Best time to visit Costa Rica — and the best time to fly
Costa Rica has two seasons — dry and green — and the best time to visit depends on what you want and which region you are heading to. This guide breaks down the weather by season and region, and explains why flying keeps your trip on schedule whatever the forecast.
Dry season (December–April)
Sunny, warm and busy — ideal for beaches, surfing and the Pacific coast. Trails are firm and the ocean is calmest. It is peak season, so book flights, hotels and charters well ahead, especially around the December holidays and Easter, when demand and prices peak.
Green season (May–November)
Lush, quiet and cheaper, with heavier afternoon rain. Mornings are often clear and the landscapes are at their most vivid. The Caribbean side — think Tortuguero — often shines in September and October, exactly when the Pacific is wettest.
It varies a lot by region
- Guanacaste (Liberia, Tamarindo) is the driest, sunniest region.
- The South Pacific and Osa (Drake Bay) are wetter but spectacularly green.
- Arenal (La Fortuna) can be showery year-round but is lush and dramatic.
- The Caribbean has its own rhythm, with a drier spell around September–October.
Best time for the big experiences
Beaches and surf trips: dry season. Rainforest, birding, waterfalls and photography: the edges of the green season, with far fewer crowds. Sea-turtle nesting in Tortuguero peaks July to October. Whale watching on the South Pacific is strong from July to October as well.
Why flying wins in the green season
Afternoon rain floods low river crossings and turns rough access roads slow. Because mornings are usually clear, a 25–50 minute flight beats a four-to-six-hour drive through the weather — you fly above it and arrive dry. See flying vs driving and the green season guide.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica?
The green season (May–November) has the best prices and lushest scenery, with afternoon rain you can plan around.
When is the best weather?
December to April is the driest and sunniest, especially in Guanacaste.
Does rain ruin the green season?
No — mornings are often clear. Schedule outdoor activities and flights earlier in the day.
Ready to skip the drive?
Charter the whole aircraft and split the cost — private flights for the price of a regular ticket, booked in minutes.
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