The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Weather and Wildlife

When to visit Costa Rica for good weather, wildlife seasons, and outdoor activities.

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No trip to Central America would be complete without experiencing the huge variety of animals that can be spotted in Costa Rica. From sloths and monkeys to land mammals, cetaceans, birds and insects, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. But not all months are the same and the weather varies greatly throughout the year and in different regions. You also need to know when and where to see animals in Costa Rica to avoid disappointment.

We’ve compiled this thorough guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica for the best weather, based on your interests, including surfing, hiking, snorkelling, and SCUBA diving. We’ve also detailed all the best times for wildlife watching in Costa Rica, including mating, nesting, and migration seasons, as well as where and how to see the country’s most exotic and exciting animals.

When to visit Costa Rica for good weather

Let’s start by mentioning the weather. Many species of animal can only be found in specific climates and their behaviours can be affected by weather patterns.

Costa Rica’s best weather falls in the dry season of December to April. This is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Wet season falls between June and November, with the worst rain in September and October. This time also sees an increased risk of tropical storms on the Caribbean Coast. Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides, which might put a dent in your plans. It’s best to be flexible with your Costa Rica itinerary at this time.

The months between the dry and wet seasons, May and June, often only see afternoon or evening showers rather than constant rain. They’re therefore unofficially known as Costa Rica’s Green Season, when fauna is luscious but it doesn’t rain all the time. Travelling in this shoulder season can be a happy balance between good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. Prices are lower and attractions are much quieter at this time.

Costa Rica Climates

Costa Rica is geographically diverse and many destinations have their own microclimate. Usually, this is in the national Parks and volcanic areas with lots of rainforest.

Temperatures generally range from 23°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) in the day and 15°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F) at night.

Coastal areas can feel hotter, with temperatures up to 30°C (85°F).

Areas at elevation like Monteverde Cloud Forest are typically 5°C to 10°C (40°F to 50°F) cooler than the coastal areas.

Costa Rica Extreme Weather

Costa Rica can experience a variety of extreme weather conditions, largely during the wet season, influenced by its tropical climate and location between the Pacific and the Caribbean. Here’s an overview of the major types of extreme weather that can affect the country.

Monsoons

The monsoon season in Costa Rica is also the rainy season, which typically lasts from May to November. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in the central and Pacific regions. Monsoons can bring daily afternoon showers but some areas, especially along the Caribbean coast, can experience continuous heavy rainfall. This can lead to dangerous conditions and disruptions, including muddy roads, transportation delays and cancellations, and reduced use of infrastructure.

Hurricanes

Costa Rica is located outside of the direct path of most hurricanes, but the country can still be affected during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. While Costa Rica rarely experiences a direct hit, strong hurricanes or tropical storms in the Caribbean can cause heavy rains and high winds. The Pacific coast is generally less affected by hurricanes.

Tsunamis

Costa Rica has a coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, making it vulnerable to tsunamis. Tsunamis in Costa Rica are rare and typically caused by underwater earthquakes off the Pacific coast, particularly near tectonic plate boundaries. Coastal areas in Costa Rica have tsunami warning systems in place, and evacuation plans are regularly practised.

Flash flooding

Flash floods are possible in Costa Rica during the rainy season, especially in areas with steep terrain and poor drainage systems. Heavy rains can cause rivers to rise quickly, leading to flash floods, mudslides, and landslides. This can damage roads, homes, and infrastructure, and it poses a particular risk to travellers in rural or mountainous regions.

Heatwaves

While Costa Rica generally has a moderate climate due to its elevation and proximity to the equator, it is not immune to heatwaves. These extreme periods of hot weather can cause discomfort for locals and visitors. It’s important to use reef-safe sunscreen, wear layers, stay in the shade, and stay hydrated.

When to visit Costa Rica for wildlife

There’s some mixed information online about wildlife watching seasons in Costa Rica. Many people report that the best time to go wildlife watching in Costa Rica is in the dry season, but often these months are actually not the best time to see certain animals. So we’ve combined our research with our personal experiences of wildlife watching and scientific evidence of animal behavioural patterns to produce this comprehensive guide to the best months for wildlife in Costa Rica. We’re going to share the best time to visit Costa Rica for each animal, including all the species you can see, the best months to see them and exactly where to go to find them.

