When is tourist season in costa rica

During these drizzly days, it was clear and sunny on the opposite side of the country, so we could have avoided the rain had we thought it was a real annoyance. Many Costa Rica regulars prefer the green season, but there are some disadvantages as well. There are some areas where it is really wet, particularly the Atlantic slopes, and the northeast and southwest. The Osa Peninsula gets so much rain that travel becomes difficult and many of the lodges shut down in September and October.

It also seems a little dark sometimes. Those long summer nights are a polar phenomenon and this close to the equator the days are only a few minutes longer. The sun sets about p. Pacific Side The descriptions dry and rainy apply most accurately to the beach destinations of Guanacaste and Nicoya in the northwest corner of Costa Rica.

The Covid 19 pandemic has replaced weather, crowds, bargains and wildlife migrations as the immediate consideration determining the best time to travel to Costa Rica. The country has done better than most at minimizing cases and in the unlikely event you need care the Costa Rican health system is modern and no cost for travelers — see details.

Since November 1, all international travelers are welcome to visit without testing or quarantine. The most popular time for Costa Rica vacations is the holiday peak season around Christmas and New Years but the best time to visit may be a couple of weeks later after the crowds thin. The rains end in December but the forests remain lush into the new year while dry sunny weather prevails on the beaches.

It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. If you have a time of year in mind select a month from the drop down menu to access a summary of weather and rainfall, tides, prices, lodging availability, wildlife migrations, bank and school holidays, local fiestas and festivals , plus other seasonal information. The best weather depends on where as well as when. There are a number of distinct microclimates in Costa Rica and it can be flooding in one zone but bone dry in another.

Other comparisons and suggested alternatives are noted in the summary of each month linked in the drop down menu. There used to be distinct high and low travel seasons in Costa Rica but the secret is out. July and August are almost as popular as December and January. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season, despite reduced rainfall.

There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. Hotel availability is limited over these popular travel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. Book early. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Travelers can still enjoy clear skies, although the vegetation, particularly on the North Pacific Coast, has lost some of its vibrant green sparkle after months of little rain.

April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. May is a bit of a transition month, in which the rain picks up, but not quite at the rate of later green season months. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life.

Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. Afternoons are rainy with typically clear mornings perfect for morning tours. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife.

Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best.

Plus, there are no crowds. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year.

November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in.