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Best time to visit Costa Rica
Turtle nesting season or dry season adventures? Here's when to visit Costa Rica.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between mid-November and April. Not only is it the driest part of the year, but it’s also pretty toasty – temperatures hover around the 28-degree mark, with up to twelve hours of sunshine each day. And although these months are great if you’re looking for a fly and flop somewhere tropical, there’s more to Costa Rica than sun-kissed beaches.
Costa Rica is famous for its green jungles, white sand and all the cute animals you can spot – from glass frogs to snoozing sloths. It’s also well-known for its very different seasons. You’ll find that it’s dry and sunny one month, and truly tropical the next. Both seasons can offer up completely different experiences of Costa Rica, and it can be difficult to choose between them. So if Costa Rica is on your to-see list, but you’re not sure when to go, use our handy guide to find out when is the best time to visit…
Costa Rica is famous for its green jungles, white sand and all the cute animals you can spot – from glass frogs to snoozing sloths. It’s also well-known for its very different seasons. You’ll find that it’s dry and sunny one month, and truly tropical the next. Both seasons can offer up completely different experiences of Costa Rica, and it can be difficult to choose between them. So if Costa Rica is on your to-see list, but you’re not sure when to go, use our handy guide to find out when is the best time to visit…
When's Costa Rica's dry season?
If you’re looking to visit Costa Rica and would rather pack your bikini than your rain mac, you should plan your visit between mid-November and April. It’s the best time to go if you’re looking for some warm sun during the UK’s colder months, with temperatures reaching highs of 28 degrees and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. If a beach break is your dream holiday, then head to Guanacaste, which has some great beaches that are perfect for basking in those toasty temperatures.
Calling all sun seekers – here's where's hot all year round
Calling all sun seekers – here's where's hot all year round
When's Costa Rica's rainy season?
May to mid-November is referred to as Costa Rica's green season, with rain falling heaviest in September and October. However, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting. You’ll often find sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, so if you don’t mind getting caught in a mid-afternoon shower, it’s a great time outside of the busier peak season to go to Costa Rica.
The rainy season keeps Costa Rica’s national parks green – read all about them
The rainy season keeps Costa Rica’s national parks green – read all about them
When's the best time to visit the rainforests and jungles?
If the main draw for you is Costa Rica’s famous jungle, then visiting during rainy season, or just after, is the best time. It’s when the vegetation is at its greenest, and the waterfalls are full, so you’re sure to get loads of Instagram-worthy snaps. Costa Rica’s dry season can be very hot, causing the forest to dry out and turn brown. But, it’s the best time to spot wildlife on tour. The trees drop their leaves during dry season which means there are less places for wildlife to camouflage themselves, and you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of exotic creatures. Plus, with water supplies being limited, there are only a few places animals will go, so locals know exactly where to go to spot them.
Take a peak at the TUI Tours on offer
Take a peak at the TUI Tours on offer
When's it quietest in Costa Rica?
Everyone usually has the same idea when visiting Costa Rica, to go when it’s nice and hot in the high season – this means the main tourist attractions are a bit more crowded. It’s also a popular spot around holidays, such as Christmas and New Year. But one of the busiest times of year is during Semana Santa, AKA Easter week, when many of the locals get time off and spend the whole week celebrating. It’s great fun to join in with the celebrations and get an insight into Costa Rican culture, but if you fancy quieter holiday, it’s best to go during rainy season and avoid big religious holidays
Here’s why Costa Rica made it onto our list of the best trips of a lifetime
Here’s why Costa Rica made it onto our list of the best trips of a lifetime
What events should I see in Costa Rica?
Fiesta Palmares
More than a million people travel from all over the world to attend this festival, which lasts for two weeks in January. You can expect fireworks, live music, folk dancing and plenty of beer – it’s said that it’s second only to Oktoberfest in the amount it serves every year.
Independence Day
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is celebrated on the 15th September, and is a big deal. Costa Ricans come together to celebrate their history by raising the National flag, marching in colourful parades, performing traditional dances and singing the National Anthem. Festivities begin the day before, on the 14th, where school children walk through the streets with home-made lanterns. There’s also a torch-run in which Costa Rica’s symbol of freedom, the Independence Torch, is carried through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica by foot – just as it was in 1821.
Envision Music, Arts and Sacred Movement Festival
Envision Music, Arts and Sacred Movement Festival is a great one to attend if you fancy something a bit different. The event, which takes place in February each year, features trapeze, yoga and beach get-togethers for people passionate about helping the environment.
Find out why Costa Rica is one of the most eco-friendly places to visit
More than a million people travel from all over the world to attend this festival, which lasts for two weeks in January. You can expect fireworks, live music, folk dancing and plenty of beer – it’s said that it’s second only to Oktoberfest in the amount it serves every year.
Independence Day
Costa Rica’s Independence Day is celebrated on the 15th September, and is a big deal. Costa Ricans come together to celebrate their history by raising the National flag, marching in colourful parades, performing traditional dances and singing the National Anthem. Festivities begin the day before, on the 14th, where school children walk through the streets with home-made lanterns. There’s also a torch-run in which Costa Rica’s symbol of freedom, the Independence Torch, is carried through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica by foot – just as it was in 1821.
Envision Music, Arts and Sacred Movement Festival
Envision Music, Arts and Sacred Movement Festival is a great one to attend if you fancy something a bit different. The event, which takes place in February each year, features trapeze, yoga and beach get-togethers for people passionate about helping the environment.
Find out why Costa Rica is one of the most eco-friendly places to visit
Limon Carnival
If you’re a fan of Rio’s Carnival, then you’ll love Costa Rica’s version. Limon Carnival is a 12-day street party, filling the port city of Limon with colourful costumes, loud music, lively dancers and typical Costa Rican food, such as rice and beans served with coconut and spices.
Learn about the best cultural festivals around the world
If you’re a fan of Rio’s Carnival, then you’ll love Costa Rica’s version. Limon Carnival is a 12-day street party, filling the port city of Limon with colourful costumes, loud music, lively dancers and typical Costa Rican food, such as rice and beans served with coconut and spices.
Learn about the best cultural festivals around the world
Now that you’ve picked the perfect time to go to Costa Rica, it’s time to find a great deal.
Plus, find out what to pack for a trip to Costa Rica and get the lowdown on our action-packed tour, which shows off Costa Rica’s best bits.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Abi Payne-Humphries
Last updated: 15.04.2019
Plus, find out what to pack for a trip to Costa Rica and get the lowdown on our action-packed tour, which shows off Costa Rica’s best bits.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Abi Payne-Humphries
Last updated: 15.04.2019