Costa Rica month by month

The best time to visit Costa Rica

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Costa Rica is January · March · February: 31° avg. high, premium prices. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	31° / 20°	High	$$$	Ideal
February	32° / 20°	High	$$$	Ideal
March	33° / 21°	High	$$$	Ideal
April	33° / 22°	Moderate	$$	Great
May	31° / 22°	Moderate	$$	Fair
June	30° / 21°	Low	$	Fair
July	29° / 21°	Moderate	$	Fair
August	29° / 21°	Low	$	Fair
September	28° / 21°	Low	$	Avoid
October	28° / 21°	Low	$	Avoid
November	29° / 21°	Moderate	$$	Fair
December	30° / 20°	High	$$	Great

Best months January March February December

Months to avoid September October

The year in Costa Rica

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Costa Rica.

Spring Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 32°C · Hot and dry, high season continues

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Fair

Jun–Aug · highs around 29°C · Regular afternoon rain, fewer crowds

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Fair

Sep–Nov · highs around 28°C · Rains taper off, forests still green

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Ideal

Dec–Feb · highs around 31°C · Peak dry season, Palmares fair in full swing

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

March ·February

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

June ·July

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

June ·August

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

January ·February ·July

Practical basics

Region: North America
Local currency: CRC
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: 20° – 33°
Strongest months: January, March, February
Good for: nature · adventure · wildlife · beach

Events in Costa Rica

Jan Fiestas de Palmares — A two-week fair of rodeos, concerts, and carnival rides packs the town of Palmares.
Feb Envision Festival — A jungle gathering near Uvita blends live music, art, and wellness workshops.
Jul–Aug–Sep Sea Turtle Nesting Season — Olive ridley turtles arrive in mass arribadas to nest at Ostional beach.
Sep Independence Day — Lantern parades and marching bands mark Central American independence on September 15.

Every month in Costa Rica

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Costa Rica in January 31° · $$$ Ideal Costa Rica in February 32° · $$$ Ideal Costa Rica in March 33° · $$$ Ideal Costa Rica in April 33° · $$ Great Costa Rica in May 31° · $$ Fair Costa Rica in June 30° · $ Fair Costa Rica in July 29° · $ Fair Costa Rica in August 29° · $ Fair Costa Rica in September 28° · $ Avoid Costa Rica in October 28° · $ Avoid Costa Rica in November 29° · $$ Fair Costa Rica in December 30° · $$ Great

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?

What is the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica?

June — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 50%.

When should you avoid Costa Rica?

September, October.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

Average highs sit around 33°C with lows near 20°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.