Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is December to April, based on recorded month-by-month travel suitability.
June, July, August, September and October are the weakest months to plan around.
Guidance only — conditions vary year to year and prices are estimates.
Best value months
The strongest months here are also the most expensive: December sit in the peak price band, so travelling just outside them is the usual way to save.
Month by month
January
Conditions: Strong
Pricing: High
February
Conditions: Strong
Pricing: High
March
Conditions: Strong
Pricing: High
April
Conditions: Strong
Pricing: High
May
Conditions: Mixed
Pricing: Shoulder
June
Conditions: Weak
Pricing: Low
July
Conditions: Weak
Pricing: High
August
Conditions: Weak
Pricing: High
September
Conditions: Weak
Pricing: Low
October
Conditions: Weak
Pricing: Low
November
Conditions: Mixed
Pricing: Shoulder
December
Conditions: Strong
Pricing: Peak
Suitability comes from our own destination records. Seasonal pricing is the price level our cost model applies to that month, not a live fare.
The two lines answer different questions and often disagree: a month can be the best weather fit and the priciest month in the model at the same time. If your dates can move, the cheaper total is usually in a neighbouring month with similar conditions.
How long to go for
At least at least 6 days; ideal 9–14 days.
What a day costs in Costa Rica
- Budget: 60–110 USD per person per day
- Mid-range: 130–280 USD per person per day
- Luxury: 350–900 USD per person per day
Daily on-the-ground spend. Flights are not included.
Common questions
- What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?
- The best time to visit Costa Rica is December to April, based on recorded month-by-month travel suitability. June, July, August, September and October are the weakest months to plan around.
- What is the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica?
- The lowest seasonal price level falls in June, September and October, though conditions are weaker then.
- How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
- Most trips work at 9–14 nights; below 6 nights the travel time starts to dominate the trip.
Keep planning
Month by month
Each month below is answered on its own recorded suitability and its own modelled cost, so you can see which months are worth it and which to skip.