Costa Rica Weather by Month – The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Honeymoon
Discover the best time to visit Costa Rica with our month-by-month guide to the country’s weather…
Costa Rica is one of our favourite honeymoon destinations for adventure lovers!
Whether your jam is horse riding along the beach, zip lining over an ancient rainforest or rappelling down the most beautiful waterfalls, Costa Rica has all this and more!
There are the most beautiful wild beaches and great honeymoon hotels, too!
Most couples start their honeymoon by flying to San José or Guanacaste / Liberia and will either opt for an all inclusive honeymoon resort or a tour of the country.
Considering the Costa Rica weather by month and the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon is important.
Costa Rica doesn’t have four seasons, it has two distinct seasons which can be defined as ‘dry season’ and ‘rainy season’.
The tropical climate ensures warm temperatures year-round. Yet, there are varying climatic conditions across the country, hence why it’s important to consider Costa Rica weather by month and the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Weather patterns really vary across this Central America paradise. You could see sunny days by the Caribbean sea and tropical storms and heavy rains on the coastal areas on the Pacific side.
It’s lush because of the rain, so pack a rain jacket, reef-friendly SPF and plenty of insect repellent!
If you surf, want to see sea turtles or want to visit the Caribbean coast, the rainy season is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon, for example.
Let’s delve into all you need to know about Costa Rica weather by month – the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon!
Disclaimer: We endeavour to provide accurate climate information. However, as the weather around the world becomes more erratic and unpredictable because of the climate catastrophe, The Honeymoon Guide is not responsible for disappointment regarding your trip because of adverse weather.
While many destination websites aim to promote year-round travel to their location, we have noticed a tendency to emphasize the months that may not be optimal. We try to avoid this and provide you with factual information, allowing you to make an informed decision.
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Costa Rica Weather in January
You might wonder, is January a good time to visit Costa Rica? The good news is that January is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon!
Explore lush rainforests, explore the endless adventure activities. It’s one of the driest months to visit.
At La Fortuna, you’ll see little rain and temperatures average around 27°C / 81°F. The weather conditions are ideal for all the fun things you can do around the famous Arenal volcano.
Spend an afternoon relaxing in hot springs, go zip lining and waterfall rappelling. It’s a great time for Monteverde Cloud Forest, which is cooler and temperatures can be as low as 18°C / 65°F with some rain because of the high altitude.
January is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast beaches with an average temperature of 26°C / 79°F.
There are many incredible highlights like the Papagayo Peninsula, Nicoya Peninsula, Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.
Towns like Tamarindo, Quepos and Uvita are great bases for exploring the region. It’s the best time to visit Costa Rica for whale watching (California hump back whales) along the majestic Osa Peninsula and Marino Ballena.
Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast is famous for the nesting Green Turtles. The season is from July to September.
However, many couples still travel because of the unique canals and river ways are home to an abundant amount of wildlife.
If you’re both lucky, you may see the last lot of the season’s baby turtles dashing into the sea to start their lives!
Further down the coast, past Puerto Limón charming Caribbean vibes can be found in Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo. This area is unpredictable and gets rainfall all year round and about half the month sees some showers.
Janaury is one of the most popular months to visit as Costa Rica’s weather is at it’s best.
As January is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon, prices are also at their peak, particularly earlier in the month around the Christmas and New Year break. It’s a good idea to book early for the best availability and prices.
Costa Rica Weather in February
February is also the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon. The weather is splendid as it’s one of the driest months to embark on your Costa Rica honeymoon adventure.
So if you’ve been wondering, is February a good time to visit Costa Rica? The answer is yes!
With average temperatures of around 27°C / 80°F and minimal rainfall and clear skies, it’s the best time to visit La Fortuna, which sits at the Arenal volcano and is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica.
Go hiking through the lush lava fields and rainforests, zip lining and waterfall rappelling, or unwind in the rejuvenating hot springs. Humidity levels are lower.
For a cooler retreat, the Cloud Forests around Monteverde are refreshing, with occasional showers because of its higher elevations and altitude.
February is also the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast beaches. Delight in the stunning highlights of Papagayo Peninsula, Nicoya Peninsula and Osa Peninsula.
Base yourself in lively towns like Quepos and Uvita. Discover the region’s natural wonders, Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.
Temperatures average 26°C / 79°F. It’s an ideal time to learn to surf with beginner-friendly waves and you can go whale watching.
Tortuguero’s Green Turtles nest from July to September, so February is not the season for witnessing this phenomenon.
However, couples can still enjoy this Caribbean coastal wonder. Explore the rivers and abundant wildlife by boat. Fun Caribbean vibes await in Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo. February is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean side.
As February is one of the peak months and the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon, we’d recommend booking early. You can ensure the best availability and prices for your dream honeymoon.
