Best time to visit
Best time to visit Costa Rica
Our pick: May and NovemberBest valueChecked 22 October 2026
Best value: May, Nov. Busy and pricier: Dec–Apr. Quiet: Jun–Oct.
- Best value
- Busy and pricier
- Quiet
RatingBest value
Costa Rica's dry season, from December to April, is best on the Pacific side and in the central valley. The green season, from May to November, brings afternoon rain, fewer crowds and turtle nesting.
Month by month in San José
- J23°
- F24°
- M25°
- A25°
- M24°
- J24°
- J23°
- A23°
- S23°
- O23°
- N22°
- D22°
Best valueBusy and pricierQuiet
Average temperature each month (NASA POWER, 2001 to 2025), coloured by season.
Before you go
- The Caribbean coast has its own pattern, and September and October are often its driest months.
Stay and do
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Questions people ask
When can you see turtles in Costa Rica?
Green turtles nest at Tortuguero from about July to October. Other species nest at different times on the Pacific coast.
What is the warmest month in San José?
March, averaging 25°C. The coolest is November, at 22°C.
When is peak season in Costa Rica?
Dec–Apr, when prices are highest. For better value, try May, Nov.