The best time to visit Costa Rica

Visiting Costa Rica in February

February is another hot and dry month. The surf’s up on both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, and you can have a wonderful time on the beaches. Whale watchers should head to the Pacific Coast where pods of humpback whale are still migrating southward all the way from Alaska. This is also the best coast for turtle sightings in February. Costa Rica has one of the highest biodiversity ratings on the planet, and throughout the country you can explore the inland jungles spotting colourful frogs, excitable monkeys and melodic tropical birds.

Visiting Costa Rica in March

Another fantastic month for relaxing on stunning sands and taking forays into the rainforests in search of intriguing creatures. Head to the pristine cloud forests surrounding Monteverde to experience the natural world at its most impressive – take a night walk in search of the country’s rarest species, and head out in the daytime to observe the iconic quetzal. You will also find fantastic surf conditions on either coastline during this period.

See more of the country’s natural beauty at the National Orchid Show which takes place in San Jose.

Visiting Costa Rica in April

April is the last month of the dry season and one of the hottest months of the year. Preference the breezy Pacific beaches or high-altitude areas. Enjoy snorkelling in search of leatherback turtle on the Caribbean Coast, where you’re still unlikely to get more than a drizzle of rain.

Juan Santamaría Day is a national holiday commemorating the intriguing moment in history when a poor drummer boy won a decisive battle for the Costa Rican Army. Yet this is a far cry from an imposing military parade, since the country’s army was abolished in 1948.

Visiting Costa Rica in May

May is the first wet season month, though the rains tail off at the end of the month. The wet season does have some advantages and shouldn’t necessarily put you off. Take advantage of deserted beaches and attractions, and lower prices throughout the country. This is also a good month for catching the surf on the Pacific coast. It can be quite easy to plan your experiences around the weather since most of the rain will fall in the afternoon, leaving many bright and clear mornings perfect for exploring.

Visiting Costa Rica in June

June and July receive less rainfall than May or August, though they are still considered green season months. This means fewer crowds and lower prices. June is also the month of the Veranillo de San Juan or “mini summer of St John”. Immerse yourself in these natural scenes with wild-swimming trips and white-water rafting adventures. At this time of year, the surfing waves are at their best on the Pacific Coast. This is a great month to discover the remote reaches of Corcovado and Osa Peninsula which are teeming with flora and fauna.

Visiting Costa Rica in July

Another month of reduced rain and brilliant green scenery stretching over the landscape, July is when the surf’s up on both coastlines. Explore San Jose, a bustling capital full of authentic restaurants, astonishing architecture and colourful city markets. This month also marks the start of nesting season for hawksbill and green sea turtle in Tortugero National Park.

The Virgin of the Seas Fiesta is a huge party which takes place in the Gulf of Nicoya to remember a time when the desperate prayers of storm-shocked sailors were answered.

Visiting Costa Rica in August

The rain increases a little, with the warmest weather on the Caribbean Coast. Yet you can enjoy swell surfing on either side of the country. Various species of sea turtle can be sighted on either coast while whale are still most likely seen on the Pacific. Tortuguero National Park is fantastic for wildlife watching close to the coast. Watch turtle and manatee in the shallows and sloth, monkey and predatory cats in the jungles.

Visiting Costa Rica in September

During September, the driest weather can be found towards the east of the country, making it another good month to explore Tortuguero National Park. If you aren’t put off by the rain, then you can still head to the Pacific Coast for surfing and whale watching. The Nicoya Peninsula is teeming with experiences – on dry days you can head into the forests to view tropical flora and fauna while on rainy days there are fascinating cities such as Liberia to discover.

Throughout the country, prepare for the fiestas of Independence Day in the middle of the month.

Visiting Costa Rica in October

The Caribbean Coast and eastern inland regions continue to get the driest weather throughout October. Here, you can combine a beach retreat with natural wonder as various flocks of bird species migrate from the Caribbean islands, including a good number of raptors. As with September, the best whale watching and surfing can be found on the wetter west coast.

Celebrate the Maiz Fiesta, when traditional costumes, authentic food and fun activities such as boat races are the main attractions.

You may also witness the Carnival of Limon as the city sways to the unmistakable rhythms of calypso.

Visiting Costa Rica in November

November is the last month of the wet season, and the dry weather hits the Caribbean Coast first. At this time of the year, you can enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices and, if you’re lucky, little or no the rainy weather. Although it can be a gamble, there’s always something to do or see on a rainy day in Costa Rica, and even if you aren’t as lucky as you’d hoped, the rain tends to fall in the afternoons – so rise early and make the most of the sunny mornings.

Visiting Costa Rica in December

The dry season has finally arrived in full, and once more all parts of the country open their doors to tourists. Head to Arenal National Park to explore volcanoes and cloud forests, among which you will locate awe-inspiring waterfalls and peaceful thermal springs.

You can also discover archaic legends and learn about the birth of Costa Rica as we know it at the Fiesta de la Yegüita which takes place in Nicoya.

Costa Rica is a great destination for a scorching Christmas, complete with carol singers, Christmas trees and all other traditions (except, of course, for snow).