When to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica has just two seasons, winter (wet) and summer (dry). These seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere with summer running from December to April, this is also known as the dry season and is the perfect time to visit the beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast.

In the wet season (May to November) most of the rain falls on the country's vast rainforests and the weather can disrupt transport routes to the southeast and the Osa peninsula. In most places the rainfall is intense but brief. Some activities are actually better in the rainy season (rebranded as the Green Season by Costa Ricans), for instance whitewater rafting and birdwatching, but others can be difficult if not impossible, so plan carefully if visiting during the rainy months.