Costa Rica Weather in March
March is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon. It’s one of the driest periods across the country, so it’s ideal for planning a beautiful trip.
Most couples will find themselves in La Fortuna exploring the Arenal Volcano. The number of outdoor activities available here is a delight.
Go hiking, zip lining and canyoning. Soak in the hot springs and stay in one of the wonderful hotels in the area.
Temperatures average 28°C / 83°F with minimal rainfall,it’s the best time to visit Costa Rica’s most popular adventure playground.
For a cooler retreat, Monteverde Cloud Forest sometimes has rain showers because of its elevated position above the clouds. Explore the stunning Alpine-like area of suspension bridges and zip lines.
March is also the best time to visit Costa Rica’s magnificent Pacific Coast, where more adventures await. Explore the shorelines of Papagayo, Nicoya, and Osa Peninsulas.
Discover the natural beauty around Tamarindo, Quepos and Uvita. Marvel at the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.
This is an ideal time to learn how to surf and you can witness the majestic California humpback whales.
While Tortuguero’s Green Turtles nest from July to September. You won’t see any in March. Nevertheless, couples can still enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean coast.
Explore the intricate canals and abundant wildlife by boat, and experience the lively Caribbean vibes in Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo.
Visit some of the best beaches in Costa Rica and soak up the Afro Costa Rican culture.
The weather on the Caribbean side is unpredictable, but March is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s east coast.
March can coincide with Easter and Spring break, plus it’s the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon, so we recommend booking early to ensure the best availability and prices!
If you’re wondering, is March a good time to visit Costa Rica? It definitely is, but if you can travel outside of the two weeks either side of Easter, not only will you save money, you’ll also avoid the crowds.
Costa Rica Weather in April
April is a transitional month aka a shoulder month, so you may wonder, is April a good time to visit Costa Rica?
The good news is that it’s still considered the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon as the weather is still pretty great!
Showers arrive in La Fortuna. This is no bad thing as it breathes life into the country’s natural wonders, yet doesn’t affect all the incredible adventure activities available around the Arenal Volcano.
The temperatures are warm, averaging around 29°C / 84°F. April is also one of the best months to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest and temperatures can be slightly cooler around this area, with a little tropical drizzle which adds to the lush atmosphere.
April is also the best time to visit Costa Rica for its magnificent Pacific Coast beaches. Explore the stunning highlights of the Papagayo, Nicoya, and Osa Peninsulas with temperatures averaging 30°C / 86°F
Choose the fun Central Pacific beachside towns like Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos or Uvita as your base to discover the coast, including natural wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.
You can still might spot whales earlier in the month. However, April is the end of the whale watching season.
Tortuguero National Park is remote and is the nesting site of Green Turtles from July to September. April is not the season to witness this phenomenon.
Some couples will still travel to Tortuguero, as you can sail the Amazon-like canals and rivers and marvel at the abundant wildlife.
Further down the Caribbean Coast in the province of Limon, you’ll find some beaches at Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo.
This is the centre of Afro Costa Rica and the place for music and Caribbean vibes. The weather on the Caribbean coast is unpredictable, but April is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s stunning east coast.
April can coincide with Easter break, plus it’s the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon, so we recommend booking early to ensure the best availability and prices or if you can.
If you can travel outside of the two weeks either side of Easter, not only will you save money, you’ll also avoid the crowds.
Costa Rica Weather in May
Is May a good time to visit Costa Rica? May is the start of the transition into Costa Rica’s rainy season or sometimes called the Green Season.
In the Central Valley, including San Jose, the wet season begins in earnest. The average rainfall increases and continues until at least October.
La Fortuna and around Arenal, the weather is harder to predict. You should prepare for some rain and possibly even thunderstorms. It is quite warm at 30°C / 86°F.
You can still take part in the many adventure activities available. It’s the rainy season a few hours away in Monteverde Cloud Forest, too. Although earlier in the month you should be OK.
You can still explore the Pacific coastal regions, however, we’d recommend sticking with the more well-trodden areas of the north between Papagayo and Nicoya peninsulas, which get less rain.
From Quepos down to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, the rains will have started. Some areas in the south get quite heavy rainfall.
The beaches on the Pacific will have great surfing and abundant wildlife and average temperatures of 27°C / 81°F. May is not the best time to visit Costa Rica for whale watching.
On the Caribbean Coast, the weather is always unpredictable! May gets a slight increase in rain compared to the previous months.
It’s outside of the turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park. Yet some intrepid couples will still take the journey to experience the other flora and fauna. Explore incredible Caribbean beaches from Cahuita National Park to Puerto Viejo.