Wildlife watching is kind of our jam and the main priority on most of our trips. Before visiting Costa Rica, we did thorough research into the specific seasons when animals can be seen and where they can be found. There are so many species to see and they are often found in completely different locations, at different times of the year.

Chances are though, you’re only going to be able to visit for a slither of a season. So you’ll want to know when is best to time your visit for specific animals you want to see.

We’re going to share with you the best time to visit Costa Rica for certain animal species, including:

Wildlife Watching Seasons in Costa Rica at a glance

Where can you see wildlife in Costa Rica?

Many of Costa Rica’s wildlife can be seen year-round, but there are some factors that influence wildlife watching besides weather. As tourism in Costa Rica develops, so does the infrastructure. This can result in a loss of habitat and increased stress on certain species.

The protection of natural areas is important to conserve habitat for many species of animals. There are 26 national parks and 8 biological reserves in Costa Rica, and it’s estimated over 26% of the total land is dedicated to wildlife refuges, rainforests, and marine areas.

National Parks and protected reserves are some of the best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica. Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Santa Rosa and Corcovado are a few of the best national parks for wildlife watching in Costa Rica. Other best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife include near beaches, on the rainforest floor and in the rainforest canopy.

1. Sea Turtles

Five of the seven species of sea turtle can be found in Costa Rica including

Costa Rica is also one of the only places in the world where you can witness a mass gathering of turtles, called an Arribada, which can see hundreds of thousands of turtles nesting at once.

When

Sea turtles can be found in Costa Rica on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica at different times of the year.

While turtles can be seen all year round, the best time to see turtles in Costa Rica is in the rainy season. On both the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, peak sightings occur from July to October with the best time to see an Arribada in the Nicoya Peninsula being between September and October.

Some species of turtle are found in certain areas all year round but it’s best to time your trip with nesting season if you are keen to see turtles nesting or babies hatching.

Where

The best places to see turtles in Costa Rica include Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast and the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. Each destination has a slightly different turtle nesting season which is also different for each species.

How

On the Pacific side, book a turtle tour from Samara or camp on remote beaches like Playa Dominical in Dominical. On the Caribbean side, book a turtle tour in Tortuguero.

2. Whales

Costa Rica is whale watching heaven. There are quite a few species of whale that can be seen in Costa Rica including:

When

Costa Rica actually sees two migrations of humpback whales, one from the north and one from the south, at different times of year.

The best time to visit Costa Rica to see whales is between December to April and mid-July to mid-November. Pretty much the only times you’ll struggle to see whales are in the months of May, June, early July and late November as these are the beginning and tail ends of the migration seasons. Not to worry if you are planning a trip at these times, many dolphin species can be found here all year round.

Where

Whale watching in Costa Rica is exclusive to the Pacific Coast. The best area to see whales is in the Central and South Pacific. Uvita and Drake Bay are best for seeing the humpbacks, while the Gulfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula are particularly good areas to see deep ocean dwellers and more unique species of cetacean.

How

There are a couple of places where you can take a Costa Rica whale watching tour. The most popular place to do it, with the most amount of operators and sightings, is on a whale watching tour from Uvtia.

3. Dolphins

There is a wide variety of other dolphin species found in the waters off Costa Rica, including:

The following dolphins can also be seen in Costa Rica. Despite including ‘whale’ in their names, they are actually dolphins:

These species are seen more rarely than the humpback whales.

Where

Dolphins are found in coastal areas on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. While you may see them from the land, you’re more likely to see them on a whale-watching boat trip.

When

There isn’t really a best time to visit Costa Rica for dolphins as they inhabit the waters here all year round.

Dolphins are found in coastal areas including the Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific and Osa Peninsula, as well as the Central Caribbean Coast.

