Costa Rica is a year-round destination — but the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on where you go, what you want to experience, and how you like to travel.
From sunny beach escapes and wildlife encounters to lush rainforests and cultural immersion, each month offers something unique. This complete month-by-month guide helps you choose the perfect time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, activities, crowds, and travel style.
Whether you’re planning months ahead or choosing last-minute, this guide will help you travel smarter and experience Costa Rica at its best.
January – Best for Sunshine & Beaches
January is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica for dry weather and beach-focused travel.
Best for:
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Guanacaste beaches
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Manuel Antonio
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First-time visitors
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in January
February – Best for Perfect Weather & Adventure
February offers some of the best weather of the year, ideal for outdoor activities.
Best for:
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Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
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Hiking, zip-lining, and adventure
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in February
March – Best for Beach Lovers & Dry Conditions
March is hot, dry, and perfect for coastal travel.
Best for:
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Nicoya Peninsula (Santa Teresa, Nosara)
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Guanacaste beaches
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Surf and sunset lovers
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in March
April – Best for Fewer Crowds & Balanced Travel
April marks the transition from dry to green season.
Best for:
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Arenal Volcano
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Manuel Antonio
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Travelers seeking value and flexibility
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in April
May – Best for Lush Nature & Fewer Tourists
May begins the green season, bringing vibrant landscapes.
Best for:
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Osa Peninsula
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
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Nature and photography
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in May
June – Best for Waterfalls & Wildlife
June offers lush scenery with sunny mornings.
Best for:
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Manuel Antonio
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Uvita & Marino Ballena National Park
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Waterfalls and wildlife
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in June
July – Best for Wildlife & Family Travel
July combines green landscapes with a mid-season sunshine break.
Best for:
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Whale watching in Uvita
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Turtle nesting in Tortuguero
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Family vacations
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in July
August – Best for Peak Wildlife & Whale Season
August is one of the best months for wildlife experiences.
Best for:
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Osa Peninsula & Corcovado
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Whale watching
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Caribbean coast
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in August
September – Best for Caribbean Beaches & Culture
September is the best month to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Best for:
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Puerto Viejo & Cahuita
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Turtle nesting
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Slow travel and culture
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in September
October – Best for Tranquility & Caribbean Weather
October is the quietest month with excellent Caribbean conditions.
Best for:
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Caribbean beaches
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Cultural immersion
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Uncrowded travel
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in October
November – Best for Transition Season & Value
November offers a mix of greenery and improving weather.
Best for:
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Arenal Volcano
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Manuel Antonio
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Travelers seeking flexibility
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in November
December – Best for Holidays & Sunshine
December marks the start of dry season and festive travel.
Best for:
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Guanacaste beaches
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Family and holiday travel
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End-of-year getaways
👉 Read more: Best Places to Visit Costa Rica in December
So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
The truth is — there is no single best month to visit Costa Rica. The best time depends on your priorities:
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Sun & beaches: January–March, December
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Nature & waterfalls: May–August
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Wildlife & whales: July–September
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Fewer crowds & value: May, September, October
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Caribbean coast: September & October
This is why planning Costa Rica by month makes all the difference.
Plan Your Trip with Local Experts
At Know CR, we specialize in tailor-made Costa Rica experiences, designed around the best time to travel, the best places to visit, and your personal travel style.
Whether you’re planning months ahead or traveling soon, we create custom journeys that help you experience Costa Rica at its absolute best.
