Costa Rica Seasons
Most of Costa Rica operates on two seasons: a dry season (December–April) and a rainy season (May–November). But the Caribbean coast runs on its own opposite rhythm — and knowing this distinction can dramatically change your travel planning.
When is the dry season in Costa Rica?
The dry season (verano) runs from December through April on the Pacific side and Central Valley. This is peak tourist season — the best time for Pacific beaches, Guanacaste, and outdoor activities with minimal rain interruption. The rainy season (invierno, or "green season") runs May–November, with rain falling mainly in the afternoons. The Caribbean coast is the exception: it has no true dry season, with its wettest months being October–November (opposite of the Pacific). Visiting the Caribbean February–April offers its best weather.
The Two Main Seasons
Dry Season — Verano
December – April
- Sunny, dry days — especially January through March
- Best conditions for Pacific coast beaches and Guanacaste
- Peak tourist season — more expensive, more crowded
- Book accommodation well ahead for December, New Year, and Semana Santa (Easter)
- Guanacaste temperatures reach 35–37°C+ by March–April
- Forests become dry and sparse in heavily affected areas; wildlife concentrates near water
- Best road conditions — less flooding and fewer landslides
Rainy Season — Invierno / Green Season
May – November
- Afternoon and evening rain showers — mornings are often clear and sunny
- Landscapes spectacularly green and lush
- Lower hotel rates — typically 20–40% cheaper than dry season
- Fewer tourists at popular sites
- Waterfalls and rivers at their most impressive
- September and October are the wettest months overall
- Higher flooding and landslide risk on unpaved roads
The Veranillo de San Juan — A Brief Dry Spell
In late June and through much of July, Costa Rica often experiences the veranillo de San Juan (little dry season), a temporary break in the rains. This mini dry spell can last one to three weeks and brings sunny days to regions that are otherwise in the heart of rainy season. It's particularly noticeable on the Pacific side and in the Central Valley. The timing and intensity vary year to year, but it's worth knowing about if you're visiting in late June–July.
The Caribbean Coast Exception
The Caribbean coast follows an opposite pattern to the Pacific. Its wettest months are October and November, when the Pacific side is beginning its dry season. The relatively drier windows on the Caribbean are February–April and September–October. There is no true dry season — rain is possible any day of the year. This means visiting the Caribbean during the Pacific's rainy season (May–August) can be a smart move — while everyone else is at a wet Guanacaste beach, Puerto Viejo may be having one of its drier stretches.
Month-by-Month Weather by City
Average daily high (°C) / average rainy days per month. Rainy days are days with measurable precipitation.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José Central Valley | 24° 2d | 25° 2d | 27° 3d | 27° 7d | 26° 16d | 25° 17d | 25° 15d | 25° 17d | 24° 21d | 24° 22d | 23° 14d | 23° 6d |
| Liberia Guanacaste | 33° 1d | 34° 1d | 36° 1d | 37° 3d | 33° 12d | 31° 16d | 31° 13d | 31° 14d | 30° 19d | 30° 20d | 32° 7d | 33° 1d |
| Quepos Central Pacific | 32° 4d | 33° 3d | 34° 3d | 33° 8d | 30° 19d | 29° 22d | 29° 20d | 29° 21d | 29° 23d | 29° 24d | 30° 15d | 31° 7d |
| Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Caribbean Coast | 29° 16d | 29° 13d | 30° 12d | 30° 14d | 29° 18d | 29° 17d | 29° 18d | 30° 17d | 29° 18d | 28° 22d | 28° 23d | 28° 19d |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest | 20° 9d | 21° 8d | 22° 7d | 22° 11d | 20° 17d | 19° 19d | 19° 18d | 19° 19d | 18° 22d | 18° 23d | 19° 16d | 19° 11d |
| San Gerardo de Rivas Chirripó / Southern Zone | 16° 8d | 17° 7d | 18° 7d | 17° 12d | 15° 18d | 14° 20d | 14° 19d | 14° 20d | 14° 22d | 14° 23d | 15° 16d | 16° 10d |
°C = average daily high temperature. d = average number of rainy days in the month.
What Changes With the Seasons
Prices & Crowds
Dry season (Dec–Apr) is high season — expect higher accommodation prices, busier national parks, and limited availability at popular lodges. Green season (May–Nov) brings significant discounts — 20–40% off is common. September and October are the quietest months across the country.
Roads & Accessibility
Dry season roads are passable almost everywhere, including many unpaved routes to remote beaches. Rainy season brings flooding, landslides, and river crossings that can cut off destinations for days. 4WD with high clearance is strongly recommended for rural travel May–November.
Wildlife Viewing
Dry season concentrates wildlife near water sources — easier spotting. Rainy season brings peak bird activity, hatching sea turtles (July–October on Caribbean), whale watching (August–November in South Pacific, December–April in North Pacific), and maximum biodiversity activity.
Surfing
Pacific surf peaks during rainy season. The same offshore winds (tradewinds) that push Pacific storms also create the best swells. Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point peak May–November. Caribbean's Salsa Brava is best November–April when Caribbean swells run strong.