Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Travel Guide
In our opinion, there’s no bad time to visit Costa Rica. But if you’re planning a vacation with adventure in mind, it’s best to be prepared for Mother Nature.
Whether you're chasing sun-soaked beaches, lush green jungles or blissfully uncrowded waves, here's what you can expect from Costa Rica’s climate throughout the year – and why you might want to reserve your spot at a retreat soon.
December to February: Surfer’s paradise (High season)
Best for: Beach lovers, first-time visitors, families, surfers.
Harvest Season on the Central Coast: make sure to enjoy avocado, date, kiwi, lemon, tangerine, mango, papaya, banana, grapefruit, tree tomato, naranjilla and watermelon from local roadside markets.
Weather: Warm, dry and sunny – especially on the Pacific Coast where we’re based!
Costa Rica’s high season – and for good reason. The weather is reliably warm, dry and sunny, especially along the Pacific Coast. It’s the perfect time for beach lovers, nature explorers and anyone craving sunshine-filled days catching some waves.
For surfers, it doesn’t get much better. Our team have a few favourite spots to hang loose near Jaco. For great all-rounder options, we like to visit Playa Jaco and Playa Hermosa. Both spots offer different experiences for different skill levels, from the more forgiving beginner-friendly to the bigger, punchier waves. Other notable surf spots include Roca Loca, Isla Herradura or Playa Escondida. Or, if you’re after a little R&R, experience the turquoise waters and coves of Playa Mantas or Playa Blanca.
💡 High Season Travel Tips:
Plan a tour of a coffee plantation as this time of year is the harvest.
If you’re heading to the Nicoya Peninsula, this is perfect beach weather with hiking trails that are dry and accessible.
It’s peak tourist season, so we recommend booking accommodation and tours well in advance, especially around the festive season.
Pack light, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen. The UV index can be intense at this time of year.
March to May: Nature lovers' paradise (High season)
Best for: Nature and adventure travelers, photographers, animal lovers.
Weather: Still dry and sunny, but hotter — especially inland. Afternoon showers tend to start around May.
This is the tail end of Costa Rica’s dry season, with all the perks of high season — minus the crowds and price hikes. A sweet spot for travelers seeking more space and incredible wildlife viewing. Expect to see humpback whales, sea turtle migrations and with the spring migration, approximately 3 million birds passing over the island. It’s an animal lover’s paradise.
Surf-wise, as May is a peak swell season in the Central Pacific, waves are known to reach 2-6 feet – sometimes more! This particularly affects Dominical, Pavones and the Playa Hermosa regions.
By the time May rolls around, afternoon showers start to kick in, cooling things down and reviving the lush greenery. Wildlife sightings are excellent, especially birds and butterflies, and the clearer skies make for stunning sunsets. Don’t forget your camera!
💡 High Season Travel Tips:
If you love mangoes, this is the peak season for this local fruit.
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, noting that inland areas will be warmer than coastal areas.
May is a shoulder month, so you might score better prices while still enjoying mostly dry weather.
Start your days early to beat the heat and make the most of dry mornings.
June to August: Adventure seeker’s paradise (Green season)
Best for: Eco-tourists, adventurers, white-water rafters, surfers, families on school holidays.
Weather: Mornings are typically sunny, with tropical showers later in the day.
This is Costa Rica’s green season, a time of dramatic landscapes, vibrant wildlife and fewer crowds. Showers usually arrive in the afternoon with clear mornings that are perfect for outdoor adventures, like hiking, white water rafting, kayaking and ziplining.
Intermediate and advanced surfers can take advantage of consistent south swells on the Pacific coast. Prefer to stay on dry land? The jungle is at its most alive, bursting with toucans, tree frogs, and lush greenery, making it a paradise for eco-tourists and nature photographers.
Keep an eye out for veranillo (the “little summer”) a surprise dry spell that can hit in late July or early August, offering a string of sunny days, ideal for travel.
💡 Green Season Travel Tips:
Binoculars are a great addition to your luggage to catch the birds and wildlife from a distance.
Plan active adventures for the morning and save indoor or relaxed activities for the afternoon.
Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
September to November: Peaceful paradise (Low season)
Best for: Coastal explorers, surfers, solitude-seekers
Surfing is still fantastic on the Central Coast
Weather: Afternoon and evening rainshowers, warm temperatures between 80-88°F (27-31°C)
This is the quietest travel window in Costa Rica, perfect for those craving space, slower rhythms and uncrowded beaches.
Surfers can still find waves on both coasts, with fewer travelers, there’s a peaceful energy in the air, ideal for reconnecting with nature or enjoying a digital detox.
💡 Low Season Travel Tips:
Be flexible with travel plans; focusing your adventures in the early mornings, leaving the afternoons a perfect time to relax, listening to the sounds of the rain and jungle.
Surfers will love this season as September and October bring big swells to the Pacific coast.
Pack a good book and take time to slow down, experiencing the pura vida lifestyle of Costa Rica.
Looking for a relaxing vacation that offers experiences for all types of travelers?
Find your tribe at Surf Synergy. With retreats of all shapes and sizes planned throughout the year, we’ve got the perfect week-long itinerary at the ready for you. All you need to do is book your plane ticket.
