Traveling to Costa Rica in Summer

Summertime and the livin’s easy. Costa Rica is renowned for its seemingly endless summers. With temperatures between 70F/21.1C to 80F/26.6C everyday, it’s not difficult to feel the tropical paradise during the summers in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has two seasons, a rainy and a dry season. The rainy season is from April/May to October/November and the dry season is from November/December to April/May. Summer in Costa Rica is unexpectedly more wet than we would generally think of during summertime, but it’s a seasonal time for refreshment and regrowth. A refreshment of nature and a perfect time to refresh your mind and body, you’ll return revitalized from a summer in Costa Rica. 

As the summer months in Costa Rica are a part of the wet season, this tends to be a slower season for tourists. You can have your pick of accommodation and avoid crowds in parks, beaches, and waterfalls. This is also generally considered the best time for surfing in Costa Rica! Summer in Costa Rica is also a prime time to meet locals, as you will find more of them out and socializing without the swarm of tourists, maybe even get invited to a local beach party! 

Hotels in Costa Rica in Summer

Slow season during the summer in Costa Rica means flexibility when reserving accommodation, trust your nomadic instincts and book when it feels right for you. There is no shortage of places to stay and you can even find slow season discounts that will make your summer trip to Costa Rica even more affordable, which means even more enjoyable! 

Weather in Costa Rica in Summer

Summer in Costa Rica may mean rain, but don’t let the term ‘rainy season’ scare you off, it rains mostly in the late afternoon with the mornings and evenings filled with sunshine. In retrospect, the rainy season during the summer in Costa Rica may not be so gloomy after all. In fact, the locals also call this time of year the ‘green season’ this is because every form of vegetation is in its prime, lush and vibrant. Trekking through the rainforest will turn into something unforgettable as the trees appear to come to life after a fresh rainfall. 

Surfing in Costa Rica in Summer 

The rainy season sees the best swells hitting Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, so if you’re planning a surfing trip (or want to learn), this is the time to do it. You’ll have better waves, and an easier time finding accomodation and lessons, even at popular beaches like Tamarindo. And since there are fewer tourists during the rainy season, you can enjoy a less crowded lineup.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Traveling to Costa Rica in Winter

Winter usually conjures up images of crisp, cold air and holiday cheer. While you may find some holiday cheer, winter in Costa Rica is not the usual months, nor the typical chilly weather. Costa Rica has two seasons, a rainy and a dry season. The rainy season is from April/May to October/November and the dry season is from November/December to April/May. Don’t let the names of the seasons fool you, the average temperatures year round in Costa Rica linger between 70F/21.1C to 80F/26.6C, truly creating that Endless Summer feeling, meaning there is no true winter in Costa Rica. 

With temperatures resting in the tropical range year round, especially with the dry season beginning in November and December, this means the winter months in Costa Rica are considered peak season for locals. As winter in Costa Rica is a peak time, expect resorts to be booked as well as bars and restaurants to be filled with people and extended hours. The more the merrier, as this also means livelier parties and more opportunities to meet locals during the winter months in Costa Rica.

Hotels in Costa Rica in Winter

As winter in Costa Rica means peak season and a popular time for family and friends to visit, it is recommended that accommodation be booked by September at the latest. This will ensure that you are able to stay in your top choice for accommodation during the winter months in Costa Rica. If you are booking late, have no fear, you can usually find a charming beach bungalow ready to be rented in the winter months of Costa Rica. 

What to do in Costa Rica in Winter

Thankfully, summer never ends, even in the winter months of Costa Rica. You are still able to enjoy the long stretches of white sandy beaches, catch the perfect wave, hike through the dense tropical forests, swim under an enchanted waterfall, and sample the best Costa Rican cuisine in the winter. Everything will be open and operating, from restaurants to tours! Winter in Costa Rica, ends up being the ultimate summer

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec