Current Time in Limón
Best time to travel to Costa Rica
Comparison of best months to travel to Costa Rica
| Month | 5-point rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak of the dry season, mostly sunny, perfect for beach and nature sightseeing. Many festival events. | |
| February | Stable sunny weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. | |
| March | End of the dry season, high temperature, but little rainfall, suitable for sightseeing. | |
| April | End of the dry season, high temperature, but still suitable for sightseeing. | |
| May | Beginning of the rainy season, more afternoon showers, but nature becomes lush. | |
| June | Rainy season starts in earnest, but mornings are often sunny. | |
| July | A break in the rainy season, relatively dry, suitable for wildlife watching. | |
| August | A break in the rainy season continues, suitable for sightseeing. | |
| September | A period of heavy rainfall at the peak of the rainy season, not suitable for sightseeing. | |
| October | A period of heavy rainfall at the peak of the rainy season, not suitable for sightseeing. | |
| November | The end of the rainy season, rainfall begins to decrease, suitable for sightseeing. | |
| December | The beginning of the dry season, sunny with many sunny days, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. |
The best month to visit is "January"
January is one of the most ideal months for traveling to Costa Rica. This is the middle of the dry season, and sunny weather continues throughout the country. With a comfortable daytime temperature of around 25-30°C and low humidity, you can comfortably enjoy a variety of activities, such as relaxing on the beach, hiking in national parks, and watching wildlife. In particular, beach resorts on the Pacific side and hot springs around Arenal Volcano are crowded with many tourists during this time of year. In addition, the festive mood of the New Year continues, and carnivals and traditional events are held in various places, so there are plenty of cultural experiences. Since it is a popular period, we recommend making reservations for accommodation and tours early. Overall, January, which has a good balance of weather, activities, and cultural experiences, is the best time to visit Costa Rica.
The least recommended month is "October"
October is one of the months you should avoid the most when traveling to Costa Rica. This is the peak of the rainy season, and heavy rain continues almost every day, especially on the Pacific side. There is an increased risk of road flooding and landslides, which can cause transportation delays and make it difficult to access tourist sites. In addition, the humidity is very high and the discomfort index rises, so outdoor activities are often restricted. In addition, tourist facilities and tours may be temporarily closed, making it difficult to plan trips. However, there is relatively little rainfall on the Caribbean side, and sightseeing may be possible in areas such as Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero. Nevertheless, October is generally considered to be a bad time to travel to Costa Rica due to the unstable weather and difficulty of travel.
Recommended months by travel type
| Travel type | Recommended month | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First trip to Costa Rica | January and February | The weather is stable during the dry season, so you can comfortably tour the main tourist sites. |
| Enjoy nature | March and April | At the end of the dry season, the plants are lively and it is also good for watching wildlife. |
| Wildlife watching | July and August | A break in the rainy season means more animal activity, increasing your chances of spotting more animals. |
| Surfing | May and June | The start of the rainy season brings higher waves, creating conditions for more advanced surfers. |
| Cultural experiences | December and January | Many festival events allow you to experience Costa Rican culture on a deeper level. |
| Quiet times | May and November | Fewer tourists, perfect for spending some quiet time in nature. |
| Traveling with children | February and March | Stable weather and plenty of activities for families. |
| Budget-conscious | May and September | The rainy season allows for cheaper accommodation and tour prices, making it a cost-effective way to travel. |