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Costa Rica

With lush rainforests, bubbling volcanoes and colourful wildlife, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. Located in Central America, the diversity in this small country is breathtaking with verdant valleys and tropical rainforests hosting 5% of the world’s biodiversity including ficus trees, orchids, jaguars and monkeys. Costa Rica is also one of the world’s best places for birdwatching, with dozens of species of parrots, hummingbirds and falcons. In addition, Costa Rica is blessed with outstanding beaches on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, which provide the perfect opportunities for snorkelling, diving, fishing and surfing.

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What you’ll love most about Costa Rica

  • Visit the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, and explore the nearby hot springs and hiking trails
  • Relax on the beaches of Costa Rica, such as Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, or Puerto Viejo, or go surfing or paddleboarding in the nearby waters
  • Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a protected area that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the elusive resplendent quetzal
  • Head into Tortuguero National Park, a remote park accessible only by boat or plane, that is famous for its sea turtle nesting grounds
  • Go on a rafting or kayaking adventure down the Pacuare River, one of the best whitewater rivers in the world
  • Explore the Osa Peninsula, a remote region of Costa Rica known for its rainforests, beaches, and wildlife, including the elusive jaguar
  • Visit Corcovado National Park, a remote park that is home to 13 different ecosystems and a vast array of wildlife, including tapirs, sloths, and macaws
  • Hiking the lush Costa Rica rainforest

  • Arenal Volcano and lake

  • Keelbilled Toucan Costa Rica

  • Manuel Antonio National Park, aerial view, Costa Rica

  • Blue Botos Lagoon near Poas Volcano

  • Cute sloth, Costa Rica

  • La Fortuna Waterfall, forest and river, Costa Rica

  • Surfing in Costa Rica

  • Corcovado National Park on Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 26℃
  • 29℃
  • 30℃
  • 30℃
  • 29℃
  • 28℃
  • 28℃
  • 28℃
  • 28℃
  • 25℃
  • 26℃
  • 26℃
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • 10
  • 23
  • 24
  • 22
  • 24
  • 27
  • 27
  • 19
  • 10

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

January is part of the dry season, making it one of the best months to visit Costa Rica. With plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 25°C to 30°C, it’s perfect for exploring the Pacific beaches, visiting national parks, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and zip-lining. It’s also a popular time for wildlife viewing, especially in places like Manuel Antonio.

February

February continues with excellent dry weather, with temperatures similar to January. It’s an ideal month for beach holidays on the Pacific coast, as well as visiting rainforests and volcanoes. Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula are particularly popular during this time, with minimal rainfall and beautiful sunny days.

March

March is still part of the dry season, and temperatures can be hot, particularly in the lowlands and beaches, sometimes exceeding 30°C. It’s a fantastic time for snorkelling, surfing and wildlife watching. Easter celebrations, especially in rural areas, bring a festive atmosphere to the country.

April

April is the tail end of the dry season, with warm temperatures and clear skies, especially on the Pacific coast. It’s a great time to enjoy beach towns like Tamarindo or Nosara. Inland areas remain lush, and it’s a perfect month for outdoor adventures like rafting, hiking, and canopy tours. Rain may start to return toward the end of the month.

May

May marks the beginning of the green season, with more frequent afternoon showers, especially on the Caribbean coast. However, mornings are often sunny, and the rain brings vibrant greenery to the landscape. It’s a quieter time for tourism, making it great for enjoying less crowded beaches and national parks.

June

There's more rain in June, but it’s usually in the afternoons, leaving mornings clear for activities. The rainforest is particularly lush, making it an excellent time for wildlife spotting, especially in places like the Osa Peninsula and Monteverde. It’s still warm, with temperatures averaging around 26°C, and fewer tourists mean better deals on accommodations.

July

July offers a “mini dry season” known as veranillo, which brings a temporary break from the rains. This is a great time for visiting both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with sunny mornings and occasional showers. The countryside is green and beautiful, and it’s an ideal time for adventure sports like white-water rafting or zip-lining.

August

August sees a return of regular rainfall, but it’s still a popular time to visit Costa Rica. Rainforests are lush and full of life, and turtle nesting season begins on the Caribbean coast, making it a fantastic time for wildlife enthusiasts. Despite the rain, mornings are often clear, and temperatures remain warm.

September

September is one of the rainiest months, particularly on the Pacific coast. However, the Caribbean coast experiences drier weather, making it a great time to visit areas like Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero. It’s low season, so travellers can enjoy lower prices and fewer tourists, though some roads and attractions may be affected by the rain.

October

Similar to September, October is rainy on the Pacific side but drier on the Caribbean side, where the weather is ideal for beach vacations and wildlife watching. The national parks are lush, and the rainforests are vibrant with wildlife. This is also a great time for sea turtle viewing in Tortuguero National Park.

November

November marks the transition back to the dry season, with rainfall tapering off by mid-month. It’s a good time to visit before the crowds arrive, with warm temperatures and lush landscapes still fresh from the rainy season. The Pacific coast begins to clear up, making it a great time to explore places like Manuel Antonio and the Nicoya Peninsula.

December

This month sees the start of Costa Rica’s peak season, with dry weather returning and temperatures around 25°C to 28°C. It’s a festive time as Christmas and New Year bring celebrations throughout the country. The Pacific coast is a top destination during this month, offering perfect beach weather and excellent conditions for outdoor activities.

Our Ratings

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