Two seasons, no be four
Costa Rica dey sit for tropics, so forget spring and autumn. The year split into dry season (December to April) and green season (May to November). Your best month go depend on whether you want guaranteed sunshine or lower price and lush landscape.
Dry season (December to April): peak
Dis na the classic high season. Sky clear, especially for Pacific coast (Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio, Nicoya), and roads to remote areas go still dey passable.
- Best for: beaches, surfing, turtle nesting for Pacific side, family trips
- Trade-offs: highest prices, fully booked lodges, busy national parks like Manuel Antonio and Arenal
- Book early for Christmas, New Year and Easter (Semana Santa), when Ticos self dey travel
Green season (May to November): shoulder and low
Rain dey usually fall for afternoon, morning go still bright. The countryside go turn green well well and waterfalls go roar.
- May, June and November na the sweet spot: fewer crowd, 20 to 40 percent lower lodge rate, and correct wildlife
- September and October na the wettest for the Pacific, but the Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) dey sunny well well for that time
- Whale watching for Osa Peninsula and Marino Ballena dey peak July to October
Festivals and events by month
- January: Fiestas de Palmares, two-week party wey get bullfights, concerts and food
- February: Envision Festival for Uvita, music and arts for beach
- March/April: Semana Santa, with solemn processions across the country
- July: Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar for Puntarenas, boat parade
- August: Dia de la Virgen de los Angeles (Aug 2), big pilgrimage go Cartago
- September 15: Independence Day, lantern parades and the freedom torch
- October: Limon Carnival, Afro-Caribbean music, dancing and color
- November: Dia de los Muertos and the Oxcart Parade for San Jose
Quick picks
- Best weather overall: February and March
- Best value: May and June
- Best wildlife: July to October for whales, turtles dey year-round for one coast or the other
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