Costa Rica has two seasons from a meteorological perspective, the dry season and rainy season. From a tourist’s perspective they are called the high season and low season. If you are looking for the best time and weather on a tropical beach and a little less rain during your visit, late November to late April is the time to come here in Costa Rica. The best thing is that during the high season you will find the chilled weather and another thing is you can travel with your entire family as it is the time when vacation starts. New Year’s, Christmas, Easter, and most school spring breaks. A rich biodiversity and variety of flora and fauna makes the country a great vacation destination to visit especially in dry season. ‘Dry’ season still sees some rain, but beach towns fill with domestic tourists. During the dry or high season, the sky remains blue and you will feel warm sunshine. In the coastal areas, daytime temperatures remain mid-90’s and in the Central Valley the temperatures hover in the low 80’s. If you visit during the month of December and January, you will find the coolest months of the year as it remains windy. Though there are constant sunshine, you will find comfortable weather. If  you want to avoid the hottest months, it is better not to visit in March and April. In Caribbean from late December through mid March, rain is almost unheard of except.

Best Time to Visit

December-April is the best time to visit Costa Rica. Most tourists decide to visit during the dry season to escape the North American winter, and to avoid any wet surprises on their vacation. As this is the most suitable time to explore the country’s spectacular rain-forests and sandy shorelines, most of the wildlife-enthusiasts and beach-seekers usually come during this period. During this time ocean water remains clearest that you will find ideal for enjoying scuba diving and snorkeling. At this period less organic waste goes down rivers into the ocean so it keeps the beach water cleanest. You will have the opportunity to enjoy exploring the unspoiled rainforest buzz that is home to abundance of wildlife including 200 mammals, 850 species of birds, different species of trees. You can also enjoy visiting the amazing beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coast.

Fiestas and Events during the Dry Season

Costa Rica is rich in traditions and numerous cultural events are held in Costa Rica throughout the year. Travel during this time of year and you’ll also find vibrant fiestas taking place across the country, featuring bullfights, dancing, and live music.

El Tope and Carnival (December 26 and 27): 

The streets of downtown San Jose belong to horses and their riders on 26th December. It is an event held as a recognition of the important agricultural heritage of Costa Rica. An annual national horse parade that strolls through the center of San Jose where the well-trained animals perform amazing footwork. Marching bands, carnival floats and street dancers take over the same road the next day.

Festejos Populares (December):

This festival is held during the last week of the year in Zapote that is an eastern suburb of San Jose. During this festival, a variety of fast food stands are set up at the fairgrounds in Zapote and a pretty respectable bunch of carnival rides, bullfights and games of chance are also held. You can take part in lively street parties and enjoy drinking, eating, dancing and have some fun memories.

Coffee Cup (January): 

Tennis tournament during the whole week, taking place in the Costa Rica Country Club (San Jose) – all participants are under 18. 

There many more Fiestas and Events during this Season including Palmares Fiestas (January), Diabilitos Fiesta (January), Santa Cruz Fiestas (January), Juan Santamaría Day (April), National Orchid Show (March).

Weather During High Season:

During the month of mid-November to April, it remains dry season and this period is considered as summer season by the Costa Ricans. In Guanacaste province, you will find the dry season several weeks longer as you will find in other parts of the country. This area get little rain and consistent heat from November to April, and a wet season from late May to November. Its hot, dry climate makes tropical dry forests the province’s natural vegetation type. You will find the beginning of the day sunny even in rainy season though you might get rain in the afternoon and evening. If you are planning to visit the Caribbean coast of the country, it is better to go during the month of September and October when it gets less rain than the rest of the country. Usually this part of the country, especially the south of Limon gets rain all year round.