Take a look at our latest special offers and see where you could go next

Costa Rica rainforest mountain

Costa Rica, Rainforest view

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Month-by-month guide of when to visit Costa Rica

Best time to go to Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s varied climate and vibrant ecosystems mean there’s always something worth travelling for, whether you’re chasing dry-season sun or craving rainforest adventure. Understanding the seasonal differences across the country can help you plan the trip that’s right for you.

Dry Season (December to April) This is Costa Rica’s most popular time to visit, with clear skies, warm days, and barely any rain, ideal for beach breaks, wildlife spotting, and active adventures.

Pacific Coast: This is prime time for surfing, snorkelling, or simply unwinding on the beach. Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula is particularly appealing now, with its golden sands and reliably dry weather. Look out for the Envision Festival in Uvita (Feb–Mar), a colourful blend of music, wellness, and sustainability.

Central Valley: San José and the surrounding highlands are comfortably mild. It’s a good time to explore coffee farms, museums, and volcanoes. January brings the Fiestas de Palmares, a major cultural event packed with music, food, and traditional (non-lethal) bullfighting.

Green Season (May to November) Rainfall picks up during these months, especially in the afternoons, but this is when Costa Rica’s landscapes are at their most lush. It’s also a quieter, more affordable time to travel.

Caribbean Coast: Expect more consistent rainfall, with temperatures from 24–30°C. This is turtle nesting season in Tortuguero, and October’s Limón Carnival offers a lively celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture.

Northern Plains & Arenal: Rain brings the rainforest to life, making it an excellent time for birding, zip-lining, and soaking in volcanic hot springs. Temperatures hover around 24–29°C, with the Arenal Volcano often shrouded in mist for an atmospheric feel.

Central & South Pacific: Short, sharp showers don’t dampen the appeal of this region. With temperatures from 27–32°C, you’ll still enjoy beach time and wildlife-rich hikes, particularly in Manuel Antonio National Park, Golfito Dulce & the Osa Peninsula.

Costa Rica Arenal volcano

January in Costa Rica

January in Costa Rica falls during the dry season. It's an ideal time to visit regions like Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, known for their beautiful beaches. Places like Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo offer warm waters for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling. For adventure seekers, Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna are popular destinations, offering opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and exploring hot springs. Manuel Antonio National Park is another fantastic location to visit in January, where you can enjoy both stunning beaches and diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.

Costa Rica Rainforest walkway Jaco

February in Costa Rica

February continues to be part of the dry season in most parts of Costa Rica. Still a great time to go to Manuel Antonio National Park as it offers fantastic opportunities for beach relaxation, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another must-visit destination in February, offering extraordinary birdwatching experiences and breathtaking hikes through misty cloud forests. Tortuguero National Park, located on the Caribbean coast, is a great location for wildlife encounters.

Costa Rica Beach

March in Costa Rica

The dry season continues in March, providing sunny and dry weather, perfect for outdoor exploration. Visit Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula, including popular destinations like Nosara and Santa Teresa, which offer idyllic beaches, ideal for sunbathing and water activities like swimming and surfing. March is an excellent time to visit Montezuma, known for its bohemian atmosphere, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant arts scene.

Costa Rica Pink Flowers San Jose

April in Costa Rica

April marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season in Costa Rica. In the Central Valley, including the capital city San Jose and the neighbouring city of Heredia, you can explore cultural attractions, museums, and local markets to get a taste of Costa Rican city life. The Osa Peninsula is a great destination for nature lovers, with its rich biodiversity in Corcovado National Park and Golfo Dulce, offering opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, jaguars, pumas, and various bird species.

Costa Rica Tortuguero turtles

May in Costa Rica

May is the start of the rainy season in Costa Rica, although the weather may be wetter, this month brings its own allure and opportunities. Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast is a must-visit, with the lush rainforest foilage. Sarapiqui, located in the north-eastern part of the country, offers rainforest activities such as guided hikes, river rafting, and visits to chocolate plantations.

Costa Rica waterfall

June in Costa Rica

The rainy season continues in June, with more rainfall and high humidity levels. Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna, known for their stunning landscapes and adventure opportunities, are ideal destinations during June. Explore the rainforest trails, soak in volcanic hot springs, and embark on thrilling activities like zip-lining and canyoning. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot rare and colourful avian species.

Costa Rica landscape

July in Costa Rica

July falls within the rainy season in Costa Rica, with continued rainfall and high humidity. Manuel Antonio National Park remains a popular choice, offering a combination of pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, with its Caribbean vibe, offers a laid-back atmosphere, surfing opportunities, and chances to explore the nearby wildlife-rich Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. It's also start of the turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park.

Costa Rica White Water Rafting

August in Costa Rica

August remains within the rainy season in Costa Rica, with high rainfall and humidity. The Osa Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park, is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, offering the opportunity to spot endangered species like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Turrialba and Pacuare are an excellent choice for adventurous travellers, known for white-water rafting opportunities, volcano hikes, and beautiful landscapes. Manuel Antonio National Park continues to be a favourite, with its picturesque beaches and diverse wildlife.

Costa Rica resplendent quetzal

September in Costa Rica

September falls within the rainy season in Costa Rica. It's essential to be prepared for heavy rainfall and potential storms during this month and some lodges close at this time of year. La Selva Biological Station, located in the Sarapiqui region, offers the opportunity to explore the rainforest, engage in birdwatching, and learn about ongoing research projects. San Gerardo de Dota, nestled in the Talamanca Mountains, is a prime destination for birdwatching, particularly the elusive and vibrant Resplendent Quetzal.

