When to go
The best time to visit Costa Rica, either for a beach holiday or for exploring the rich nature of the country, runs from
January to mid-April, and in particular the months of February and March. In the lowlands, it's hot, the sun shines and there is little rain, except on the east coast, which is rainy throughout the year.
The capital, San José, can also be visited in December.
In the north-west (province of Guanacaste, canton of Puntarenas), where in December it rains already little, while the spring is very hot, you may prefer December and January.
In the south-west (southern part of the province of Puntarenas, see Quepos and Golfito, and Osa Peninsula), where in December it still rains quite frequently, you can go from January to mid-April.
On the Caribbean coast you can go in February and March.
What to pack
For San José and the
tierras templadas: all year round, bring light clothing, a sweatshirt or sweater for the evening; a raincoat or umbrella from May to November.
For plains and coasts: bring lightweight clothes; in the rainy season, you can add a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat for thunderstorms.
For the high mountains: bring warm clothes, a jacket, hiking boots.
Back to the climate of
Costa Rica