What is the dry season in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's dry season runs from mid-December through April on the Pacific coast. "Dry" means virtually zero rain, strong sunshine, and lower humidity. Guanacaste (North Pacific) has the most extreme dry season, with no meaningful rain from November through April and temperatures regularly above 95°F (35°C). The Central Pacific is milder. The Caribbean coast has its own patterns and is not synchronized with Pacific dry season.

When is Costa Rica cheapest to visit?

September and October are the cheapest months on the Pacific coast, with accommodations running 40–50% below high season rates. The tradeoff is that September is the wettest month, with the most unpredictable rain windows. For the best balance of low cost and usable weather, May and June are the practical answer: prices have dropped 30–40% from peak, but mornings are still clear enough for beach days, surf, and fishing.

What months should you avoid in Costa Rica?

No month is universally bad. It depends on what you're doing and which coast you're on. The months that require the most flexibility: **September on the Pacific coast:** Heaviest, most unpredictable rains of the year. Some days are fine; some days are genuinely locked in. If you can't handle weather delays, avoid September on the Pacific. **June through August on the Caribbean coast:** The Caribbean's wet season. Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero see their heaviest, most persistent rainfall June through August. If you're planning a Caribbean itinerary, target February–April or September–October instead — those are the dry windows. **Semana Santa (late March/early April):** Not bad in terms of weather — it's prime dry season. But beaches overflow, highways clog, and properties sell out. You either embrace the festive chaos with advanced bookings, or you plan around it.

Is Costa Rica good to visit in April, May, or June?

**April** is excellent in the first half (dry season continues) and genuinely good value in the second half (post-Easter prices drop before rains arrive). The week after Semana Santa is one of the best-value weeks of the year. **May** is underrated. Morning weather on the Pacific is still pleasant, rains are manageable afternoon affairs, and prices have dropped 30–40%. Green season activities (surfing, fishing variety, wildlife) are ramping up. **June** is solidly good for surfers, anglers, and budget travelers. Rains are heavier than May but still follow the predictable morning-clear pattern. Less ideal for beach-focused visitors who want guaranteed full-day sunshine.

When is the best time to fish in Costa Rica?

For the Pacific coast, there isn't a bad time. What changes is the target species. December through April is peak sailfish season, concentrated around Los Sueños, Quepos, and Guanacaste. The Triple Crown tournament series at Los Sueños (January–March) marks the pinnacle of the sailfish fishery. June through October delivers the most diverse offshore fishing: blue and black marlin, dorado, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna are all in season simultaneously. Many experienced captains cite August as their best month of the year. Inshore fishing (roosterfish, snapper, cubera, jack) is productive year-round and is a strong option for families or anyone who wants shorter trips without going far offshore.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide

Costa Rica has two seasons, not four. And once you understand how those two seasons interact with the country’s different coastlines, you’ll realize that “when should I go?” has a very different answer depending on where you’re going and what you want to do.

The country is small (roughly the size of West Virginia), but it packs in a Pacific coast, a Caribbean coast, a central mountain range, and lowland rainforests, each with its own weather pattern. December is dry and gorgeous on the Pacific. It can be wet and overcast on the Caribbean. What’s the worst month on one coast is sometimes the best on another.

This guide breaks it down by month, by region, and by activity. It’s the kind of thing a local would tell you over coffee before you booked your flights.

The Two Seasons: A Country-Wide Overview

Dry season (verano) runs from mid-December through April on most of the Pacific coast. Clear skies, offshore breezes, and dramatically lower humidity. The coast turns golden and dry. Guanacaste in particular goes from lush green to parched savanna by March. It’s stunning and very popular, which means prices reflect that.

Green season (invierno) runs from May through mid-November on the Pacific. This is a rain pattern, not a monsoon lockdown. The typical day: clear mornings, cloud buildup through midday, a proper tropical downpour from roughly 2–5pm, then often clearing again by evening. You adjust your schedule around it and it barely touches your day.

September is the exception. On the Pacific coast, September brings heavier, earlier, less predictable rain. It’s the one month where you need real flexibility.

