Quick decision
When to visit Costa Rica?
🌞 Best time overall
February
🌡️ Optimal temperature
16°C–26°C in February
🌧 Least rain
18% rainy days in February
🌧 Wettest month
October (94%)
📅 Best score
8.6/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Pacific BeachDecember–April — Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, calm sea and blue skies.
Ecotourism & RainforestYear-round — Monteverde, Arenal, exceptional wildlife in dry season.
Diving & SurfingDecember-March (Pacifique) — best visibility, waves for surfers.
FamilyDecember–March — dry season, passable roads, accessible nature activities.
WildlifeJuly-November — jaguars, toucans, sea turtles on the Caribbean coast.
BudgetMay-June or November — start/end of green season, prices -25%, fewer crowds.
Monthly climate data
Costa Rica weather month by month
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rainy days (%) | Precip. mm/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ January | 16°C | 25°C | 24% | 1.3 | 10.7h | 8.2/10 |
| ☀️ February | 16°C | 26°C | 18% | 1.0 | 10.9h | 8.6/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 16°C | 27°C | 25% | 1.1 | 11.1h | 8.6/10 |
| 🌤️ April | 17°C | 27°C | 54% | 3.8 | 11.0h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌧️ May | 17°C | 26°C | 86% | 12.1 | 8.6h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌧️ June | 17°C | 24°C | 94% | 13.0 | 7.8h | 5.3/10 |
| ⛅ July | 17°C | 25°C | 76% | 9.7 | 8.6h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌧️ August | 17°C | 25°C | 85% | 12.6 | 8.9h | 6.9/10 |
| 🌧️ September | 16°C | 25°C | 96% | 14.6 | 8.1h | 5.5/10 |
| 🌧️ October | 16°C | 24°C | 94% | 17.7 | 7.9h | 5.2/10 |
| 🌧️ November | 17°C | 24°C | 81% | 11.3 | 8.7h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌤️ December | 16°C | 24°C | 37% | 2.8 | 10.8h | 7.7/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
🌴 Tropical destination — heavy rain months benefit from an algorithmic adjustment: tropical showers are intense but brief and usually don't ruin a trip.
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time
Average 27°C, 55% rainy days, 10.2h sunshine/day. Score: 7.7/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Acceptable
Average 25°C, 85% rainy days, 8.4h sunshine/day. Score: 6.4/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Acceptable
Average 24°C, 90% rainy days, 8.2h sunshine/day. Score: 5.9/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 25°C, 26% rainy days, 10.8h sunshine/day. Score: 8.2/10.
Accommodation
Find a place to stay in Costa Rica
Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : May, July offer a good weather/price balance — decent score with fewer crowds.
Search on Hotels.comActivities & tours
Activities and tours in Costa Rica
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences.
Browse activities on GetYourGuide
Flights
Find a flight to Costa Rica
Compare flights from all airlines.
Search flights
Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
February is ideal with 18% rainy days and 26°C. The months of February & March offer comparable conditions.
October is the wettest month with 94% rainy days.
Yes, February is the best month with an average of 26°C.
In winter, the average score is 8.2/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
Also explore
Destinations with similar climate
Weather rankings
Compare destinations by weather
Guides & comparisons