Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica is at its sunniest and driest in January–December.
The best time to visit Costa Rica for sunny, dry weather is December–March — 4 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers July and November–April, while the wetter half runs through May–June and August–October. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 25.6°C / 78.1°F in December to 28.3°C / 82.9°F in April, and monthly rainfall from 7.6 mm / 0.3 in (January) to 355.6 mm / 14 in (September). Costa Rica's climate is broadly tropical. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Costa Rica can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.1°C79°F | 7.6 mm0.3″ | Sunny & Hot |
| February | 26.7°C80.1°F | 10.2 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Hot |
| March | 27.8°C82°F | 12.7 mm0.5″ | Sunny & Hot |
| December | 25.6°C78.1°F | 33 mm1.3″ | Sunny & Hot, Sunny & Warm |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica for sunny, dry weather is January, February, March, December. The warmest month is April (28.3°C / 82.9°F country-wide average) and the driest is January (about 7.6 mm / 0.3 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Costa Rica?
The rainy season in Costa Rica runs through May–June and August–October, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 183 mm / 7.2 in. The wettest single month is September, averaging 355.6 mm / 14 in.
What is the dry season in Costa Rica?
The drier half of the year in Costa Rica covers July and November–April, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 183 mm / 7.2 in. The driest single month is January with about 7.6 mm / 0.3 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Costa Rica?
The least comfortable months for travel in Costa Rica — based on our climate data — are January, February, June, July, September, October, November, December. These are Costa Rica's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 355.6 mm / 14 in in September, and temperatures bottom out at 25.6°C / 78.1°F in December.
Is there a shoulder season in Costa Rica?
Shoulder-season months in Costa Rica — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include April, July, November. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.