When to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica enjoys a unique tropical climate marked by two main seasons:

• Dry season ("verano"): from January to April

• Rainy season ("invierno" or "temporada verde"): from May to December

In practice, the country’s many microclimates, one of the secrets behind its incredible natural diversity, make weather predictions more complex than they seem. At Atípico Costa Rica, we’ve analyzed data from several meteorological stations to help you choose the best time to visit each region.

🏖️ Guanacaste and Puntarenas​

The Guanacaste region and the southern Nicoya Peninsula (province of Puntarenas) form the driest and sunniest area of Costa Rica. Seasons are very distinct here: some towns experience no rainfall for several months, offering a perfect climate for beach lovers and sunseekers.

The beginning and end of the rainy season remain pleasant, allowing you to enjoy this region almost year-round.

The only exception is Monteverde, famous for its mystical cloud forests, where humidity is constant.

👉 Best months to visit: November to August

🌺 Central valley

This region follows the same dry/rainy season pattern as Guanacaste, but with more regular rainfall throughout the year. July and August bring a short “veranillo” (a little summer within the rainy season) offering bright, sunny days and mild temperatures.

👉 Best months to visit: December to April, plus July and August

🌿 Northern Plains, Central Pacific & South Pacific

These regions, rich in tropical forests, waterfalls, and national parks, experience more frequent rainfall than the northwest.

To make the most of nature without heavy showers, it’s best to visit during the dry season.

👉 Best months to visit: December to April

🌊 Caribbean

The Caribbean coast (including Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, and Cahuita) has a different climate from the rest of the country.

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, but September and October, paradoxically the rainiest months elsewhere, offer the best weather conditions to explore this unique region where jungle meets turquoise sea.

👉 Best months to visit: January to June, then September and October

🌤️ In Summary

Costa Rica is a destination that can be enjoyed all year round, with each season offering a distinct experience:

• The dry season is perfect for beaches, volcanoes, and sunsets.

• The green (rainy) season reveals the country’s lush forests, vibrant wildlife, and colorful landscapes.

Planning your itinerary according to the season you travel in is key to a successful trip, and will be delighted to help you design a personalized journey tailored to your interests and the time of year. 🌴