When is the best time to visit South Pacific Costa Rica? Each month is exceptional in its own way. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
December marks the beginning of the tourist season in Costa Rica. The temperature is nearly perfect, and everything is green and vibrant from the refreshing rains in September, October, and November. As a transitional month, December involves some rain (although lately with climate change, we have had almost no rain in December over the past few years). Visit during the first couple of weeks when there are fewer people but all of the benefits.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
January through April is summertime in Costa Rica.
Average High Temperature: 30°C/86°F
May and June transitions South Pacific Costa Rica from the dry season to the green season. The weather changes, and we are blessed with the occasional 20-minute cooling shower in the days. The moisture cools the air, creating comfortable temperatures. Everything’s bigger in May and June. Waves are larger for surfing; orchids are at their peak; sail fishing starts, and sport fishing gains traction. Now the rivers are really flowing, so it’s a great time for whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling. Fewer people visit Costa Rica during this time, so you can avoid crowds.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
July and August and even September are the best-kept secrets in South Pacific Costa Rica. Warm, sunny mornings and rain-cooled evenings are a welcome break from summer in the United States and Southern Europe. This is also a popular time for Costa Ricans to vacation in the South Pacific region, and it’s your opportunity to mix with the locals. July marks the start of sea turtle season—which spans from July to December—and the region’s Tortuga Beach is one of their favorite nesting spots. You may experience the unexpected pleasure of witnessing a baby turtle release.
You may also enjoy the possibility of seeing Humpbacks up really close.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
October is a little rainier but still very pleasant. With more torrential rainfalls at night, the mornings in the afternoons are often filled with beautiful crips, clear skies leading us into a beautiful, refreshing rain in the late afternoon. Some of us foreign locals take great pleasure in being here during October due to the lack of tourists and crowds. It is one of the best times for whitewater rafting, river and waterfall swimming, and sea turtle viewing. This time is ideal for spotting other animals as well. The animals descend the mountains to take advantage of the fresh vegetation. You can see monkeys, sloths, frogs, coatis, butterflies, and tons of birds.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
November starts the transition from the rainy months. Everything is lush and green. There is still some rainfall, but it is less than half the average rainfall in October. The last couple of weeks of November are a great time to visit Costa Rica. The waves are moderate, sport fishing is good, and the beaches are breathtaking.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
