when to go to costa rica

Costa Rica is a year-round destination so deciding when to go will be more dependent on your priorities rather than the weather. Below is some information about the two seasons, however at Destination Seekers we are happy to provide more specific advice if there are particular national parks, wildlife or beaches you want to include in your trip.

Dry Season

Costa Rica’s dry season runs between mid-November and April and as well as being the driest part of the year the temperature is lovely, sitting around the 28-degree mark. This is a great time of year to visit the beaches and take advantage of the 12 hours of sun, and if you want to avoid the rain it is the season for you.

Having said that, the dry season can be very hot, causing the forest to dry out and turn brown, which may not be ideal if your priority is the lush green jungle. Despite that it is a good time to spot wildlife on a tour as the trees drop their leaves meaning there are less places for the exotic wildlife to camouflage themselves.

Rainy season

May to mid-November is Costa Rica’s rainy season, although in reality the rain is only really heavy in September and October. Outside of these two months you’ll find sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, so if you’re happy with a mid-afternoon shower, it’s a great time to go to Costa Rica.

This is particularly the case if your main motivation for choosing this destination is the jungle, as during and immediately after the wet season is when the vegetation is at its greenest, and the waterfalls are full. 

Contact Destination Seekers to plan your Costa Rica adventure