Costa Rica – Weather by Month

We’ll start by saying that visiting Costa Rica at any time of year is great – generic, we know.

But we say this because it’s true. Whenever you decide to come, or whenever you’re able to come, you’ll undoubtedly have a great time. Costa Rica does not disappoint, regardless of the time of year.

Think about it – have you ever heard anyone come back from their trip to Costa Rica saying “Eh, it was alright”?. NO!

However, we know that traveling to Costa Rica is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people. You probably want to plan the “perfect trip” and make the most of this opportunity.

We get that! As a small, family-run business, we understand the value of time, hard earned money, and that we don’t all have the luxury of deciding to spontaneously pack a bag and hit the road. Just like you, we work hard for our vacations!

Various factors affect whether certain times of the year are better or worse for your dream trip to Costa Rica. Arguably, the biggest of these factors is weather. 

We’ve been in Costa Rica since 2005, and we’ve seen our fair share of sun, rain, and everything in between. Let’s explore the weather in Costa Rica.

Seasons in Costa Rica

Before we get into the month-by-month descriptions for the weather in Costa Rica, it’s important to understand how the seasons work here.

Costa Rica doesn’t have the typical four seasons that are common in other parts of the world. Here, we say that we have two seasons – and they aren’t summer or winter.

We have the dry season and the tropical/green season. It’s important to note that both of these seasons are warm.

A common misconception is that the tropical season is Costa Rica’s winter – this is not the case. Both these times of year are warm, with the main difference being the type of heat (i.e. dry heat or humidity).

Check out our blog post for more information about Costa Rica’s dry and tropical seasons.

Knowing which season we’re in helps to give you an idea of what the weather will be like during your trip. But it’s by no means a 100% accurate way of predicting the weather.

This is life here in the tropics. It can downpour in the peak of the dry season, and just as easily be the sunniest day of the year in the tropical season.

The weather will also vary depending on where in the country you visit. Factors including altitude and surrounding ecosystems can play a role in the weather that you’ll experience during your time here.

This guide will help you get an idea of what the weather will be like during your trip to Costa Rica. But again, we’re in the tropics. There are no “rules” – anything can happen.

Now, let’s get into Costa Rica’s weather by month. You’ll notice that we start the list with November, as it’s typically the start of the tourist season here in Costa Rica.

High Season in Costa Rica

November

• Average temperature: 70-80F (21-26C)
• Average rainfall: Moderate

November is typically more of a transition month between these two seasons. During this month, we’re seeing the weather change from tropical and wet to a drier climate.

Coming right off the back of the tropical season means that you’re seeing Costa Rica at its most alive. Everything is so luscious and vibrant due to the rains of the passing tropical season.

For us, it’s one of the best times of year to visit. It’s the best of both worlds – you get the magical tropical rains as well as the warm, sunny days.

It does, however, make activity planning a little trickier. It could rain at any point during the day (or the whole day) or stay completely sunny without a single cloud in the sky.

Here in Bahia Ballena, Uvita, we say that during the transition months, if it’s raining when you wake up in the morning, it’ll probably be a clear afternoon. And vice versa.

December

• Average temperature: 70-80F (21-26C)
• Average rainfall: Moderate-low

Generally, December is considered the first official month of the dry season.

The weather is absolutely beautiful – but hot! At this point, we’re still not at the peak of the dry season here in Costa Rica. 

Most December days are sunny, but there’s still the chance of the occasional shower. It’s hot, but not quite as hot as other dry season months, like February and March.

At this point, Costa Rica’s peak season is still building up. This means that it’s not as busy and full of tourists as it is early in the new year, but it’s getting busier. Usually, by around December 15th, we’re seeing larger crowds for the peak season.

Here in Bahia Ballena, December is also when we have the start of our second whale season of the year!

January

• Average temperature: 75-86F (24-30C)
• Average rainfall: Low

Ahh January. Cold in most other parts of the world (maybe including where you’re reading this from) – but not here. Oh no, January in Costa Rica is warm, but still not as warm as it gets.

If you are reading this from a country that typically freezes up in January, you might be looking for a warm escape to break up the winter. Costa Rica is perfect for you!

At this point, we’re pretty much through the transition period. Now, we’re getting stuck into the dry season. This means that you can expect (but aren’t guaranteed) warm, dry, and sunny days throughout your trip here.

January is known to be a busy month tourism-wise – at least here in Bahia Ballena, Uvita. But that’s one great thing about visiting us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga. We have a maximum capacity of just 10 guests, so it never really feels crowded here.

February

• Average temperature: 76-90F (24-32C)
• Average rainfall: Low

February in Costa Rica is beautiful! If you’re chasing very warm and sunny days with cloudless skies, you’re very likely to love Costa Rica in February.

At this point, it’s about as hot as it gets. It’s important to remember that Costa Rica has many different locations with many different microclimates. While it’s hot for us here in Bahia Ballena and in other parts of the country, it may be cooler and even wetter in others.

Take Monteverde, for example. Due to its high altitude and mountainous topography, Monteverde is known to be cool and breezy throughout the entire year.

It’s important to research where in the country you’re visiting—not just the time of year—to get a more accurate idea of the climate.

March

• Average temperature: 79-95F (26-35C)
• Average rainfall: Very low

Let us start by saying that March in Costa Rica isn’t hot. It’s very hot.

March is a great month to come down here. The sky is clear, it hasn’t rained for months, and the ocean is as warm as you’re likely to ever feel it.

We’ll tell you now – if you don’t do well with intense heat and lots of sunlight, this month might not be the most enjoyable for your trip to Costa Rica. 

