BEST TIME TO VISIT COSTA RICA

The best time to visit Costa Rica is considered to be during the dry season from late November to April. Sunny skies and rain-free days are virtually guaranteed at this time of the year; however, this season also attracts a lot more visitors so book early and expect to pay more for accommodation and services.  Weather patterns were once very well-defined in Costa Rica, however global climate change has hit Costa Rica as it has other South American destinations.  Local people will tell you that the rainy season may not be as wet and dry season usually involves a few unexpected showers, so it is a good idea to visit this tropical country with an open mind and a good rain poncho! 

Independence day in Costa Rica

 

The Weather in Costa Rica 

From May to August, skies are usually clear in the morning and it clouds over in the afternoon. The green season, as it is known, includes incredible downpours of rain that seem to come out of nowhere, so much so, it can paralyze traffic and many outdoor activities.  September and October are Costa Rica’s rainiest months, with non-stop rain for most, if not the whole day. If you are set on travelling at this time of the year, these are the most beautiful months to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero for stunning, idyllic and empty beaches. 

Rainforest rain

If you're hoping to visit the Arenal Volcano national Park and La Fortuna waterfall, be aware that there is no best time to go as it generally rains all year-round. Make it an early morning for the best views of the volcano and remember that the volcano hasn’t erupted since 2010 so it is possible you will not see spewing lava from its crater. 

 

High Season 

The country's dry season, is from late November to April. It is the most time to visit, as it coincides with winter for much of the United States and Europe, therefore, making the best destination to get away from the cold temperatures around the holiday time.  If your travel plans involve include a few days on the beach or exploring the rainforest, it's definitely worth travelling during the dry season. 

Sunny Costa Rica Beach

If you are travelling on a budget, consider visiting Costa Rica in the “green season” which runs from April to mid-November. Although it is going to be wetter of course, locals enjoy the rainy season. There are fewer tourists, better availability for tours and hotels, and prices drop significantly, during this time. It only usually rains for a few hours each day, however, be aware that some roads become impassable during the wet season. 

Spring in Costa Rica spans is from March to May and shoulders both the dry and rainy seasons in the country. March and April are the driest months of the year, sometimes called "verano" (summer) by the locals, whereas May is when the rainy season starts in earnest.  

 

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Spring 

The Easter week holiday season, is one of the country's largest celebrations of the year. Buses stop running for the days, and many towns celebrate their own religious festivals. Book early if you're planning to travel during Holy Week. 

Juan Santamaria Day

Juan Santamaria Day, also called National Hero’s Day, is celebrated on the 11th of April. This public holiday honours the Tico, who defeated the American invader William Walker at the 1856 battle of Rivas. Many schools host colourful parades to celebrate this historical day. 

Summer 

The low season falls between May and September. While the rainforest is, as you can imagine, wet and rainy, it's not unusual to enjoy the perfect beach day along the coastal area, especially near Tamarindo, where the seasonal shift is less dramatic. If you are heading to the Caribbean coast, it’s best to keep your travel plans flexible. This way, you can still head to another part of the country to avoid the rain! 

Rainy Season

On the 25th of July each year, Liberia celebrates Guanacaste Day. The occasion calls for Tico-style bullfights, brightly coloured parades, traditional dancing, and more. 

The Fiesta of the Virgin of Los Angeles takes place on the 2nd of August. This is annual pilgrimage day of the patron saint of Costa Rica. Many locals and a spatter of tourists make the 20km pilgrimage from San Jose to Cartago, to the basilica and home of Virgin Los Angeles. 

Autumn 

If you're planning to visit the Caribbean coast, September and October are the best months to visit. Early autumn usually has the least amount of rain on the Caribbean coast, however, there is a risk of hurricanes at this time of the year, but don’t let this put you off! 

The Central Valley and the Pacific Coast experience slightly different weather patterns: September to mid-November are the rainiest months of the year here, including Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, the Osa Peninsula and Malpais. Guanacaste may be somewhat drier than more southerly destinations like the Osa Peninsula.  

Limón Carnival is essentially a smaller version of Mardi Gras. You can see colourful floats and dancers in the streets at this celebration of Columbus's discovery of Costa Rica. It's held during the second week of October. 

Limón Carnival

The 15th of September is Costa Rica's Independence Day, which of course is celebrated throughout the country. At night, school children march through the streets playing musical instruments as well as many other festivities. 

Winter 

November to January is rainy season on the Caribbean coast, however, the weather is still somewhat unpredictable: You may experience sun, rain and then clear night time skies, all in the same day! Throughout the Central Valley and including the capital, the climate is completely dry and arid! For surfers, swells are at their best during the winter season.  

Costa Rican christmas Coconut!

Fiestas de los Diablitos is a popular event held in December and February and occurs in the two indigenous communities of Boruca and Rey Curre. Celebrations and include brightly coloured masks and the traditional re-enactment of the battle with the Spanish invaders.  

The Envision Festival is typically held each year in late February, drawing an eclectic crowd of hippies and psychedelia fanatics for a four-day festival that includes yoga, food, music, and art.