Short answer: December to April if you want sunshine on the Pacific beaches. May to November if you want green hills, fewer people and better prices, and don’t mind an afternoon shower. And if you’re heading to the Caribbean side, September and October are some of its best months, right when the Pacific is at its wettest.
There really isn’t a bad month here. There’s just a better month for what you want to do. Let me walk you through it.
one or two lines on her first season here — what surprised her about the rain, or the first green season she fell in love with.
The two seasons, in plain words
Costa Rica has two seasons, and locals call them by names that confuse everyone the first time:
- Dry season (December to April). Ticos call it verano, summer. Sunny days, blue skies, and the busiest time of year. On the Guanacaste coast, the hills turn golden brown and it gets hot.
- Green season (May to November). Ticos call it invierno, winter, even though it’s just as warm. Mornings are usually sunny and the rain tends to come in the afternoon. Everything turns a green you have to see to believe.
Two things worth knowing:
- Late June and July often bring a short dry spell, the veranillo (“little summer”). It’s a lovely, quieter time to come.
- September and October are the rainiest months on the Pacific side. Some small hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks.
Month by month
| Month | Pacific & Central Valley | Caribbean | Crowds & prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, sunny | Mixed | High |
| February | Dry, sunny | Drier | High |
| March | Dry, hot | Drier | High; Easter week is very busy |
| April | Dry, hot; first showers late in the month | Mixed | High until Easter, then easing |
| May | Green season starts | Mixed | Lower |
| June | Afternoon showers | Mixed | Lower |
| July | Often a dry spell (veranillo) | Rainier | Busier for a few weeks with summer holidays |
| August | Afternoon showers | Drier | Moderate |
| September | Rainiest | One of the best months | Lowest |
| October | Rainiest | One of the best months | Lowest |
| November | Rain tapering off | Rainier | Rising |
| December | Dry season begins | Rainier | Very high over Christmas and New Year |
By region
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula (Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playas del Coco, Nosara, Santa Teresa). The driest part of the country. Perfect beach weather from December to April, and still very doable in the green season, when it’s cooler and greener.
Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio). Dry from December to April, with afternoon rain from May. Manuel Antonio is wonderful in the green season: the forest is lush and the park is calmer.
South Pacific (Uvita, Dominical, the Osa Peninsula). The wettest side of the country. Best from December to April, and the place to be for whales (see below).
Arenal, La Fortuna and Monteverde. It can rain at any time of year up here; that’s what keeps it so green. Bring a light rain jacket whatever month you come. Monteverde gets cool and windy around December to February.
The Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero). The calendar flips. September and October are usually calm and sunny, which makes it the perfect escape when the Pacific is at its rainiest.
a line on her favorite month on the Caribbean side, if she has one.
By what you want to do
- Beaches and sunshine: December to April on the Pacific; September and October on the Caribbean.
- Whale watching: humpback whales visit the South Pacific twice a year, roughly July to October and December to March. Uvita’s Marino Ballena National Park is the place.
- Sea turtles: green turtles nest in Tortuguero from about July to October.
- Surfing: bigger swells on the Pacific in the green season; the dry season is gentler, good for beginners.
- Lower prices and fewer people: May, June, September, October and November.
What it costs to come in high season
Christmas, New Year and Easter week are the busiest weeks of the year. Locals travel too, so beach towns fill up. If those are your dates, book your stay early. For better prices and more choice, aim for the shoulder weeks: late April, May, or the first half of December.
So, when should you come?
- First trip, want sun: January to March.
- Want green, calm and a better price: May to early July, or November.
- Coming in September or October: go to the Caribbean side.
- Staying a month or longer: the green season. It’s when Costa Rica feels most like home.
closing line in her voice — an invitation to ask her anything about planning the trip.
Thinking about where to stay? Here are the places I know best: Tamarindo · Flamingo · Playas del Coco · Jacó · Puerto Viejo. Or ask us anything. We’re here, and happy to help.
Quick answers
What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica? On the Pacific side, September and October. On the Caribbean side, those are among the driest months.
Is it worth visiting Costa Rica in the rainy season? Yes. Mornings are usually sunny, prices are lower, and the country is at its greenest. Plan beach time and hikes for the morning.
When is it cheapest to visit Costa Rica? September and October, then May, June and November.
Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica? Yes, the dry season starts. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year, so book early.