How

There are a couple of places where you can take a dedicated dolphin watching tour in Costa Rica, including Drake Bay. It’s also likely you’ll see dolphins on a whale watching tour from Uvtia.

4. Sloths

Two of the world’s six species of sloth are found in Costa Rica:

When

Sloths can be seen all year round. There is no specific sloth season in Costa Rica as sloths breed throughout the year. However, there is anecdotal evidence that sloths typically give birth at the beginning of the dry season which starts in December. Less rain does mean it is easier to go out and spot sloths in the dry season but quieter reserves offer better chances of a sighting in shoulder seasons.

Despite there being no best month to visit Costa Rica to see sloths, there is a best time of day to see them. To see three-toed sloths, go wildlife watching in the early morning or late evening when national parks and reserves are less busy and sloths are more active. To see the nocturnal two-toed sloth, you should take a guided nighttime tour.

Where

Sloths live in tropical rainforests. Two-toed sloths are found in high-altitude cloud forests like Monteverde, whereas three-toed sloths can be found at lower elevations, like in La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado.

How

Head to La Fortuna and walk a Sloth Trail, like the Bogarin Trail or take a guided tour in a nature reserve like Manuel Antonio National Park.

5. Monkeys

There are four species of monkey in Costa Rica: Howler, White-faced (Capuchin), Spider and Squirrel.

When

Monkeys can be seen in Costa Rica all year round.

Dry season between December to April can provide better visibility as there is less foliage to cover sightlines. This is also when the weather is nicest and better conditions mean you’re more likely to spend time outside to spot wildlife.

On the flip side, with the rains in wet season between July to November comes more abundant plant life. Fruit can be found flowering in abundance which monkeys particularly like to eat, so this can be a good time to find them.re

Where

Monkeys are mainly found in national parks including Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero, Corcovado and Palo Verde. They are also often seen by campsites or the side of the road in more remote areas like the Nicoya and Osa Peninsulas. We were woken up by howler monkeys in Montezuma when camping in Costa Rica.

How

Rent a car in Costa Rica and take a wildlife watching tour in one of the pristine protected reserves like Arenal Volcano National Park.

6. Birds

There are over 900 known species of bird in Costa Rica so it really is a birdwatching paradise. One of the most beautiful yet elusive species is the Resplendent Quetzal.

When and Where

Quetzals are seen in Costa Rica between mid-February to July with peak sightings occurring in the middle of the season between March to May. They are found in high-altitude rainforests, like Monteverde and Quetzals National Park.

Many of Costa Rica’s birds are migratory, meaning they can only be seen at certain times of the year. Migratory bird species are only present in Costa Rica between October to May. The Autumn migration sees migratory birds arrive in Costa Rica from August to December. Many migratory birds arrive in Costa Rica in the peak of October to November each year, including Falcons, Hawks, Warblers, Wrens, Swallows and Swifts. Costa Rica’s migratory birds leave again for North America in the Spring migration from February to May.

The Great Green Macaw is generally found on the Caribbean Coast. The best time to see them is between December and July in the breeding season, with peak sightings in February to June. After this time, Green Macaws migrate to the mountainous regions in north-central Costa Rica to feed on the blossoming almond trees.

In contrast, Scarlett Macaws are found in coastal areas, usually near beaches, on the Pacific Coast. Their breeding season is between October to May.

Blue-and-yellow macaws can also sometimes be found in Costa Rica. They favour tropical forests like in the Caribbean lowlands and are found year-round, but are most often seen in the dry season.

There are six species of Toucan in Costa Rica, all of which can be found year-round.

Other birds you may see in Costa Rica include over 50 species of Hummingbirds, Motmots, Trogons and Tanagers, to name a few.

How

Take a specialised Costa Rica birdwatching tour in places like Monteverde and Curi Cancha, which are known for their diverse birdlife.

7. Big Cats

There are six species of large wild cat in Costa Rica, Jaguar, Ocelot, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Oncilla.

When

While it’s possible to see these big cat species year-round in many parts of Costa Rica, they’re extremely hard to see and you’ll need a great deal of luck. Factors such as the season, time of day, and patience significantly influence the chances of an encounter. Dawn and dusk are typically the best times, as these are active hunting hours for many species.

