The Ideal Time to Explore Costa Rica

Costa Rica truly embodies pura vida (the good life), boasting an abundance of natural wonders and diverse ecosystems. You can anticipate a tropical climate throughout the year along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of the country.

For numerous travelers, the prime time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April, which locals refer to as summer. The wet season, spanning from May to November, brings significant rainfall. On the Pacific coast and in many inland regions, May to August is considered the shoulder season, featuring fewer tourists and potentially better prices. Expect some rain (usually just a brief shower each day), but not the heavier downpours typical in September, October, and parts of November.

Here’s when to visit Costa Rica, tailored to your travel plans.

The optimal time to visit Costa Rica for hot springs and volcano exploration

• Optimal months: December–April, May–August

The Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates converge just off the western coast of Costa Rica, creating a dramatic landscape filled with volcanoes and bubbling hot springs. The capital city, San José, is situated on a meseta (high plateau) surrounded by volcanic mountains. In the downtown area, you’ll find street signs featuring volcano icons pointing you toward nearby peaks like Irazú and Poás. From December to April, the views from the volcanoes over the mountain ranges are at their best, especially in the early morning before the clouds roll in.

In the Northern Zone, the still-active Arenal Volcano towers over the highland plain like a whale surfacing in the ocean. The Arenal region is a paradise for hot springs enthusiasts, particularly during the dry season (December to April) but also enjoyable during the shoulder season (May to August), when the crowds are smaller and prices are more affordable.

The ideal time to explore Costa Rica's beaches

• Optimal months: December–April (Pacific coast), August–October (Caribbean coast)

Costa Rica’s dry season boasts daytime temperatures in the mid-80s, providing the best opportunities for perfect beach weather. Beaches that feature gentle waves and stunning views include those at Manuel Antonio National Park and Samara on the Pacific coast, as well as Playa Chiquita on the Caribbean side.

The weather on the Caribbean coast differs significantly from that in the rest of the country: If it's raining elsewhere in Costa Rica, the Caribbean often enjoys ideal beach conditions from August to October.

The optimal time to visit Costa Rica for surfing

• Ideal months: December–April (for beginners), May–September (for advanced surfers), December–January on the Caribbean coast (for experts)

Surfing is a major attraction here throughout the year, with countless breaks available on both coasts. Beginners typically find the best conditions during the dry season, from December to April. For those seeking larger waves, the rainy season from May to September offers powerful swells (while avoiding the heavy rains of October and November). This applies to surf spots on the Nicoya Peninsula, the Central coast, and the legendary surf town of Pavones on the southern Pacific coast, famous for its left-breaking wave that provides the longest ride in the country.

On the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo features Salsa Brava, a formidable wave that rises from deep water and crashes onto a shallow reef. This right reef break is the largest wave in Costa Rica, presenting its most challenging conditions in December and January.

The prime time to explore Costa Rica for birdwatching

• Optimal months: December–April

Costa Rica boasts nearly 900 neotropical bird species, including macaws, hummingbirds, and the stunning resplendent quetzal. This bird, known for its extraordinarily long iridescent green tail, can be seen in Monteverde Cloudforest Preserve and Los Quetzales National Park, particularly between January and March. In the northern region, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge attracts millions of birds that come to winter from December to April. The dry season is also an excellent time to visit Palo Verde National Park to spot species such as the roseate spoonbill, white ibis, and the endangered jabiru stork.

The ideal time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife observation

• Optimal months: July–August, May–November

Throughout the year, you can spot monkeys, sloths, and raccoon-like coatimundis. If you’re a sea turtle enthusiast, plan your visit during the arrivadas, when thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. On the Caribbean coast, nesting is most active in July and August. Meanwhile, on the Pacific coast, you can encounter massive leatherback turtles at Las Baulas National Marine Park or olive ridleys at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge; nesting peaks during the rainy season from May through November.

The prime time to visit Costa Rica for snorkeling and scuba diving

• Optimal months: December–April, September–October

While diving is excellent year-round, the best visibility along Costa Rica’s west coast occurs from December to April. For snorkeling, calm and secluded bays are ideal; consider Playa Bassey or Playa Penca in Northern Guanacaste, or Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific. If you’re looking to explore deeper waters, Isla del Caño, a biological reserve off the Osa Peninsula, is among the top locations in the country for observing reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and sharks.

In contrast to the rest of the country, the Caribbean coast tends to be dry during September and October, offering improved visibility. Explore Cahuita National Park to see the diverse marine life, including blue parrotfish, sea horses, rays, and reef sharks.

The ideal time to visit Costa Rica to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture

• Optimal months: Year-round

You can explore Indigenous culture at any time of the year. Travel southeast to the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo, where native Cabécar, Bribrí, and Kèköldi guides lead tours of their ancestral lands. They share insights about the area's natural history as well as the food, traditions, and culture of their communities. ATEC is a reputable ecotourism company that organizes these experiences. (August to October typically offers better weather for such tours.)

If you find yourself in Costa Rica around New Year’s, be sure to witness the Boruca’s Dance of the Devils, a ritual that reenacts the Spanish Conquest. Dancers don intricate wooden masks believed to grant the power to combat the malevolence of the Spanish invaders.