THE SEASON AHEAD
We are currently in the heart of Costa Rica’s green season, a time of year with its own distinctive beauty. Although rainfall is gradually increasing in some parts of the country, it remains a phenomenal period for wildlife watching. This is one of the best times to see green sea turtles nesting on the beaches of Tortuguero, and to spot whales in the Pacific waters off the Osa Peninsula. You can balance wildlife encounters and active adventures with time on the drier northern Pacific coast, where the beaches are wonderful for learning to surf or simply relaxing in the sunshine, strolling along the sand and watching spectacular sunsets.
By September and October, many visitors tend to avoid Costa Rica because of the heavier rains. But by mid-November, the country re-emerges beautifully green and ready for the new season. Travel between mid-November and mid-December and you can enjoy the beginning of the drier weather before the peak season visitors arrive. From Christmas through to February, the pace shifts again, and Costa Rica’s best lodges are often booked up to a year in advance. I therefore recommend you start planning now for 2027 and beyond.
Dineke – August 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a destination that can be enjoyed almost year-round. The dry season of December to April is the most popular time to visit, due to lower rainfall in much of the country. You can enjoy wildlife watching in the jungles of the Osa Peninsula with less chance of persistent rain, delve into outdoor adventures in Arenal, and enjoy plenty of sunshine on Costa Rica’s beaches. Being a tropical country, you can still expect rain showers even in the dry season – this is what makes Costa Rica so green and beautiful. There are also regional weather variations, with the Caribbean coast having slightly different dry seasons to the Pacific.
One of the best times of year to visit Costa Rica is during the shoulder season months of May and June. Though the official dry season is coming to an end, there is still plenty of good weather to enjoy – and the country’s top attractions are much quieter. The cone of the Arenal Volcano can also be easier to spot, and this time of year represents excellent value for money in Costa Rica.
July and August see an increase in visitors once more, due to the school holidays in Europe and North America. Despite being Costa Rica’s ‘green season’, the rainfall generally takes the form of short heavy showers later in the afternoon. This is also one of the best times of year to see green sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero, and to spot humpback whales on the southern Pacific coast.
The only time of year we suggest you avoid visiting Costa Rica is September and October. The heavier rains make it more difficult to spot wildlife, and travel by road can be challenging.
Where are the best places to visit in Costa Rica?
Some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica on a bespoke tour include:
- The Osa Peninsula – the most biodiverse region in the country, the pristine rainforests and abundant coastlines of the Osa Peninsula are Costa Rica’s jewel in the crown for wildlife lovers. Stay in a beautiful jungle lodge surrounded by nature, and embark on a range of wildlife tours led by expert guides.
- The Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica’s number one adventure hub. Even if the cone of the volcano is shrouded in cloud, the activities in the area and the excellent choice of luxury hotels make Arenal well worth visiting. Things to do in Arenal include hiking over old lava trails in the volcanic national park, rafting, zip lining, kayaking on the lake, and soaking in thermal springs.
- Tortuguero National Park – Fringing Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is one of the country’s most remarkable national parks. Made up almost entirely of flooded rainforest, connected by a series of pristine natural canals, travel around Tortuguero is generally by boat. Activities from the atmospheric jungle lodges here include boat safaris in search of colourful reptiles and birds, kayaking through serene waterways, and rainforest walks spotting sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans.