Where

The best chance to see big cats is in a remote and pristine habitat, like Corcovado National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, and Tortuguero National Park.

How

The best way to see wild cats in Costa Rica is on a guided wildlife tour in a remote national park, although chances of seeing one are always slim.

8. Land Mammals

There are so many more unique land animals to see in Costa Rica, including:

None of these mammals are seasonal, so can be seen all year round.

The best places to find land mammals like these are in national parks and protected reserves like Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Corcovado, Santa Rosa and Palo Verde. We saw several species near remote campsites when we travelled with our Nomad America 4×4 camper rental too.

9. Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles and Amphibians may not be the most popular category of animal you can see in Costa Rica but, for some people, they’re the most exciting.

Crocodiles and Caiman can be seen in mangrove areas and estuaries, while iguanas, lizards and basilisks are commonly found in beach areas.

Frogs, including the tiny poison dart frogs, are usually found on night tours but can be seen during the day too. Snakes, including vipers and fer-de-lance, are also seen on both nighttime and daytime wildlife tours. All these animals can be seen all year round.

Exploring Costa Rica’s hanging bridges is a great way to get up close to reptiles and amphibians that might be hiding in the canopy.

10. Arachnids and Insects

Some people may actively wish to avoid seeing Spiders, Scorpions and Butterflies, but for others, they are exciting animals to see on a wildlife tour.

Most insects and arachnids can be seen in Costa Rica at any time of year on day and night tours. Certain species, like monarch butterflies, are most abundant in Costa Rica between December and February, which is the migration season.

Some of the best places to spot little critters like these are at nature reserves like Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

11. Sharks

Certain species of shark can be seen all year round in Costa Rica, including the Whitetip Reef Shark. Other species are more seasonal and may require you to travel further from the mainland, including Bull, Whitetip Reef, Blacktip Reef, and Hammerhead.

Whale Sharks are also found in the waters off Costa Rica in the Catalina and Bat Islands. The best time to visit Costa Rica to swim with whale sharks is between June to September and November to January. Tiger Sharks are also found here between September to March.

Bull Sharks are found in the Bat Islands between mid-May to early November with the best time to go between June to October.

Hammerhead sharks are found off Cocos Island between May to November.

12. Rays

Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray. They are found in the waters off the Catalinas and Bat Islands, as well as Caño Island Biological Reserve. Other ray species you can see in Costa Rica include Mobula, Eagle and Sting Rays.

Diving tours with manta rays typically only run between November and April. The best time to visit Costa Rica to swim with manta rays is in the peak of the season from January to March, which sees the highest numbers of rays and the has best visibility.

When to visit Costa Rica for outdoor activities

Costa Rica is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the specific activities you’re planning. Dry season has the best weather which is typically also the best time for outdoor activities. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, Costa Rica’s green season is a happy middle ground, with frequent dry mornings, cheaper activities, and fewer visitors.

When to visit Costa Rica for snorkelling

SCUBA diving and snorkelling are great ways to see marine life in Costa Rica. As well as many species of whale and dolphin, Costa Rica is home to a diverse mix of aquatic animals that can only be experienced underwater.

The best time to visit Costa Rica to snorkel is in the dry season between December and April on the Pacific side and September and October on the Caribbean side. While snorkelling you can see many species of tropical reef fish, including Moorish idols, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Wrasse, Triggerfish, and Damselfish. You may also see turtles, sharks, rays and even whales and dolphins if you’re very lucky.

When to visit Costa Rica for SCUBA diving

The best time of year for diving in Costa Rica is in the dry season, between December and April when the seas are calmer and warmer, and visibility is better. January to March are the peak months for diving and when you are most likely to see manta rays and whale sharks.

Sea turtles and many species of tropical reef fish, as well as octopus, lobster and eels, can be seen all year round when diving.

The best places to dive in Costa Rica are the Catalina and Bat Islands off the north of the Nicoya Peninsula, Caño Island Biological Reserve off the Osa Peninsula and Cocos Island, which lies 342 miles (550 km) off the Pacific Coast.

