Costa Rica is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in Central America and experiences two central seasons; the dry season (known as verano) and the wet season (invierno). The dry season typically spans from December to April, while the wet season runs from May to November. 

As the climate is tropical throughout most of Costa Rica, there’s not much variation in temperature during the year. The average temperatures vary between 24°-26°, with maximum high temperatures reaching about 32° and lows reaching 20°.

Read on for a summary of the weather in Costa Rica during these seasons…

The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. The weather is typically sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities, wildlife spotting and beach holidays. However, be prepared for higher accommodation costs and more tourists at this time of the year.

Costa Rica’s wet season (May to November) brings occasional afternoon showers which can be a refreshing respite from the heat. Prices are usually lower, and the landscapes are lush and green. However, some roads may be difficult to navigate, and certain activities might be limited due to the rain. While the average temperature doesn’t change too much at this time of the year, you can expect an increase in humidity.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season. This is when you can witness a wealth of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea turtles nesting, sloths, monkeys and a wide variety of bird species. National parks like Manuel Antonio and Corcovado are especially pleasant during this time of year.

Costa Rica is famous for its superb surf spots and if you’re a surfer the best time to visit is during the wet season. The larger swells create exceptional surfing conditions on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The Caribbean side’s surf season peaks from December to March, while the Pacific coast is more consistent year-round.

Bird lovers will find Costa Rica a paradise throughout the year, but the dry season is especially great for bird watching, as the clear skies and lush landscapes offer outstanding conditions for spotting both resident and migratory species.

Some of the beautiful bird species you can expect to see in Costa Rica include: parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, herons, quetzals, scarlet macaws, kingfishers and hawks.

Costa Rica hosts frequent festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most noteworthy ones include Carnival in February, Semana Santa (Holy Week) in March or April, and Independence Day celebrations on the 15th of September. If you want to experience the local culture, try to plan your visit around one of these fabulous celebrations.