Costa Rica Weather: When is the Best Time to Visit?

Traveling to Costa Rica but don't know when? Let us make your planning easier with this month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. We'll also cover the worst times to visit Costa Rica (in general, there aren't any!) for any specific type of activity or vacation.
Sunset shadowing over the foggy Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Let's be clear. Costa Rica is a great place to visit year-round. We know this because we live here year-round, after all! But you need to know the best time weather-wise, too. If you're looking for the best weather, the best time to go to Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to the end of April. You can expect hot and sunny weather during this time with minimum rain. Perfect for beaches and outdoor activities!
But don't discount traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season either. That's also a good time to come down. Sure, there's more rain, but there are also fewer tourists between that early May to mid-December period. That means Costa Rica is less crowded and, crucially, less expensive.
There are great deals during the rainy season! More bang for your buck. And, we should also point out, the rainy season in Costa Rica doesn't mean a lot of rain. It's rare that it rains all day. While you can expect a shower in the late afternoons, mornings are usually sunny so you can still enjoy the beaches and all the fun activities. Plus get to experience a lusher, greener, Costa Rica!
If all-but-guaranteed hot sunny weather is the most important to you, then anytime between mid-December and the end of April is the best time to visit Costa Rica. If not, then pick any one of the twelve months that works best for you, and come on down!
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