The Caribbean coast runs opposite to the Pacific. Its driest windows are roughly February through April, and again in September through October, the months when the Pacific coast is at its wettest. If you want rainforest and Caribbean culture without the Pacific’s green-season soakings, those are your windows.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January ☀️

Dry season in full swing on the Pacific. This is peak travel season and the prices prove it. January is when Costa Rica tourism reaches its highest gear: families from North America, European travelers on extended holidays, and fishing groups targeting the sailfish peak.

Guanacaste is golden and hot (95°F+/35°C is common). The Central Pacific coast, from Herradura through Jacó and south, has cleaner, calmer surf conditions. Los Sueños Marina comes alive with the Triple Crown Leg 1 in late January, drawing the best offshore sportfishing fleets in Central America.

Scarlet macaws are nesting at Carara National Park (15 minutes north of Jacó) through April. Early morning visits produce reliable sightings of flocks in the treetops.

Crowds and cost: Very high. Properties in the Los Sueños and Jacó corridor are 30–50% above green season rates. The best villas and fishing charters book months out.

February ☀️

If you’re asking which one month is the overall best in Costa Rica, February is the honest answer. The dry season is at its most pleasant: lower humidity than January, reliable sunshine, calm Pacific swells, and cool enough mornings that beach days don’t feel like survival exercises.

The Los Sueños Triple Crown Leg 2 runs late February. Carara macaws are active. Surf at Playa Hermosa is manageable for intermediate levels. Snorkeling, golf, and catamaran tours are all in ideal conditions.

Crowds and cost: Very high. Valentine’s week and school vacation push demand. Book 2–3 months ahead for any quality property.

March ☀️

Warmest month of the year on the Pacific coast, and the tail end of the classic dry season. By late March, daytime temperatures in Guanacaste can hit 97–100°F (36–38°C) and the landscape looks genuinely arid. On the Central Pacific, it’s milder.

The Triple Crown Leg 3 (mid-to-late March) closes out the tournament season at Los Sueños.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) falls in late March or early April. Tens of thousands of San José families head to the coast. Beaches fill up. Route 27 traffic is severe on travel days. Thursday and Friday of Holy Week are mandatory national holidays; many businesses close entirely. Book 2–3 months ahead if you want to be there, or plan to arrive before March 25 to beat the rush.

Crowds and cost: Very high through mid-March; Semana Santa pushes it to the absolute peak of the year.

April ⛅

A transitional month that rewards timing. Before Easter: dry season conditions, high crowds. After Easter (typically mid-April): the coast clears out almost overnight. Prices drop 15–25%, beaches open up, and the same properties that were fully booked in February suddenly have availability.

The first rains usually arrive mid-to-late April as afternoon showers that bring the hillsides back to green. Surf swells start building from the south, marking the beginning of the transition toward green season conditions.

Crowds and cost: Very high through Easter, then shoulder pricing. The week after Semana Santa is one of the best-value times on the entire coast.

May 🌧️

Green season begins. The Pacific gets its first real rains, prices fall, and the crowds disappear. May is a great month that often gets overlooked.

Mornings are still clear enough for surf, fishing, and beach time. Rains are afternoon and manageable. South Pacific swells start filling in, and surf at Playa Hermosa and Jacó begins building toward its best conditions of the year. Offshore fishing at Los Sueños transitions from sailfish toward marlin, dorado, and wahoo.

Accommodations drop 30–40% from peak. The pools are less crowded. Restaurant waits disappear.

Best for: First-time green season visitors, surfers, budget-conscious travelers who still want decent beach days.

June 🌧️

The Pacific coast is deep in green season, and the rewards are real. The coast turns intense green. Waterfalls that were barely running in March now run full. The air is cleaner.

Surf at Playa Hermosa and Jacó reaches its first serious peaks: consistent south swells with long period and real power. The offshore fishing pivot is complete — blue marlin, black marlin, dorado, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna are all in season. Some captains call June their favorite month to fish.

Most years, late June brings a brief dry spell called the “veranillo” (little summer) — typically a week or two of clearer Pacific weather right in the middle of the rainy season. Not reliable enough to plan a trip around, but a welcome break if it falls during your stay.

The Caribbean coast gets some of its heaviest rains in June and July. If you’re planning a Caribbean itinerary, delay it until September.

Crowds and cost: Low. Rates are 30–45% below dry season peak.

July 🌧️

July is when green season hits full stride. Rains are heavier, especially in the afternoons and evenings. But July is also when some of Costa Rica’s most compelling wildlife events begin.

Olive ridley sea turtles start nesting at Playa Hermosa and Ostional (Guanacaste) from July through December. Green turtles at Tortuguero (Caribbean coast) are at peak nesting activity in July and August. Tortuguero’s turtle season is one of the most visited wildlife experiences in the country.

Southern Hemisphere humpback whales arrive in Costa Rica’s Pacific waters from July through October. The best viewing zones are the Osa Peninsula and Marino Ballena National Park (Uvita, southern Pacific), where humpbacks feed and breed in the warm waters. This is the longer of Costa Rica’s two annual whale migrations.

Surf is powerful and consistent on the Central Pacific. Not beginner conditions.

Crowds and cost: Low on the Pacific coast. Tortuguero gets busy specifically for turtles.

August 🌧️

August is peak green season and the best offshore fishing month of the year for many captains at Los Sueños. Blue marlin and black marlin are concentrated, yellowfin tuna runs are strong, and dorado are thick. The ocean is bigger, but mornings before the swells build can produce flat-calm conditions close to shore.

Humpback whales continue through August. Turtle nesting at Playa Hermosa and Ostional is active. Baby turtle releases from nests laid in July begin appearing at Playa Hermosa around October.

Crowds and cost: Very low on the Pacific. Rates are among the lowest of the year.

September 🌧️

Wettest month on the Pacific coast. No sugar-coating it: September brings the least predictable rain pattern of the year. Rains arrive earlier in the day, linger longer, and the beach windows are narrower.

That said, September is when the Caribbean coast tends to dry out. Tortuguero is quieter after the main turtle rush. Puerto Viejo and the southern Caribbean have some of their clearest weather of the year.

For the Pacific coast, September is purely for those who can afford maximum flexibility and want maximum budget. Rates are 40–50% below peak, sometimes more. A villa that costs $1,000/night in February might go for $500 in September. If you’re working remotely and willing to surf in the rain, this is when Los Sueños and Jacó area properties hit their absolute floor.

Crowds and cost: Lowest of the year on the Pacific.

October 🌧️

Rains begin easing on the Pacific coast through October, sometimes dramatically in the second half. The Caribbean coast, by contrast, is in its second dry window of the year: September and October are among the driest months in Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero. With turtle hatchlings still emerging on Caribbean beaches and crowds well below the July–August peak, October is actually one of the better times for a Caribbean itinerary.

The Pacific is still cheap. Wildlife carries over from September: olive ridley turtles are still nesting, and baby hatchlings from July nests start emerging. The last of the Southern Hemisphere humpbacks are present through early October.

November ⛅

One of the most underrated months for the Pacific coast. Rains ease significantly, prices are still well below peak (15–25% below dry season), and crowds haven’t returned yet. You get most of the benefits of green season (affordability, fewer people) with increasingly reliable weather as the month progresses.

The Caribbean starts to clear out as well. November is a reasonable time to do a Pacific-to-Caribbean itinerary within the same trip.

Humpback whale watching wraps up by early November. Sea turtle nesting at Playa Hermosa runs through December.

Crowds and cost: Shoulder season. Good value with improving weather.

December ☀️

Two very different halves of the month. Early December: still getting some Pacific rain, prices still at shoulder, fewer crowds. Mid-December onward: the dry season returns, Christmas holiday pricing kicks in, and the coast fills up rapidly.

Christmas through New Year’s is peak of peak: rates can match or exceed January and February. The best properties sell out months ahead.

Sailfish start appearing in Los Sueños waters in December, building toward the January peak. The full seasonal fishing breakdown for Los Sueños covers this in detail.

Crowds and cost: Low in early December, then highest of the year by Christmas week.

Regional Differences

Guanacaste and the North Pacific (Gulf of Papagayo, Tamarindo, Playa del Coco)

Guanacaste is the driest region in Costa Rica. The dry season runs a full five months (mid-November through April) and feels more extreme than elsewhere. Temperatures reach 95–100°F in March and April, the landscape becomes semi-arid, and the beaches deliver the classic postcard look: white sand, blue water, zero clouds.

The North Pacific surf calendar runs opposite to the Central Pacific. Pacific northwest swells from November through March produce the best surf at Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point, and Tamarindo. This makes Guanacaste ideal for dry-season surfing: at the same time the Central Pacific goes flat, the north is getting real swell.

Guanacaste’s waters also see humpback whales, with the most reliable sightings in the Gulf of Papagayo falling in July and August, when Southern Hemisphere humpbacks pass through. Northern Hemisphere humpbacks are occasionally spotted December through March, though sightings are less predictable than at the Osa Peninsula or Uvita further south.

Central Pacific (Los Sueños, Herradura, Jacó, Playa Hermosa, Manuel Antonio)

The Central Pacific has a more moderate dry season than Guanacaste: less extreme heat, greener hillsides even in March. Los Sueños and Jacó are the activity hubs in this corridor, offering sport fishing, surf, wildlife, golf, and a full-service marina.

Surf here runs best May–October on south swells. Sailfish peak December–April. Green season is the best budget window and, for surfers and offshore anglers, often the better trip.

For a deep dive into the Central Pacific specifically, the seasonal guide for Los Sueños covers fishing tournaments, surf events, turtle nesting, and month-by-month specifics.

Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Cahuita)

Visiting the Caribbean requires different timing logic. The driest windows are February–April and September–October. June through August is the wet season on the Caribbean coast. The months when the Pacific coast is at its rainiest are often the Caribbean’s best.

The Caribbean coast has a distinct character from the Pacific. The pace is slower, the food is different (rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, fresh seafood), and the jungle feels denser. Tortuguero is one of the most important green turtle nesting sites in the Western Hemisphere, with nesting season running July through October and peaking in July and August.

Plan a Caribbean itinerary for February/March or September through October for reliable weather. Those chasing turtle hatchlings will find September and October especially rewarding at Tortuguero.

Central Valley and San José

San José and the Central Valley sit at 3,500–4,000 feet elevation, keeping temperatures mild year-round (65–80°F/18–27°C). Rain follows the standard Pacific pattern but the mountains moderate it.

If you’re doing a multi-region itinerary and flying in through Juan Santamaría, a day or two in San José or Escazú at the start or end is worth considering. The food scene is legitimately good, and the logistics of reaching Arenal, Monteverde, or Manuel Antonio are much easier from the Central Valley.

Best Months for Specific Activities

Surfing

The answer depends entirely on which coast.

Central and South Pacific (Jacó, Playa Hermosa, Dominical, Santa Teresa): May through October. South swells generated by Southern Hemisphere storms push long-period waves directly into southwest-facing beaches. June through September is peak: head-high to well overhead at Playa Hermosa during good swells. Not beginner conditions during this window. For learners, November through April offers smaller, cleaner surf.

North Pacific (Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Nosara): November through March. Northwest swells from North Pacific storms are the driver. The offshore island breaks (Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point) are best accessed December–March by boat.

One rule that holds everywhere: surf before 9am. Onshore winds pick up by midmorning on virtually every Costa Rica beach, chopping the surface regardless of season.

Sport Fishing

Los Sueños is one of the top offshore fishing destinations in the world, and it fishes well year-round. What changes is the target:

December through April: Peak Pacific sailfish season. Calm seas, high concentrations 8–12 miles from the marina, and the Triple Crown tournament circuit running January through March. Best for sailfish-specific trips and anyone prone to seasickness (the ocean is calmer).

May through November: Blue marlin, black marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Some of the highest-volume fishing days at Los Sueños happen in August and September. Charter rates are lower, and the diversity of species is higher. Inshore fishing (roosterfish, snapper, jack) is strong all year.

See the Los Sueños fishing guide for charter details and what to expect by species.

