Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Dry & Green Season Guide
The best time to visit Costa Rica is the dry season (mid-December–April) for sun, or the May/November shoulders for value, wildlife and green landscapes. Full regional season guide.
Quick answer
The best time to visit Costa Rica is the dry season, mid-December to April — sunny, reliable weather ideal for beaches, wildlife and adventure, especially on the Pacific side. The green (wet) season, May to November, brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds and lower prices, with rain typically arriving as afternoon showers. Wildlife is rewarding year-round, and the Caribbean coast follows its own pattern, staying relatively drier around September–October.
Key takeaways
- Dry season: mid-December–April — the sunniest, most popular and priciest window.
- Green season: May–November — lush, quieter and cheaper, with mostly afternoon rain.
- Peak crowds/price: Christmas–New Year and Easter week; book far ahead.
- Caribbean coast differs — it can be drier and lovely around September–October when the Pacific is wettest.
- Wildlife is a year-round draw; specific events like turtle nesting follow seasonal calendars.
The short answer
Costa Rica has two seasons: the dry “verano” and the wet “invierno” or green season. The dry season is the classic choice for guaranteed sun; the green season trades some rain for lush scenery, thinner crowds and better value — and it’s far from a washout, since rain usually holds off until the afternoon.
Costa Rica month by month
| Month | Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Apr | Dry | Sunny, warm; drier | Peak & best weather |
| May–Jun | Green begins | Green; afternoon rain | Good value |
| Jul–Aug | Green (dry spell) | Often a short drier spell | Good |
| Sep–Oct | Green (wettest) | Wettest on Pacific | Caribbean better |
| Nov | Green ends | Drying out | Good, quiet |
Dry vs green season
Dry season (mid-December–April)
Sunny and reliable, especially on the Pacific coast and in the northwest (Guanacaste), which is the driest region. Prime time for beaches, surfing, zip-lining and hiking with clear skies. It’s peak season, so expect higher prices and busy hotspots — and book Christmas–New Year and Easter well in advance, as these are the busiest weeks of all.
Green season (May–November)
The countryside turns brilliantly green, waterfalls swell and crowds and prices drop. Rain usually arrives as an afternoon or evening downpour, leaving mornings clear for activities — plan your outdoor time early. A short drier spell (the veranillo) often appears around July–August. September and October are the wettest on the Pacific but, crucially, some of the best on the Caribbean coast.
Two coasts, two patterns
The Pacific follows the classic dry/green calendar. The Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) marches to its own beat, often enjoying sunny spells in September–October when the Pacific is soaked — handy for green-season trips.
Wildlife and nature timing
Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity is visible year-round, but some highlights are seasonal: sea-turtle nesting runs on species- and beach-specific calendars (broadly mid-year into autumn on parts of both coasts), and the green season’s lushness brings vivid birdlife. Ask locally about what’s active during your dates.
When it’s cheapest and when to avoid
Best value is the green season (May–November), especially outside the mid-summer weeks. Best weather is the dry season. Avoid the Christmas, New Year and Easter peaks unless you book early and accept premium prices.
How long to go
Ten days to two weeks lets you pair a volcano/cloud-forest region (Arenal, Monteverde) with a Pacific beach and some wildlife time. Roads can be slow and winding, so build in travel buffers.
Weather and temperatures in detail
Costa Rica’s temperature depends more on altitude than season. The coasts and lowlands are hot and humid at around 25–32°C (77–90°F) year-round, while the Central Valley (San José) enjoys a spring-like mildness and the cloud forests (Monteverde) are distinctly cool and misty at roughly 15–22°C (59–72°F). What changes with the seasons is rainfall, not heat — so a single trip mixing coast and highlands means packing for both warm beaches and cool, damp forest.
What to pack
- Year-round: light clothing, strong sun protection, insect repellent, and quick-dry layers.
- Green season: a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear for muddy trails.
- Cloud forest: a warm layer — Monteverde is cooler and mistier than the coast.