But if you’re looking to sun-tan it up, bask in the heat, and forget that it’s cold back in your hometown – you’ll love Costa Rica in March.

Another benefit for visiting us here in Bahia Ballena this month, is that the ocean is clear and has very high visibility. This is a result of the lack of rainfall over the last couple months.

These pristine ocean conditions are great for water activities such as snorkeling – of which we are spoiled here with nearby Isla de Caño!

April

• Average temperature: 79-95F (26-35C)
• Average rainfall: Very low

In April, we start to feel a relief from the intense heat and dryness of the dry season.

April is still considered the dry season – and rightly so. It’s still very warm and with little rainfall. It just starts to cool down ever so slightly, and we may be blessed with the occasional shower.

Again, depending on where you are in Costa Rica, this may not be the case. It could be that during your visit to the Caribbean Coast, it’s as hot as it’s been all year, or that in the Central Valley around San Jose, you’re putting on a hoodie to sleep at night.

For us here in Bahia Ballena and in many other parts of the country, April acts as a reminder that the dry season isn’t eternal, and that the season will soon be starting to change.

May

• Average temperature: 75-90F (24-32C)
• Average rainfall: Low

May is generally considered the last month of the dry season. This means that, like with November, we often experience a transitional period between the two seasons.

In May, Costa Rica’s average temperature begins to drop and reflect those of the tropical season. Just to remind you, this by no means indicates that we’re heading into some sort of “winter”.

May is still hot and sunny, but we can now start to expect rainy mornings or nights. This rainfall means that the jungle is starting to come back alive—not that it ever wasn’t. 

It’s just that with these refreshing rains after a longer period without them, the jungle and rainforests are much happier.

With some extra water in the ecosystem, rivers, and waterfalls are also fuller and more spectacular!

The Green Season

June

• Average temperature: 75-89F (24-31C)
• Average rainfall: Low-moderate

June can often be a continuation from May as a transition period between the dry and tropical seasons. Again, this makes it hard to predict exactly how the weather will be throughout the month.

Some years June can be rainy, and others it’s quite dry. This June, we were blessed with a few pretty intense rains which we absolutely loved!

Costa Rica is lovely in June. The country isn’t at its peak of the tourist season, but there are still plenty of people around and lots going on. Many families take advantage of the school holidays to come down here and enjoy this pleasant time of year.

Plus, the average temperature is still dropping as the rains continue to brush over us.

One thing to bear in mind while visiting in June is that power outages in houses, hotels, and entire neighborhoods can occur as a result of the start of these heavier rains.

July

• Average temperature: 75-89F (24-31C)
• Average rainfall: Moderate

On average, July is known to be rainier than June.

However, here in Costa Rica we often experience a weather phenomenon in June called Veranillo, which translates to “little summer”.

Veranillo involves a small break from the rains of the early tropical season. It usually lasts about a week or two, and its weather patterns reflect those of April and May.

We don’t mean to say that it doesn’t rain during Veranillo—it’s just less rainy than the rest of the month during this brief time period.

For us here in Bahia Ballena, July is also the month that the second humpback whale season tends to start!

August

• Average temperature: 75-89F (24-31C)
• Average rainfall: Moderate-high

At this point in the year, we start to see a lot more rain. In August, we’re well and truly in the tropical season here in Costa Rica.

August isn’t quite as rainy as the next couple of months that follow, but it most certainly sees its fair share.

Visiting Costa Rica in August is a great idea, as those who are more sensitive to heat, sun, and dehydration can still experience everything that the country has to offer.

If anything, we always say that visiting Costa Rica during the tropical season is the best decision you could make. It’s when the country is most alive.

Think about it – what would the rainforest be without the rain?

Check out our blog to learn why we love the tropical season so much.

September

• Average temperature: 75-85F (24-29C)
• Average rainfall: Moderate-high

September is pretty similar to August in that we start receiving a solid amount of rainfall.

But you’d be mistaken to let this scare you off! September is a fantastic month to visit Costa Rica. The rain doesn’t stop us from having a great time over here.

Just to remind you, many activities including white water rafting, wildlife spotting, and waterfall hopping are even better in the rain.

Another great benefit of visiting in September is that there are much less crowds of tourists throughout the country.

Costa Rica in September could be the relaxing, disconnecting, and recharging vacation you’ve always wanted (and deserve)!

October

• Average temperature: 
• Average rainfall: High

Regardless of where you are in Costa Rica, October is gonna be a rainy month.

A common misconception, however, is that in October, it rains all day, every day. This is absolutely not the case.

Yes, there are days when it rains for most of the day. But there are also days when it doesn’t rain at all. Our biggest piece of advice for October is to expect rain but don’t be surprised if you see some sun.

It’s also important to keep in mind that just because it’s the rainiest month of the year, it doesn’t mean that it’s cold.

Here in Bahia Ballena, Uvita, we wear shorts and T-shirts year-round. Of course, in some parts of the country, October can be a rather chilly month.

We just want to reiterate the importance of doing your research about the area that you’ll be visiting, as this is just a general guide for all of Costa Rica.

And remember – during these rainy months, the wildlife here is thriving!

Which Month Will You be Visiting?

It’s important to dive into some research about the country that you’re considering taking a trip to.

Weather is a huge part of this. But we also recommend not to stress too much about it. We’re sure you’ll have an amazing experience here in Costa Rica, whenever it is that you come.

We invite you to continue your research about Costa Rica for your upcoming trip by checking out these recommended blog posts:

• Is Costa Rica Safe?
• Costa Rica Customs and Etiquette
• Everything You Need to Know About Costa Rica in the Rainy Season
• Flying to Costa Rica