The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

You have 365 days — 12 months — to pick from from when deciding when to visit Costa Rica. How does anyone choose? While some travelers might have more flexibility, many depend on what their work or school vacation time allows. The best time to visit Costa Rica, though, depends on what you hope to do there, weather permitting.

This guide will give you and idea of what you can expect for different times of year, including insights on weather and crowds, and the pros and cons of each season.

Dry Season (December to April)

There are only two seasons in Costa Rica: dry and wet. The dry season starts in December and ends in April, characterized by plenty of sunshine and only the occasional afternoon rainstorm. Considering the splendid weather conditions, it’s no surprise that peak tourism happens during this season.

Pros of visiting during the dry season

The best perk of visiting Costa Rica during the dry season is that there’s not as much rain, which can definitely put a damper on your trip if you’re not prepared for it. Considering that the beaches in Costa Rica are such a big attraction, the dry season is ideal for those who want to spend as much time as possible on the coasts.

Rainfall is lowest in most of the country during the months of February and March, with the mildest temperatures in December and January. Considering that much of Costa Rica experiences high temperatures with incredible levels of humidity, many travelers aim to visit when the heat is less extreme.

Also, when the weather is dry in Costa Rica, some animals are easier to spot. For example, the elusive and beautiful quetzal birds are much more active during dry season, as are humpback whales off the Osa Peninsula in December and January.

Cons of visiting during the dry season

The biggest con of visiting Costa Rica during the dry season is that it’s the peak for tourism. With crowds it brings, you also get higher prices on flights and accommodations, so this isn’t a great time for budget travelers to visit.

The busiest months are March, more specifically during spring break, and December. It’s not surprising that these two months also see huge spikes in hotel room rates and flight prices. There’s also a good chance that car rental costs will increase drastically during this time, and there will be fewer cars available, meaning you might end up with a more expensive model than you hoped for.

Another…