gowhereandwhen.comGo in the dry season, December to April, for the sunniest weather and easiest travel. The green season, May to November, brings warm afternoon rains, cheaper stays and dripping, vivid forests. The Caribbean coast runs to its own rhythm.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for San Jose. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
Costa Rica keeps it simple with a dry season and a green one. San Jose, in the central highlands, anchors the ratings, where the dry months from December to April bring sunshine and the easiest conditions, and the rains return as afternoon storms from May.
The green season is not a washout: mornings are often clear, the rain comes later in the day, prices drop and the rainforest hums with wildlife. The one local twist is the Caribbean coast around Tortuguero, which is wetter in the middle of the year and drier around September and October.
Costa Rica month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for San Jose.
JanuaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 6 mm
Warm and dry.
FebruaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 27°C / 81°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 10 mm
Warm and dry.
MarchWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 28°C / 82°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 14 mm
Warm and dry.
AprilWarm with a little rain.Ideal 86
- Daytime high
- 28°C / 82°F
- Overnight low
- 17°C / 63°F
- Rainfall
- 80 mm
Warm with a little rain.
MayWarm and very wet, monsoon rains.Good 47
- Daytime high
- 27°C / 81°F
- Overnight low
- 17°C / 63°F
- Rainfall
- 230 mm
Warm and very wet, monsoon rains.
JuneWarm and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 40
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 17°C / 63°F
- Rainfall
- 280 mm
Warm and very wet, monsoon rains.
JulyWarm and wet.Good 51
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
Warm and wet.
AugustWarm and very wet, monsoon rains.Good 46
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 240 mm
Warm and very wet, monsoon rains.
SeptemberWarm and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 29
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 355 mm
Warm and very wet, monsoon rains.
OctoberWarm and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 37
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 300 mm
Warm and very wet, monsoon rains.
NovemberWarm and wet.Great 62
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 140 mm
Warm and wet.
DecemberWarm and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Warm and dry.
Where you go changes when you go
The Pacific coast and Guanacaste
The driest, sunniest region, best from December to April for the beaches and the dry tropical forest.
Monteverde and the highlands
Cool cloud forest, misty much of the year, with the clearest views in the dry season.
The Caribbean and Tortuguero
Wetter through much of the year, with a drier, calmer window around September and October.
Best time to visit Costa Rica for
Beaches and surfing
December to April on the Pacific for sunny, dry days, with the green season bringing bigger surf and fewer crowds.
Wildlife and rainforest
The green season, when the forests are dense and alive with wildlife, or the dry season for easier access and clearer trails.
Turtle nesting
July to October at Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, when green turtles come ashore.
Low season
May, June and the green season for better rates, fewer crowds and vivid, green landscapes.
What is on, and when
Turtle nesting, July to Oct
Green turtles nest on the Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero through the late summer.
Dry-season beaches, Dec to Apr
The Pacific coast is at its sunniest and driest, prime time for the beaches.
Watch out
Rainy season
May to Nov.
Where to stay in Costa Rica
Compare places to stay around San Jose. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Is the green season a bad time to visit?
When is the best time for the Caribbean coast?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.
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