There isn't really a "bad" time — just trade-offs. Here's how the seasons work, region by region, so you can pick the dates that fit the trip you want.
Costa Rica has two seasons, and they're about rain rather than temperature — near the coast it stays warm (roughly 26–32 °C / 79–90 °F) all year. What changes is how much it rains, how green the landscape is, and how busy the country feels.
These are the driest, sunniest months and the most popular time to travel. Expect blue skies, easy beach days and reliable road conditions — but also the highest prices and the busiest towns, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter (Semana Santa). If you want guaranteed sun and don't mind booking early, this is your window.
Locals call the rainy months the "green season," and for good reason — the forests are lush, the waterfalls are full, and wildlife is active. Mornings are usually bright, with rain arriving in the afternoon or evening. You'll find noticeably lower prices, more space at the top sights, and a country at its greenest. September and October are the wettest overall (and the quietest), though the Caribbean side often stays sunnier then.
| Months | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | Sunny, dry, busiest & priciest | Guaranteed sun, beaches, holidays |
| Mar–Apr | Hot & dry, still popular | Warm weather, Easter travel (book ahead) |
| May–Jul | Green, bright mornings, afternoon showers | Value, lush scenery, fewer crowds |
| Aug | Green with a short drier spell in spots | Balance of price and weather |
| Sep–Oct | Wettest on the Pacific · sunniest Caribbean | Lowest prices, Caribbean coast, turtles |
| Nov | Rain easing, greenery still peak | Green season value before the crowds |
In the green season, afternoon rain can make mountain roads (like the routes to Monteverde or over the mountains to the Pacific) slower and slicker, and rivers can rise. A private transfer with a local driver takes that stress off your plate — someone who knows the roads, drives to the conditions, and adjusts timing so you arrive safely and on schedule. See live prices on our route finder, or read our honest comparison in Do you need a car in Costa Rica?
Private, door-to-door transfers with a local driver — rain or shine.