May is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you’re OK with some rain and want to avail of cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Costa Rica Weather in June
Is June a good time to visit Costa Rica? Rainy season (or Green Season) is in full swing during the summer months.
During this period, expect some rain and the possibility of thunderstorms in the popular adventure haven, La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano.
The temperature is quite warm, reaching around 30°C / 86°F. While you can still partake in various activities, predicting the weather is a challenge.
About half the month will have some rainy days. It’s the rainy season a few hours away in Monteverde Cloud Forest, too.
Exploring the Pacific coastal regions is still possible; however, we recommend focusing on the more popular areas in the northwest, from Papagayo Peninsula to the Nicoya Peninsula, as they receive comparatively less rainfall.
From Quepos down to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, the rains can be intense. Along the Pacific Coast, the beaches offer excellent conditions for surfing pros.
The rainforests thrive during June, with abundant greenery and wildlife. June is not the best time to visit Costa Rica for whale watching.
On the Caribbean Coast, the weather is consistently unpredictable, although June is more of a shoulder month.
While it is not the nesting season for turtles in Tortuguero National Park, some adventurous couples still embark on the journey to experience the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
If you don’t mind some showers or mixed weather, some of the finest beaches in Costa Rica are between Cahuita National Park and Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo.
June is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you’re OK with some rain and want to avail of cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Costa Rica Weather in July
July is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon to avail of El Veranillo de San Juan (The summer of Saint John) also known as ‘little summer’.
This is a phenomenon where the rains ease up on the northwest coast beaches in the province of Guanacaste from Papagayo Peninsula to the Nicoya Peninsula.
While there is still some rain, it’s usually significantly less than earlier and later in the rainy season. Temperatures are a balmy 27°C / 81°F. Towards the end of the month, whale sightings increase, too.
Another curious feature of studying Costa Rica weather by month is that usually when it’s rainy on the Pacific Coast, it’s dry on the Caribbean Coast and vice versa.
July is one of the wettest months of the year for the Caribbean Beaches in the province of Limon (from Cahuita National Park to Puerto Viejo).
However, it’s the start of the Green Turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park, so don’t rule out the Caribbean side completely.
In the centre of the country around the popular La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, it can be wet with days of torrential rain, too.
Throughout the rainy season, it’s hard to predict the weather as you could get some good days. It’s the rainy season a few hours away in Monteverde Cloud Forest, too.
July is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you’re OK with some rain and want to avail of cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Costa Rica Weather in August
Is August a good time to visit Costa Rica? August is the middle of the rainy season. Most couples have La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano on their Costa Rica honeymoon wish-list.
While the temperatures are quite warm and you can still do many adventure activities, predicting the weather is a challenge.
At least half the month will have some rainy days, sometimes the odd shower, sometimes days of torrential rain. It’s the rainy season in the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest, too.
Exploring the Pacific coastal regions is still possible, and it’s a great month for whale watching and surfing.
We’d recommend sticking to the more popular areas in the northwest, between Papagayo and Nicoya Peninsulas, as they receive less rainfall than further south from Quepos down to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park. The rains in this area can be heavy.
On the less predictable Caribbean Coast, August is a good shoulder month and there are some lovely Caribbean beaches and vibes.
Head to Puerto Limon, and from there explore Cahuita National Park to Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo. It’s also the nesting season for Green Turtles in Tortuguero National Park and we’d highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.
August is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you’re OK with some rain and want to avail of cheaper prices and fewer crowds. Make sure the Caribbean coast is on your itinerary for more chance of sunny weather.
Costa Rica Weather in September
As we look at Costa Rica weather by month, September marks a more challenging time for weather.
We would avoid the Pacific Coast all together as the heaviest rains arrive, particularly in the southern part. If the Pacific Coast is a must, stick to the northern part.
It’s still the rainy season at popular adventure area La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, although many couples still travel as the weather is always more mixed throughout the rainy season with a mix of rainy, and not rainy days!
If you’re planning a September trip, it’s the best time to visit Costa Rica for its beautiful Caribbean Coast where it’s the driest month.
You can explore stunning Caribbean beaches, soak up the Afro Costa Rican culture and enjoy the cool vibes of this stunning coastline around Puerto Viejo.
Temperatures hover around 26°C / 80°F. It’s one of the best months to witness the majestic Green Turtle nesting in Tortuguero National Park. It’s a little tougher to get to, but worth adding to your Costa Rica itinerary.
September is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you are interested in the Caribbean coast’s beautiful beaches and seeing turtles.
Costa Rica Weather in October
Is October a good time to visit Costa Rica? If you stick to the Caribbean Coast, 100% yes!
You can explore breathtaking Caribbean beaches, immerse yourself in the Afro Costa Rican culture, the music, rasta and party vibes. The temperatures hover around 26°C / 80°F.
