Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica is best visited All year, when the weather is mild, drier and comfortable for sightseeing.
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Once you know the best time to go, find out exactly what to pack for Costa Rica at 247PackingList — climate-matched checklists for every destination. For country facts like currency, language and plug type, see our Costa Rica country guide at 247CountryInfo. Some travellers fund a longer stay in Costa Rica by teaching English along the way — a TEFL certificate is usually all it takes.
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youCosta Rica — Monthly Temperatures
Average daily high and low temperatures (°C/°F). Bars show the daily range each month.
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun/day | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Best | 24.7°C | 15.5°C | 33.8mm | 10.8h | 6 | 10/10 |
| February Best | 25.9°C | 15.5°C | 8.4mm | 11.4h | 4 | 10/10 |
| March Best | 26.5°C | 15.5°C | 50.7mm | 11.1h | 8 | 10/10 |
| April Best | 26.5°C | 16.4°C | 148.8mm | 10.3h | 17 | 9/10 |
| May Best | 25.7°C | 16.9°C | 343.3mm | 8.9h | 25 | 8/10 |
| June Best | 24.2°C | 16.4°C | 408.2mm | 8.3h | 28 | 8/10 |
| July Best | 24.8°C | 16.7°C | 341.3mm | 8.7h | 24 | 8/10 |
| August Best | 24.7°C | 16.4°C | 561.2mm | 8.3h | 28 | 8/10 |
| September Best | 24.9°C | 16.1°C | 484.9mm | 8.5h | 29 | 8/10 |
| October Best | 24.2°C | 16.0°C | 579.6mm | 8.0h | 29 | 8/10 |
| November Best | 23.7°C | 16.2°C | 350.7mm | 8.2h | 25 | 8/10 |
| December Best | 24.3°C | 15.8°C | 65.0mm | 10.4h | 10 | 10/10 |
Costa Rica Climate
Costa Rica has a mediterranean climate — hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Check the annual climate overview for Costa Rica for the full year picture, or read the dedicated Costa Rica rainy season guide.
Counting down to your trip? Use our holiday countdown timer at LeftToTime to track the days. Owners often keep a Costa Rica travel guide to hand for planning on the go. Check clothing sizes in Costa Rica at 247Sizing before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?
The best month to visit Costa Rica is January, when temperatures average 24.7°C and conditions score 10/10 for comfort.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica in January?
Costa Rica in January is warm — daytime temperatures average 24.7°C, dropping to 15.5°C at night. The month is mostly dry with only occasional showers, with roughly 10.8 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel.
When is rainy season in Costa Rica?
Rainy season in Costa Rica runs April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity. Full rainy season guide →
Is Costa Rica good to visit in winter?
Yes — winter (December, January, February) averages 24.7°C highs with a 10/10 comfort rating, making it a solid time to visit.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.