Costa Rica San Jose

October in Costa Rica

October is also part of the rainy season in Costa Rica, with heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. While the weather may be wet, there are still fantastic experiences to be had. The Central Valley, including San Jose and Heredia, offers cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and excellent museums that provide insight into Costa Rican heritage. It's also a good time to visit the Caribbean Coast, where rainfall tends to be lower.

Costa Rica Ox cart art

November in Costa Rica

November marks the transition from the rainy season to the beginning of the dry season in Costa Rica. The weather becomes more predictable, with decreasing rainfall and more sunshine. The northern Pacific Coast, including popular beach destinations like Playa Flamingo and Nosara offer beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and engaging in water activities like swimming and surfing. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a prime destination in November, offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities and breath-taking hikes through misty cloud forests.

Costa Rica brown back toucan

December in Costa Rica

December marks the official beginning of the dry season in Costa Rica, with very occasional rainfall. The weather is generally pleasant and offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is a fantastic to visit Costa Rica, and in particualar before the busy festive season. Tortuguero National Park is known for its wildlife and boat tours, where you can spot monkeys, toucans, and various bird species.

Speak to a Costa Rica expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
or
Amanda swuare

Amanda

Costa Rica Expert

George W

This was our 2nd trip organised via Far & Wild from Australia - previously Africa and now Sri Lanka. Nia and the rest of the team were great - excellent itinerary, happy to modify the trip based on my suggestions and research, and they handled some last minute changes caused by a health issue without any problems at all. They were very quick to reply to all messages - and the trip went really smoothly. If you want an up-market holiday, this is a great organisation to organise that sort of trip!

December, 2025
Nick and Carly

Thank you to Nia and Far & Wild. My wife and I wanted to go to Vietnam and capture a real taste of the country from top to bottom but didn't have a clue where to start. We weren’t even sure if it was possible. Through speaking to Nia, sharing ideas and asking questions we were able to book what looked to be an extremely exciting trip - we could not wait to go. The reality of the trip more than matched our expectations. We had unforgettable experiences that we would never have been able to organise ourselves. The true value in this trip was that someone who knew what they were doing could give us the experience we truly craved. Well done Nia, it was a holiday we will never forget and we can’t wait for the next one. Thank you!

November, 2026
Kamal

Had an absolutely amazing 3 weeks in Chile and Argentina! We were a group of 8 friends - 4 couples. The vans used for our private excursions were very good and spacious. All the ground arrangements were as planned … the guides were very good - their English and knowledge was amazing. They made sure we had a good time. The picnic lunches were served in great locations with fabulous views and setup with tables and table cloths! Highly recommend Far & Wild! Looking to book another trip with them next year!

December, 2025
Lucinda F

Seamlessly organised! Brilliant suggestions of where to go which really gave us a 360 view of Kenya and hit our families need for adventure and mine for a bit of luxury.

November, 2025
Richard S

Alistair took time to understand what we were after and came up with an unforgettable Kenyan safari and beach holiday which we will all remember for a very long time. Real memory making trip with our 10 and 12 year old boys. Exactly what we hoped for and more!

November, 2025
Sue S

Otti organised a superb holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for my husband and I and our 2 adult daughters. It was our first safari and we only had a vague idea about where to start. Otti made the process so simple for us, suggesting an itinerary which she tweaked following discussions about the camps and hotels, and was really quick responding to my many queries; she was friendly, helpful and gave me complete confidence we were in excellent hands throughout. Far and Wild clearly have knowledge about the places they are recommending and work as team to provide the best service - definitely a 10 out of 10 for customer service and organising an amazing holiday for us.

September, 2025
Anonymous client

We can't thank the Far and Wild team enough for the most incredible trip we just had in Kenya. Otti really took into account what we were after and delivered an experience that exceeded all expectations. It was the trip of a lifetime! We had the most beautiful and unique time while on safari at the Instinct of the Mara. We really wanted to visit a camp that took ethical and sustainable practices seriously without compromising on the experience... and wow, it was truly wonderful and special! We'll definitely be returning. Our time at Diani beach was also lovely and very relaxing. Every step of the trip was seamless and we didn't have to worry about a thing. We had 4 domestic flights and a handful of car rides to take and everything was extremely organized and ran smoothly. We can't wait to book our next big trip!! Very grateful.

September, 2025
Claire L

Ben and Tamara at Far & Wild were exceptional in every respect. They offered thoughtful advice, excellent recommendations, and meticulous planning, weaving together their personal connections to help our family transform a collection of ideas into a magnificent six-week adventure. Every detail was handled with care - no transaction overlooked - which is all the more impressive given the complexity of moving three people across four regions of the country by every mode of transport imaginable. Their expertise gave us complete peace of mind and allowed us to simply enjoy the journey. I have already recommended Far & Wild to friends and would not hesitate to do so again.

August, 2025
Steven V

So great to be able to leave the details to the professionals at Far & Wild. Our two-week tour of Buenos Aires and southern Uruguay was pitch-perfect to our requests and goals. Amanda understood clearly what we were after, and crafted an idyllic itinerary with our style of hotels, guided tours, and transfers. Complementing Far & Wild's first-person knowledge of the territory were the excellent resources "on the ground" in Argentina and Uruguay to handle last-minute changes and requests. We've found our travel partner!

November, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your travel ideas, or call (888) 445-2912

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.