October is a great month to witness the majestic Green Turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park. Although it may require some additional effort to get there, it is definitely worth adding to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.
La Fortuna and around the Arenal Volcano are usually at the top of the list for most couples visiting Costa Rica. It is still the rainy season in October.
However, many couples still choose to go because of the endless adventure opportunities, just prepare for mixed weather.
The Pacific Coast is still a challenge as it’s the wettest month. The region experiences some heavy rainfall and roads can be in a washout in the southern half. If the Pacific coast is a must – stick with the Northern Part in Guanacaste Province.
October is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you are interested in the Caribbean coast’s beautiful beaches and seeing turtles.
Costa Rica Weather in November
November is still the rainy season, although in the second half of the month, the weather transitions into the dry season.
You may wonder, is November a good time to visit Costa Rica? The climate takes a positive turn in some destinations, compared to the previous months, but you can still expect some rain.
While you might experience some showers along the Pacific Coast Guanacaste’s region from Papagayo Peninsula to Nicoya Peninsula, it shouldn’t be enough to put you off going. Temperatures average around 26°C / 79°F.
We’d still skip the southern Pacific Coast from Quepos down to the Osa Peninsula, as November is still quite rainy around here.
It’s one of the wettest months for the Caribbean coast and turtle nesting season is over. While it’s still rainy in La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, many couples still visit and you’ll most likely experienced mixed weather.
November is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon if you’re OK with some rain. There will be fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Costa Rica Weather in December
You might wonder, is December a good time to visit Costa Rica? The good news is that December is the beginning of the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon!
The country ushers in the dry season after the rains of the previous months and the landscape is lush and beautiful. High season begins…
There is still some residual rain in La Fortuna around Arenal Volcano. However, this area is still a must. Spend an afternoon relaxing in hot springs, go zip lining and waterfall rappelling.
Take a hike through the lava fields and beautiful landscapes around the volcano. It’s a great time for Monteverde Cloud Forest, which is always cooler and will have the odd shower because of the high altitude.
December is the best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast beaches in the provinces of Guanacaste with average temperatures of 26°C / 79°F. You’ll find many incredible highlights along the Papagayo Peninsula and Nicoya Peninsula.
It’s the best time of year for beginner surfers to enjoy the wave. It’s also the best time to visit Costa Rica for whale watching.
From Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park to Corcovado National Park, there will still be some residual rains and dry season in this area starts in January.
It’s one of the wettest months for the Caribbean coast and turtle nesting season is over.
As December is the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon, its peak travel time around the Christmas and New Year break.
It’s a good idea to book very early for the best availability and prices. If you can travel outside of the weeks either side of Christmas / New Year, for example in early December, not only will you save money, you’ll also avoid the crowds.
TL;DR? A Quick Summary
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here is a quick summary of Costa Rica weather by month…
| MONTH | Avg Temp (°C / °F) | Avg Low Temp (°C / °F) | Avg High Temp (°C / °F) | Rainfall (mm / in) | No. of Rainy Days in Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JANUARY | 19 / 67 | 18 / 64 | 24 / 75 | 6 / 0.3 | 4 |
| FEBRUARY | 20 / 68 | 18 / 64 | 24 / 76 | 10 / 0.4 | 2 |
| MARCH | 21 / 70 | 18 / 65 | 25 / 77 | 14 / 0.5 | 3 |
| APRIL | 21 / 70 | 19 / 67 | 26 / 78 | 80 / 3 | 6 |
| MAY | 22 / 71 | 19 / 67 | 27 / 80 | 268 / 10 | 22 |
| JUNE | 21 / 70 | 19 / 67 | 26 / 78 | 280 / 11 | 22 |
| JULY | 21 / 70 | 19 / 67 | 25 / 77 | 181 / 7.1 | 21 |
| AUGUST | 21 / 70 | 19 / 67 | 25 / 77 | 277 / 11 | 23 |
| SEPTEMBER | 21 / 69 | 19 / 67 | 25 / 77 | 355 / 14 | 25 |
| OCTOBER | 20 / 68 | 19 / 66 | 24 / 76 | 331 / 13 | 26 |
| NOVEMBER | 20 / 68 | 19 / 66 | 24 / 76 | 135 / 5 | 20 |
| DECEMBER | 20 / 67 | 18 / 65 | 24 / 75 | 33 / 1 | 11 |
Map of Costa Rica
For more climate data, visit the National Institute of Meteorology, Costa Rica
We hope this article has helped you decide the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon. Let us know when you’re going!
Happy Planning x
Related Costa Rica honeymoon articles:
Ultimate Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide
Honeymoon Booking Resources
(the travel companies we’ve used and recommend)
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