coast operates on an opposite pattern — its dryish periods are around February–March and September–October, while the rest of the country is dry. Monteverde is cool and misty year-round due to cloud forest conditions. The rainy season is not a reason to avoid Costa Rica — rains are often predictable afternoon showers, wildlife is active, and travel costs drop significantly.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Visit Guanacaste and the northern Pacific in December–April for guaranteed beach sunshine and the best surf conditions.
- 2Consider September–October for the best value travel — it's the quietest period, prices are lowest, and many areas are surprisingly dry.
- 3Pack a quality rain jacket regardless of when you visit — even dry season mornings in the highlands can be cool and misty.
Important Warning
Hurricane season (June–November) can bring intense rain and occasional tropical storms particularly on the Caribbean coast, sometimes causing road closures and flooding.
How does this compare?
Weather & Best Time rules in nearby and similar countries:
Dry season from November to April is the best time to visit; hurricane season runs June to November and particularly affects the Yucatán Peninsula and Caribbean coast.
Rio and São Paulo are best April–June and August–October; the Amazon's dry season runs June–November; the Northeast is drier and sunny almost year-round; Carnival falls in February or March.
The best time to visit most of Canada is June through September — winters are genuinely extreme in most regions, though Vancouver stays mild year-round.
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More About Costa Rica
A 10% service charge (ley de propina) is legally included in all restaurant bills, so no additional tip is required.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica has no national rail system; intercity buses are the cheapest option, while shared tourist shuttles and domestic flights connect remote destinations.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica has good private hospitals in San José, but travel insurance is essential as private care is expensive and public hospitals are slow for non-emergencies.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is generally law-relaxed with a 'pura vida' attitude, but wildlife protection, environmental laws, and anti-drug laws are strictly enforced.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 911 for all emergencies; tourists can also call 1800-TURISMO (1800-887476) for dedicated tourist assistance.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is extremely casual with no strict dress requirements — light clothing is ideal for the coast and layers are needed for cooler highland areas.
Updated 2025-06
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