Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Quick answer
The dry season, December through April, is the classic time to visit Costa Rica for guaranteed sun, calm seas, and easy road travel, but it's also the busiest and most expensive stretch. The green season, May through November, trades some rain for lush rainforest, thinner crowds, and noticeably cheaper flights and hotels — September and October are the wettest but also the best value. Surfers generally prefer April to October on the Pacific coast.
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Costa Rica's two seasons, explained
Costa Rica doesn't really have four seasons — it has dry (verano) and green (invierno). The dry season runs roughly December to April, driven by trade winds that push rain clouds away from most of the country. The green season runs May to November, when afternoon showers are common but mornings are frequently clear and sunny.
Month-by-month overview
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December–April | Dry | Sunniest, busiest, most expensive; ideal for road trips and beach time |
| May–June | Early green | Transition month, brief afternoon rain, lower prices |
| July–August | Veranillo (mid-summer dry spell) | A short dry stretch inside the green season on the Pacific side |
| September–October | Peak green | Heaviest rain, lowest prices, fewer tourists, lush landscapes |
| November | Late green | Rain tapering off, good value before dry season crowds arrive |
Best time for the beaches and Pacific coast
The Guanacaste and Nicoya beaches are driest from December to April, with the Pacific coast generally drier overall than the Caribbean side. If you want guaranteed beach weather with minimal rain risk, this window is the safest bet.
Best time for surfing
Pacific breaks like Santa Teresa and Tamarindo tend to have their best swells from April through October, overlapping with the green season. The Caribbean side, including Puerto Viejo, peaks from December to March instead — so surf timing depends on which coast you're chasing.
Best time for wildlife and national parks
Wildlife is active year-round in Costa Rica's parks and reserves, but the green season's fruiting trees and full rivers draw more animals to visible areas. Sea turtle nesting season varies by beach and species, generally spanning July through November on the Caribbean coast and other windows on the Pacific side — check the specific park before planning around it.
Best time for lower prices
- Flights and hotels are cheapest in September and October, the rainiest stretch of the green season.
- The dry season, especially late December through early January and around Easter, sees the highest prices and requires booking well ahead.
- May, June, and November offer a middle ground: lower prices with less rain risk than peak green season.
Getting there
Most international flights land at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), which sits closer to the Guanacaste beaches. Compare both airports on a metasearch, since fares and route options differ by season, and a live flight tracker is useful for keeping an eye on your inbound connection during a busy travel window.
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Costa Rica?
February is typically the driest month across most of the country, especially on the Pacific side, with long stretches of sunshine and low humidity.
Is it worth visiting Costa Rica in the rainy season?
Yes for many travelers — the green season (roughly May to November) brings lush scenery, fewer crowds, and lower hotel and flight prices. Rain usually falls in short afternoon bursts rather than all day.
When is the best time to see wildlife?
Wildlife is visible year-round, but the green season's fruiting plants attract more animals, and sea turtle nesting peaks between July and November depending on the beach.
When are flights to Costa Rica cheapest?
September and October usually have the lowest fares, since this falls in the heart of the rainy season and outside US and Canadian school holidays.
The bottom line
Pick dry season (December–April) for guaranteed sun and the busiest atmosphere, or green season (May–November) for lower prices, thinner crowds, and a wilder, greener landscape — just pack a light rain jacket. Compare fares across airports and months on ScanFlyGo and check popular routes to Costa Rica before you book.
Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and seasonal patterns are general guidance and can vary year to year.