Costa Rica is easy to love with its awe-inspiring landscape and infectious atmosphere. The nation wholeheartedly embraces its salutation – ‘Pura Vida’ – meaning pure life. Deciding when to visit Costa Rica can be difficult, especially as the country has so much to offer. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to do during your holiday; this small country packs a mighty punch whether you’re off wildlife spotting or surfing.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Good Weather
If you’re looking to catch some sun, we recommend visiting between December and April. This is when temperatures are at their best, averaging 27 degrees Celsius, with the hottest temperatures in March and April reaching around 36 degrees Celsius. The chance of rainfall is low during these months, with an average of 61 percent humidity, making it more manageable than the rainier seasons.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Wildlife Spotting
Costa Rica is full of opportunities to spot wildlife, no matter what season you decide to head to this beautiful country. There are numerous national parks and wildlife refuges, all boasting unique sights. If you’re looking to spot sea life, we recommend visiting between July and August – it’s the optimal time for whale spotting in Dominical and sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park. Moreover, if you’re a sloth lover, then you’re in luck. Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio beach is an excellent place for sloth spotting.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Lower Prices
We’d recommend visiting in the early and later months of the off-season, like May and September. Costa Rica is a popular destination with travelers, so traveling before the high season and school holidays means you are likely to save some money on accommodations and flights. The best weather spans from December to April, coinciding with the holiday season in North America, making this a more expensive time to visit Costa Rica.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Surfing
Your experience level will determine the best time to surf. If this is your first foray into surfing, visiting in the dry season is perfect. March and April bring tame waves that are ideal for learning. Conversely, if you’re an experienced surfer, the green season (May – November) will suit you, with September and October bringing the biggest swells.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Fewer Crowds
If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting at the beginning and end of the rainy season – May and October. The dry season between December and April will attract many tourists, as will the summer months when families head down during school holidays.
