When To Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s tropical climate is shaped by distinct dry and green seasons, with regional variations influenced by elevation and proximity to the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. While temperatures remain warm year-round, rainfall patterns play a key role in determining the best time to visit, as they affect wildlife activity, river conditions, and accessibility across the country’s diverse landscapes.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| OSA PENINSULA | ||||||||||||
| PACUARE | ||||||||||||
| PAPAGAYO PENINSULA | ||||||||||||
| ARENAL |
When To Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s tropical climate is shaped by distinct dry and green seasons, with regional variations influenced by elevation and proximity to the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. While temperatures remain warm year-round, rainfall patterns play a key role in determining the best time to visit, as they affect wildlife activity, river conditions, and accessibility across the country’s diverse landscapes.
- OSA PENINSULA: January, February, March, April, November, December
- PACUARE: January, February, March, April, November, December
- PAPAGAYO PENINSULA: January, February, March, April, November, December
- ARENAL: January, February, March, April, November, December
OSA PENINSULA
One of the most biodiverse regions in the world, the Osa Peninsula is best experienced during the drier months, though the green season offers lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
January: Dry and sunny, ideal for wildlife viewing and exploration.
February: Continued excellent conditions with clear trails and active wildlife.
March: Hot and dry, with strong visibility in the rainforest.
April: Transition month with increasing humidity and occasional rain.
May: Start of the green season, with lush scenery and fewer crowds.
June: Frequent rain, though mornings are often clear.
July: Short dry spell offers improved conditions.
August: Rain increases again, with vibrant rainforest activity.
September: One of the wettest months, with limited accessibility.
October: Peak rainfall, best suited for more flexible itineraries.
November: Rain begins to ease while landscapes remain lush.
December: Dry season returns, bringing excellent overall conditions.
Osa Peninsula Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 90 | 69 | 4.3 |
| FEB | 91 | 68 | 4.0 |
| MAR | 93 | 71 | 5.3 |
| APR | 93 | 72 | 9.3 |
| MAY | 90 | 73 | 16.6 |
| JUN | 88 | 71 | 16.1 |
| JUL | 89 | 72 | 16.6 |
| AUG | 88 | 71 | 19.0 |
| SEP | 87 | 71 | 20.4 |
| OCT | 87 | 71 | 27.0 |
| NOV | 86 | 70 | 20.8 |
| DEC | 88 | 88 | 9.4 |
PACUARE
The Pacuare region is defined by its rainforest setting and river conditions, which fluctuate with seasonal rainfall.
January: Dry conditions with excellent river access and clear weather.
February: Continued favorable conditions for rafting and lodge stays.
March: Warm and relatively dry, ideal for outdoor activities.
April: Increasing humidity with occasional showers.
May: Green season begins, rivers swell, and landscapes turn lush.
June: Frequent rain, but strong river conditions for rafting.
July: Brief dry period improves accessibility.
August: Rain returns, with high water levels in the river.
September: Peak rainfall, with challenging access at times.
October: Wettest month, best for experienced travelers seeking adventure.
November: Rain begins to taper off.
December: Dry season returns with improved access and conditions.
Pacuare Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 86 | 69 | 11.2 |
| FEB | 87 | 70 | 8.0 |
| MAR | 89 | 71 | 6.6 |
| APR | 89 | 73 | 9.4 |
| MAY | 88 | 73 | 11.8 |
| JUN | 87 | 71 | 13.4 |
| JUL | 86 | 72 | 15.7 |
| AUG | 86 | 71 | 13.4 |
| SEP | 86 | 70 | 8.9 |
| OCT | 86 | 70 | 11.5 |
| NOV | 84 | 70 | 15.8 |
| DEC | 85 | 69 | 17.3 |
PAPAGAYO PENINSULA
Located on the Pacific’s northwest coast, Papagayo enjoys one of Costa Rica’s driest and sunniest climates.
January: Dry, sunny, and one of the best months to visit.
February: Continued sunshine with warm temperatures and low humidity.
March: Hot and dry, ideal for beach time and water activities.
April: End of the dry season, with increasing heat.
May: Start of the green season, with occasional afternoon showers.
June: Mix of sun and rain and landscapes begin to turn green.
July: Brief dry spell brings excellent conditions.
August: Slight increase in rainfall, but still enjoyable.
September: Rainy season intensifies, with fewer visitors.
October: Wettest month, with frequent rain and overcast skies.
November: Rain begins to ease, and sunshine returns.
December: Dry season begins again, with ideal beach conditions.
Papagayo Peninsula Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 92 | 69 | 0.1 |
| FEB | 93 | 70 | 0.1 |
| MAR | 95 | 71 | 0.2 |
| APR | 97 | 73 | 0.9 |
| MAY | 93 | 74 | 7.7 |
| JUN | 90 | 74 | 9.8 |
| JUL | 90 | 73 | 6.3 |
| AUG | 90 | 73 | 8.3 |
| SEP | 88 | 72 | 14.3 |
| OCT | 87 | 72 | 13.2 |
| NOV | 89 | 71 | 4.1 |
| DEC | 91 | 70 | 0.4 |
ARENAL
Arenal’s rainforest climate brings year-round greenery, with rainfall patterns influencing visibility and outdoor experiences.
January: One of the best months with drier weather and clear volcano views.
February: Continued favorable conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.
March: Warm and relatively dry, with good visibility.
April: Transition month with occasional rain showers.
May: Start of the green season, with lush landscapes.
June: Rain increases, though mornings are often clear.
July: Brief dry period improves conditions.
August: Frequent rain returns, with vibrant scenery.
September: One of the wettest months, with limited visibility at times.
October: Peak rainfall, with cloudy conditions.
November: Rain begins to ease and landscapes remain green.
December: Drier weather returns, with improved visibility.
Arenal Average Temperatures
| ° F HIGHS | ° F LOWS | PRECIP (IN) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 86 | 67 | 7.6 |
| FEB | 87 | 67 | 4.9 |
| MAR | 89 | 69 | 3.3 |
| APR | 89 | 70 | 3.7 |
| MAY | 87 | 70 | 9.6 |
| JUN | 85 | 70 | 16 |
| JUL | 85 | 70 | 19.5 |
| AUG | 85 | 69 | 17.4 |
| SEP | 85 | 69 | 16.3 |
| OCT | 84 | 68 | 17.9 |
| NOV | 83 | 68 | 12.2 |
| DEC | 84 | 67 | 10.2 |