In the rainy season, between May to November, visibility is at its worst and many SCUBA shops along the coasts don’t even operate tours. But this is a good time for advanced divers who may be interested in certain species. Specialist tours to dive with bull sharks in the Catalina and Bat islands run between June to October.

Liveaboards to Cocos Island also run at this time, where hammerhead sharks can be found. June to November is the best time to visit Cocos Island for whale sharks, manta rays and other shark and ray species.

Humpback whales can be heard singing (and may occasionally be seen by lucky divers) during the whale migration seasons we listed above.

When to visit Costa Rica for hiking

The dry season of December to April is the best time of year for hiking in Costa Rica. At this time, trails are driest and the weather is warmest, with little rain. There’s typically less cloud at this time too, offering unobstructed views, which is a particular benefit if you’re hiking in La Fortuna and wish to see Arenal Volcano.

When to visit Costa Rica for surfing

Costa Rica is a world-class surfing destination, offering year-round waves. The best swells come from strong winds and coincide with the wet season from June to November. Tamarindo and Playa Hermosa are surfing hotspots on the Pacific Coast, while Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles are known for their surfing vibes on the Caribbean side.

What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?

No matter what time you visit Costa Rica, you’re bound to have a good time. There is such a diverse array of species to see at all times of year that no wildlife lover will leave disappointed.

What is the worst time to visit Costa Rica?

The worst time to visit Costa Rica depends on your plans and tolerance for rain, crowds, or heat. Many people consider the wet season (June to November) to be the worst time due to increased rain, especially in September and October. Storms can cause delays and cancellations due to flooding and road closures. However, this period does have the benefit of cheaper prices for tours and accommodation and fewer crowds.

Major holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter are generally a ‘bad’ time to visit as crowds are at their peak and popular destinations like Manuel Antonio can feel overrun with tourists. Prices for accommodations, tours, and flights are also at their highest during these times.

When to visit Costa Rica for events

Costa Rica hosts a variety of festivals, events, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Here are some of the events to add to your calendar.

When to Visit Costa Rica FAQs

We’ve answered these frequent answer questions to help you decide when to visit Costa Rica.

What is the hottest month in Costa Rica?

The hottest months in Costa Rica are towards the end of the dry season in March and April, especially in the lowlands and along the Pacific Coast, where temperatures can reach up to 36°C (97°F). Coastal areas are particularly warm but sea breezes help to keep you cool.

What is the coldest month in Costa Rica?

The coldest months in Costa Rica are typically December and January, with average daytime highs around 24°C (75°F) in the highlands and cooler nights dropping to 10–14°C (50–57°F). In coastal areas, temperatures remain warmer, with highs of 28–30°C (82–86°F).

What is the driest month in Costa Rica?

The driest months in Costa Rica are February and March in the middle of the dry season. These months experience little rain, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and relaxing on the beach.

What is the wettest month in Costa Rica?

The wettest month in Costa Rica is typically October, which falls towards the end of the wet season. Heavy rains are common, especially in the afternoons. The Pacific side gets more rain than the Caribbean side during this time.

What is the rainy season in Costa Rica?

The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May to November, with the heaviest rains, and possible hurricanes, occurring from September to October. This is when the country experiences lush green landscapes, though outdoor activities in remote areas may be more challenging due to muddy trails and afternoon downpours.

What is the windiest month in Costa Rica?

The windiest months in Costa Rica are typically November to March. This period coincides with the transition into the dry season, and strong winds, especially on the Pacific Coast, can make for excellent conditions for surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing, particularly in places like Guanacaste.

When is hurricane season in Costa Rica?

Hurricane season in Costa Rica typically runs from June to November. While the Pacific Coast is less likely to be affected by hurricanes, the Caribbean side may experience tropical storms or heavy rain, particularly in September and October. Direct hurricane impacts are rare in Costa Rica.

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A Perfect Costa Rica Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary

An Essential Guide to Driving in Costa Rica

The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Costa Rica

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