North & Central America · Climate guide
Best time to visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is Dec–Apr. May, Nov are also good.
Costa Rica weather by month
Dry season on the Pacific side.
- Jan: Ideal
- Feb: Ideal
- Mar: Ideal
- Apr: Ideal
- May: Good
- Jun: Not ideal
- Jul: Not ideal
- Aug: Not ideal
- Sep: Not ideal
- Oct: Not ideal
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Ideal
| Month | Weather | Where else is ideal |
|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 74 countries |
| February | Ideal | 79 countries |
| March | Ideal | 72 countries |
| April | Ideal | 70 countries |
| May | Good | 91 countries |
| June | Not ideal | 91 countries |
| July | Not ideal | 55 countries |
| August | Not ideal | 56 countries |
| September | Not ideal | 91 countries |
| October | Not ideal | 62 countries |
| November | Good | 61 countries |
| December | Ideal | 63 countries |
Free route planner
Build a route around Costa Rica
The planner puts Costa Rica in its best stretch (Dec–Apr) and fills the rest of your trip with places that are in spring-like weather at the same time.
Cost of a month in Costa Rica
Mid-range. A rough guide for one person staying a month: $2,000–$3,000 for rent, food and getting around. Book the best months early, prices climb with the weather.
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Nearby places with great weather at the same time
Questions about visiting Costa Rica
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica for weather is Dec–Apr. Dry season on the Pacific side.
Which months should I avoid in Costa Rica?
Jun–Oct are the least comfortable months in Costa Rica, usually because of heat, heavy rain, storms or cold. Prices can be lower then, so it depends on what you care about most.
Is it worth visiting Costa Rica outside the best months?
Often, yes. May, Nov are still good months in Costa Rica, with a little more rain or heat but usually fewer crowds and better prices.
How much does a month in Costa Rica cost?
Costa Rica is mid-range for long stays. A rough guide for one person living there for a month is $2,000–$3,000, including rent, food and getting around. Your style matters more than the country.
Where else has great weather at the same time as Costa Rica?
Nearby countries with ideal weather in the same months include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba.
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General guidance based on typical seasonal weather, not a forecast. Big countries have several climates. Always check current travel advisories and entry rules before you book.