When to Visit Costa Rica

Peak dry-season postcard weather: cobalt skies, 28-32°C afternoons, almost zero rain on the Pacific side. Crowds and room rates top out, around Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo.

Still bone-dry; early mornings can feel almost cool in the Central Valley. But by 10 a.m. the sun is sharp enough to toast beach sand. Winds pick up on the Nicoya Peninsula, great for kite surfers.

The hottest month; Guanacaste regularly hits 35°C and dusty roads leave a chalky film on your skin. Easter week packs beaches, so book ferries and lodges early.

Dry season's last stand, afternoon clouds build but rarely burst until late month. Temperatures stay high; you'll smell sun-baked dry leaves giving way to early grass-green scent.

Green season gate-crashes the Pacific: expect a dramatic first thunderstorm around 3 p.m., then daily repeats. Mornings stay sunny, nights feel sticky, and jungle volume jumps tenfold.

Rain settles into a rhythm, bright until noon, then rumbling clouds and warm downpours. Rivers swell enough for class-III rapids; cloud-forest trails glisten with fluorescent bromeliads.

A brief "veranillo" often interrupts rains mid-month, gifting a surprise dry spell. Humidity hovers around 80%; your sunglasses fog the moment you step outside air-conditioning.

Similar to July but wetter. Expect daily afternoon soaks and nighttime cicada concerts. Caribbean side sees bigger waves, drawing surfers to Puerto Viejo's black-sand breaks.

Wettest month on the Pacific. Roads can wash out. But waterfalls are at full power and national parks feel deserted. Morning mist smells of wet earth and ripe guava.

Rainfall peaks on both coasts. Some remote lodges close. Yet wildlife viewing is prime, sloths move lower, frogs chorus all night. Pack patience and quick-dry everything.

Rains taper mid-month; mornings brighten, rivers still run high enough for rafting. Caribbean coast gets its second rain spike, so stick to the Pacific for beach days.

Dry season returns. Holiday crowds increase, but you're rewarded with crisp blue skies and cool mountain breezes. Christmas week requires reservations months ahead.