Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Last updated: November 9, 2025
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise bursting with biodiversity — where rainforests meet volcanoes, and pristine beaches line both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring national parks, or relaxing in a beachside hammock, Costa Rica’s year-round warmth makes it a perfect escape. The best time to visit depends on whether you prefer sunny days or lush green landscapes.
🌸 Dry Season (December – April): Sunshine, Beaches, and Adventure
The dry season, known locally as verano (summer), is the best time to visit Costa Rica for sunshine and outdoor activities. The Pacific coast is warm and dry, making it ideal for beach holidays, surfing, and exploring national parks.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (25–32 °C)
- Perfect for beaches in Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula, and Manuel Antonio
- Excellent wildlife spotting in Corcovado and Monteverde
- Peak travel season with lively towns and outdoor festivals
☀️ Shoulder Months (May – June): Green Beginnings and Fewer Crowds
May and June mark the transition between dry and wet seasons. Rain showers become more frequent, usually in the afternoons, while mornings remain sunny and clear. The landscapes turn lush and green, and accommodation prices drop significantly.
Highlights:
- Warm temperatures (24–31 °C)
- Ideal mix of sunshine and light rain
- Great value for hotels and tours
- Fewer crowds in popular areas like Arenal and Monteverde
🍂 Rainy Season (May – November): Lush Landscapes and Wildlife Encounters
The rainy season, or invierno (winter), brings regular afternoon showers but also incredible natural beauty. Rivers swell for white-water rafting, rainforests thrive with wildlife, and everything turns a vivid shade of green. This is also the best time to see nesting sea turtles on the Caribbean coast.
Highlights:
- Warm, humid weather (24–30 °C)
- Turtle nesting in Tortuguero (July – October)
- Rainforest treks and fewer tourists
- Dramatic waterfalls and vibrant scenery
❄️ Caribbean Coast Season (September – October): Hidden Sunshine
While the Pacific side is rainy in September and October, the Caribbean coast enjoys its driest and sunniest period. It’s the perfect time to explore Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo — regions known for reggae vibes, coral reefs, and wildlife-filled jungles.
Highlights:
- Temperatures around 28–32 °C
- Calm Caribbean seas ideal for diving and snorkelling
- Colourful festivals and relaxed local culture
- Great for exploring rainforests and beaches without crowds
🇨🇷 In Summary
- Best for beaches and sunshine: December – April
- Best for lush scenery and fewer crowds: May – June
- Best for turtle nesting and rainforest experiences: July – October
- Best for Caribbean coast adventures: September – October
From the cloud forests of Monteverde and the volcanoes of Arenal to the beaches of Tamarindo and the rainforests of Tortuguero, Costa Rica is a country that celebrates nature in every form. Whether you visit for adventure, relaxation, or wildlife, pura vida — the pure life — awaits you in every season.
Top Travel Tips for Costa Rica
✅ GOOD NEWS: Visa Not Required (for most)
Visitors from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of the EU do not need a visa for stays up to 90 or 180 days. However, you must have proof of onward travel (a ticket exiting the country) to be allowed entry.
ℹ️ Currency: Colones (CRC) & US Dollars (USD)
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, US Dollars are widely accepted in all tourist areas. It's best to have both: use USD for larger expenses like hotels and tours, and use Colones for smaller purchases like local sodas (eateries), taxis, and markets for a better exchange rate.
ℹ️ Tipping: 10% Service is Included
By law, all restaurants add a 10% service charge ("propina" or "servicio") and a 13% sales tax to the bill. You will see this itemized on your check. Tipping *extra* is not mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service (an additional 5-10% is generous). Tipping tour guides and hotel staff is optional but very welcome.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Tap Water
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most cities and tourist areas (like San José, Arenal). However, it's advisable to stick to bottled water in remote areas and along the coastal regions (like Guanacaste, Nicoya, and the Caribbean coast), especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Power Plugs (US Style)
Costa Rica uses Type A and B plug sockets, the same as in the USA and Canada. The standard voltage is 120V. Visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia, etc., will need a simple plug adapter, but not usually a voltage converter for most modern electronics.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Departure Tax (Check Your Ticket)
There is a $29 USD departure tax. However, most major airlines now include this in your ticket price. Before you go to the airport, check your airline ticket confirmation to see if the "Departure Tax" is listed. If it is not, you will have to pay it at the airport before checking in for your flight.
Things to do in Costa Rica
See sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park, zip-line through the Monteverde cloud forest, see the majestic Arenal Volcano, or explore the turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero. Book your tours and activities easily via our trusted partners: