Best & Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica: An Ultimate Experience
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise in Central America that is well known for its outstanding natural wonders, amazing biodiversity and exotic wildlife. We loved its lush and vibrant landscapes, and while it’s hard to believe that there is a worst time to visit Costa Rica. Although there are certain periods, you may choose over others, depending on what you want to experience. This is especially true if you are travelling with kids.
The best and worst times to visit Costa Rica will vary according to your requirements. Whether you are planning a family adventure or a solo trip, we want to help you get your timing exactly right.
We spent several weeks in July and August exploring Costa Rica’s many landscapes, spotting exotic wildlife and partaking in lots of family friendly activities. The country’s diverse ecosystems range from pristine beaches to misty cloud forests and are visiting them is an unparalleled experience.
Our family adventure in Costa Rica was a real hit with our nature-loving, thrill-seeking kids and teens, but did we pick the ultimate time to appreciate this tropical paradise fully?
Costa Rica: Overview
Costa Rica is in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South. There are also many Costa Rican islands that are well worth visiting.
With diverse landscapes, including many volcanoes, rainforests and an extensive coastline along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica provides the perfect itinerary for family travel. The country experiences a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet/green seasons. Despite this, the weather can still vary by region and it is always worth checking the forecast.
Costa Rica’s wildlife and huge range of outdoor things to do make it a perfect destination to travel to with kids.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Everyone wants to achieve the ultimate experience when travelling to an exciting destination. We recommend considering both the wet and dry seasons in Costa Rica as deciding on the best time to visit for your family will depend on what experiences and activities you choose.
Dry Season (December to April)
Costa Rica experiences a dry season between December and April. This is an ideal time for families to have adventures, with clear blue skies, sun, and a gentle breeze. Temperatures average between 26c (70f) and 18c (60f).
The weather conditions are at their most reliable, making for the ideal time to explore renowned destinations such as Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. For sea lovers, the beaches offers a variety of watersports such as snorkelling, diving and surfing. You’ll also find a more vibrant atmosphere in the dry season, making for a lively and bustling peak season travel experience.
‘Green’ Rainy Season (May to September & November)
Do not be misled by the label “Rainy Season” — also known as Costa Rica’s ‘Green Season’- it brings unique enchantment. Spanning from May to November, the scenery erupts in vivid colours, with the sporadic rain showers only adding to its allure.
This period offers a more tranquil atmosphere, with fewer visitors and budget-friendly lodging options. It can be appealing for families searching for a more relaxed experience.
Our favourite family-friendly activities during this time, included observing nesting turtles and exploring the rainforests that are teeming with activity in the Rainy Season.
We spent July and August road-tripping through Costa Rica with a roof top tent. Most nights it rained heavily but that just added to the experience. Only a few days were wet but that did not stop us from having a great time. An umbrella might have been a good investment though!
Mid-Week and Off-Peak Travel
There are several advantages of mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) and off-peak travel (May-November) that make it (in our opinion!) the best time to visit Costa Rica. One of the main advantages is fewer tourists and lower prices.
Accommodation and car hire are offered at discounted rates to attract visitors, making it the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica. Tours and activities tend not to be fully booked, bringing more flexibility with last-minute booking and less queuing. With fewer crowds you are also likely to get a more personal experience with your guide.
We find these times offer a more relaxed Costa Rican experience. It allows you to explore attractions, engage in activities, and immerse yourself in the local culture without feeling rushed.
You may find your family travel experience is more authentic as you interact with locals, discover local gems, and engage in activities that may be less crowded and more representative of daily life in Costa Rica.
The Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica
It’s essential to note that “worst” is subjective and depends on individual preferences and travel goals. Travellers should weigh these factors against their own priorities when planning their visit to Costa Rica.
Peak Of Rainy Season (September & October)
Despite the charm of ‘Green Season’, it is crucial to be aware that the peak rainfall occurs during September and October in Costa Rica. September does however bring the highest likelihood of clear skies and sun across the Caribbean coast.
The heavy downpours in these months might present obstacles for outdoor activities. Nevertheless, with the right clothing choices and some strategic planning with your itinerary to include indoor attractions, you can still relish the beauty of Costa Rica, even amid the wetter periods.
Peak Holidays (December To March)
While the peak season in Costa Rica, typically during the dry months from December to April, has merits, there are also disadvantages. Larger volumes of tourists, increased crowds and demand for accommodation and attractions create a hectic atmosphere with a less authentic experience.
Costa Rica experiences a surge in popularity as a travel destination during specific holidays. For those yearning for tranquillity, it’s advisable to plan your visit outside major holiday seasons when large crowds gather, and accommodation becomes highly sought after.
During peak times, expenses for accommodation and car rentals tend to be higher compared to off-peak periods. The heightened demand may lead to popular lodgings and attractions being busier and booked well in advance, limiting options for spontaneous travellers or those who prefer flexibility in their itineraries.
Natural attractions, like the cloud forest, may also have increased traffic, affecting the behaviour of wildlife and the overall serenity of the natural surroundings.
Dry Season
Although the dry season is typically ideal for beach activities and specific inland destinations, it’s important to note that certain regions, especially rainforests, are likely to be less green in the drier conditions. For travellers searching for the lush, green landscapes characteristic of the rainy season, this might not be the optimal time to explore those particular areas.
Best Time To See Wildlife In Costa Rica
There are is an abundance of exotic wildlife in Costa Rica, from sloths, monkeys, and butterflies to jaguars and crocodiles, that can be seen all year round. Some wildlife however is more likely to be spotted during particular months of the year. The best time to see wildlife in Costa Rica depends on your interests and the region you plan to visit.
Mammals In Costa Rica – December To April
Primates and mammals are best seen in the dry season. They are much more active, seeking out water sources, making them easier to spot.
In July, we saw sloth, various monkey species, coati and bats. Howler monkeys were our favourite, even though they woke us each morning with their distinctive calls while camping in La Fortuna!
Nesting Sea Turtles In Costa Rica – Year Round
Costa Rica has five of the world’s seven species of Sea Turtle – Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Green, Loggerhead, and Hawksbill. They migrate vast distances to nest on protected beaches along Costa Rica’s coast at different times throughout the year.
The main nesting season for Olive Ridley Turtles is from July to mid-October. We witnessed a female turtle construct her nest at Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast, and lay 120+ eggs before returning to the ocean. From February to June, you can also see Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Sea Turtles here.
On the Pacific Coast, thousands of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles come ashore from July to December in The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Leatherback and Green Turtles lay their eggs from November to March in Las Baulas National Park. Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles nest in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge from March to July.
Bird Migration In Costa Rica – November & March
Costa Rica sees the migration of thousands of birds flying south to warm climates as winter arrives in the northern hemisphere. This means that when spring returns in March, they all fly back across Costa Rica.
During these times, bird watching is excellent for shorebirds, hummingbirds, thrushes, warblers, orioles, and tanagers.
Humpback whales In Costa Rica– December-March & July-October
The coast around Costa Rica provides perfect conditions for humpback whales to reproduce and give birth. Between December and March, whales from North America migrate down the Pacific Coast to Ballena National Marine Park. While southern whales travel up from Antartica from July to October.
Whale-watching tours offer opportunities to spot whales along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast almost year-round.
Best and Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica: FAQ
If you still need convincing on the best time to visit Costa Rica, here are a few common questions:
What Is The Nicest Month To Visit Costa Rica?
The sunniest weather coincides with dry season. Any month between December and April will be a great time to explore without rain. These months are perfect for families, beach goers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore Costa Rica.
When Is The Rainiest Month In Costa Rica?
The rainy ‘Green Season’ in Costa Rica is consistently from May to the end of November. September and October are the rainiest months and may best be avoided when visiting Costa Rica. If you do visit then, you could head to the Caribbean coast for less rain.
How many days in Costa Rica is enough?
Costa Rica is an ideal destination for any duration. To make the most of it, a 7-day or longer stay is perfect to see more variety across the country, from rainforests to beaches and National Parks.
What time of year is Cheapest to go to Costa Rica?
The least crowded and cheapest months to visit Costa Rica are May, September and October. Accommodation, vehicle rental and tours are much cheaper, but do check the weather as it may be quite wet.
Final Thoughts: Best & Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica
While the dry season may be the best time to visit Costa Rica to avoid rain, you will encounter more tourists, and the country will be slightly less vibrant than in the rainy season.
If the wet season with occasional tropical rain is the worst time for you to visit Costa Rica, appropriate clothing and fewer crowds may give you an enjoyable and more authentic experience! This season definitely has its advantages and by remaining flexible with your itinerary, the weather should not overly influence your decision on when to visit Costa Rica.
If you weigh up your preferences and plan your adventure to suit your interests, the truth is, there really isn’t a worst time to visit Costa Rica.