Wildlife and Turtle Nesting

Costa Rica has three main turtle species nesting on its beaches, and the timing is staggered:

Leatherback turtles at Playa Grande (Guanacaste): October through March. Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle in the world. Las Baulas National Park runs guided night tours during nesting season.

Green turtles at Tortuguero (Caribbean): July through October, peaking July–August. Tortuguero’s turtle population is one of the largest in the Atlantic. The experience requires a multi-day trip (no roads reach the park).

Olive ridley turtles at Playa Hermosa and Ostional (Pacific): July through December. Ostional hosts mass arrivals called “arribadas,” where thousands of turtles nest simultaneously, one of the most dramatic wildlife events in the world and completely unknown to most visitors. Playa Hermosa’s season is quieter but highly accessible from Jacó or Los Sueños: it’s a 10-minute drive, and conservation groups run night tours.

Scarlet macaws at Carara National Park: Nesting season January through April. Early morning visits (6–9am) to the park, located near the Tárcoles River estuary, consistently produce macaw sightings.

Whale Watching

Costa Rica is one of very few places in the world where you can see humpback whales from two completely different populations in a single year.

North Pacific humpbacks: Occasionally spotted December through March in the Gulf of Papagayo, though sightings are less predictable than the Southern Hemisphere migration. For Guanacaste specifically, July–August (Southern Hemisphere) is the more reliable whale watching window.

Southern Hemisphere humpbacks: July through October along the entire Pacific coast, with the best concentration around Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita and the Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez).

The Southern Hemisphere migration (July–October) is the longer and more reliable of the two. Tours depart from Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez on the Osa.

Hiking and Cloud Forests

Monteverde and Arenal are the two iconic cloud forest and volcano destinations, both accessible year-round from San José (3–4 hour drives).

Dry season (December–April): Better visibility for volcano views. Arenal on a clear day is extraordinary. Quetzal nesting season peaks at higher elevations: San Gerardo de Dota near San José is the best place to see resplendent quetzals, with nesting running late January through May.

Green season (May–November): Monteverde’s hanging bridges drip with moisture and the flora is lush. Fewer tourists on trails. The cloud forest is technically more alive in the wet season: more amphibians, more insects, more bird activity at feeders.

One practical note: the road to Monteverde is unpaved for a significant stretch regardless of season. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.

Budget Guide: Cheapest and Most Expensive Months

Season	Months	Accommodation Cost vs Green Season Baseline
Peak of peak	Dec 20–Jan 5, Semana Santa	+50–70%
High season	January–March	+30–50%
Shoulder	April (post-Easter), November, early December	+15–25%
Green season	May–October	Baseline
Cheapest	September–October	40–50% below high season

Practical examples: A villa at Los Sueños that runs $600/night in January might go for $350 in September. A fishing charter that books at $1,800/day in February could be available for $1,200 in August. Flights follow a similar pattern, though not as dramatically.

The sweet spot for budget travelers who still want good weather: May and June. Prices have dropped 30–40% from peak, mornings are still clear, and the surf is starting to pick up.

For absolute minimum spend, September and October deliver the lowest rates on the Pacific coast, but you need real weather flexibility.

Practical Advice

How Far Ahead to Book

Christmas/New Year’s and Semana Santa: 4–6 months ahead. The best properties are gone earlier than that.
Triple Crown tournament weeks (late Jan, late Feb, mid-March): 2–4 months ahead for marina-adjacent properties and fishing charters.
Regular high season (January–March): 6–8 weeks for decent selection.
Green season: Often available with 1–2 weeks notice. Last-minute deals are real.

What to Pack

Dry season: Light breathable clothes, SPF 50+ sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (mandatory for offshore fishing), wide-brim hat. Water shoes or sandals for dark volcanic sand beaches, which get burning hot by noon. One light layer for air-conditioned shuttles and restaurants.

Green season: A compact packable rain jacket (Patagonia Torrentshell or similar is the gold standard). Quick-dry everything. DEET-based bug repellent for dusk wildlife activities. Waterproof dry bag for any boat activity: a $15 dry bag saves a $1,000 phone. Same SPF applies even in the rainy season, as UV is intense even when the sky is overcast.