The Best Times To See Wildlife In Costa Rica
Seasons & climate
Costa Rica is very close to the equator, so expect warm tropical weather. Year-round average high temperatures range from 23 to 32 C (75 to 90 F) during the day, and average low temperatures hover between 15 and 18 C (60 to 65 F) at night. Like most tropical climates, Costa Rica’s year is divided into two seasons:
Dry season lasts from December to April. Coinciding with North American winter and spring break holidays, this is the most popular and recommended time to visit. However, being in the tropics, there is always a chance of rain regardless of the month. It's advisable to pack a light waterproof jacket or poncho, just in case!
The rainy season (or more optimistically called the “green season” goes from May to November. Usually, it’s briefly interrupted by a mini-dry season (or veranillo) in the month of July.
During the rainy season, expect dry, sunny mornings and predictable afternoon showers.
Microclimates of the national parks
Since Costa Rica is so geographically diverse, its climate can only really be described in general terms. Each national park represents a distinct subregion with its own microclimates. Weather can vary significantly between parks (and even within them!).
National Park | Climate notes | Rainfall per year | Average temperature |
Manuel Antonio | Very wet rainforest, with chances of showers year-round. | 380 cm (150 in) | 27-30 C (81-86 F) |
Poás Volcano | Cooler, higher altitude cloud forest, can get chilly, lots of wind and rain. | 400-500 cm (158-197 in) | 12-15 C (54-59 F) |
Tortuguero | Humid and very rainy June-November. Peak turtle nesting takes place July-September (high season). | 444-597 cm (175-235 in) | 20-32 C (69-90 F) |
Cahuita | Coastal, warm and humid year-round. Seasons are reversed in the Caribbean coast, with drier weather from May to November. | No data | No data |
Arenal Volcano | Normal rainy and dry seasons preside, although it’s a popular destination year-round. | No data | 24-32 C (75-90 F) |
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | Rainy year-round, but slightly cooler, windier and less rainy during the “dry” season of November-April | No data | 14-25 C (59-77 F) |
Corcovado | Two climate zones: the coast and the highlands, at 782 m (2,565 ft) elevation. Whale-watching seasons: July-November and December-March | Coast: 350 cm (138 in) Highlands: 550 cm (217 in) | No data |
Tenorio Volcano | Heavily influenced by its Caribbean side, normal rainy and dry seasons preside. | 350 cm (138 in) | 15-24 C (59-75 F) |
Guanacaste | Varied, but notably dry for Costa Rica. Small annual rainfall is courtesy of its highland cloud forests | 300 cm (118 in) | 19-28 C (66 - 83 F) |
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano | Caribbean side is lush and wet, while the Pacific side – the more visited – is very dry during half the year. | 508 cm (200 in), mostly on Caribbean side | No data |