The Best Times to Visit
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South Pacific Costa Rica By Season
When is the best time to visit South Pacific Costa Rica? Each month is exceptional in it’s own way. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
JANUARY-APRIL
30ºC/86ºF Average High Temperature
January through April is summertime in Costa Rica. Lots of sunshine and warm weather are perfect for uninterrupted beach time including humpback whale watching. Swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the warm ocean waters, and learn to surf—the waves are at an ideal height for lessons. Tourism peaks this time of year, so there are many local festivals. January kicks off with the Fiesta de los Diablitos, a celebration of native Boruca culture. Plan your itinerary and make reservations ahead of time during this busier summer season.
MAY-JUNE
28ºC/82ºF Average High Temperature
May and June transitions South Pacific Costa Rica from the dry season to the rainy season. The weather is more unpredictable and tends to get rainier toward the end of June. But nothing stops for the rain in Costa Rica! The moisture cools the air, creating comfortable temperatures. Everything’s bigger in May and June. Waves are larger for surfing; orchids are at their peak; sail fishing starts and sport fishing gains traction. Now the rivers are really flowing so it’s a great time for whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling. Less people visit Costa Rica during this time, so you can avoid crowds.
JULY-AUGUST
28ºC/82ºF Average High Temperature
July and August are the best-kept secrets in South Pacific Costa Rica. Warm, sunny mornings and rain-cooled evenings are a welcome break from summer in the United States and Southern Europe. This is also a popular time for Costa Ricans to vacation in the South Pacific region, and it’s your opportunity to mix with the locals. July marks the start of sea turtle season—which spans from July to December—and the region’s Tortuga Beach is one of their favorite nesting spots. You may experience the unexpected pleasure of witnessing a baby turtle release.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
28ºC/82ºF Average High Temperature
September and October are rainy but pleasant months, with few tourists and no crowds. It is one of the best times for sport fishing, whitewater rafting, river and waterfall swimming, and sea turtle viewing. Beginning in September, the humpback whales arrive from Antarctica, which starts the Whale Festival in nearby Bahia Ballena, the location of the famous Whale’s Tail rock and reef formation. This time is ideal for spotting other animals as well. The animals descend the mountains to take advantage of the fresh vegetation. You can see monkeys, sloths, frogs, coatis, butterflies, and tons of birds.
NOVEMBER
28ºC/82ºF Average High Temperature
November starts the transition from the rainy months. Everything is lush and green. There is still a significant amount of rain, but it is less than half the average rainfall in October. The last couple weeks of November are a great time to visit Costa Rica if you are hoping to have the place to yourselves and still experience nice weather and fun outdoor activities. The waves are moderate, sport fishing is good, and the beaches are breathtaking.
DECEMBER
28ºC/82ºF Average High Temperature
December marks the beginning of the tourist season in Costa Rica. The temperature is nearly perfect and everything is green and vibrant from the rains in September, October, and November. As a transitional month, December involves some rain—but it’s an ideal month for sport fishing and other outdoor activities. Visit during the first couple weeks when there are fewer people but all of the benefits.