The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Best Weather, Wildlife, and Affordable Prices

Since there is less rain and more sunshine during the dry season (around December to April), that's when most tourists go to Costa Rica. You can escape the throngs by scheduling your trip for a different time of year.

Even though it's becoming more popular, the rainy or "green" season in Costa Rica, which runs from May to November, is still the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds at the beach and in hotels. You might want to consider planning your trip for the start or finish of the green season, when rumors of lower prices and fewer crowds start to circulate. The summer months in North America, including June, July, and August, are becoming increasingly busy as more and more people look for deals at convenient times.

From December through April, Costa Rica enjoys its driest and brightest weather of the year. During this time of year, temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit in March and April, although they usually stay in the low to mid 80s. If you're hoping for a trip with acceptable humidity—which is rarely low—consider going interior to higher elevations instead of the low-lying coastlines.

Humidity and rainfall are common from May through November, however showers tend to be brief rather than torrential downpours. While the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, which happens to overlap with green season, it almost never results in direct landfall. Hurricanes in the area usually only bring more rain to Costa Rica because of its southerly location.

Costa Rica is a budget-friendly vacation spot all year round, but visitors can save even more money by going during the off-season. May and September, for instance, are the least expensive months to visit Costa Rica since they are early and late in the off-season, respectively, and because the North American summer is becoming more and more popular.

Similarly, Christmas through April are the most expensive months to visit Costa Rica due to the influx of tourists from the Northern Hemisphere seeking a respite from the cold weather back home.

Some species are unique to Costa Rica and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. The abundance of wildlife refuges and national parks helps to keep these species safe while also providing visitors with opportunities to see them.

When you're most likely to observe certain animals is directly related to your preferences. The capuchin monkey is one of those famous attention-getters that is visible (and audible) all year round. However, if you want to view sea turtles, the best time to go is between February and October along the Caribbean coast, or April and May if you want to see leatherback turtles. In order to see the animals first thing in the morning, it is best to get up early, preferably before sunrise, and go to a reserve around that time.

Although the majority of Costa Rica's native birds are visible throughout the year, those who enjoy viewing birds often report that the dry season is prime time for seeing them. Birdsong fills the air and can be heard almost anywhere during this season due to the less frequent rain and better sight. However, September through November is the best time to visit if you want to see migrating birds.

Seeking the renowned quetzal? It's a good idea to consult locals for guidance. Due to its small range, this stunningly attractive long-tailed bird from Central America is not easy to identify, despite its acclaim. But here's a hint: when it's dry, you can find them in the cloud forests eating wild avocados.

Travelers from far and wide travel to Costa Rica, particularly the Nicoya Peninsula, to ride the waves of the Pacific Coast. Surfing, although imported, is now as typical to Costa Rica as ceviche.

March and April are the final two months of the dry season, when the crests are at their calmest and the humidity is at its highest. This is the perfect time for beginners and anyone wanting to test their modest surfing abilities. During the rainier months of September and October, experienced surfers and daredevils can find the biggest waves. But if you're hoping to surf at less busy beaches, the months of June through August are your best choice.

Costa Rica's Limón Province, which runs along the Caribbean coast, is vastly different from the rest of the country. Here, the languid pace and significant Afro-Caribbean influence on food and culture are most noticeable to visitors. Although not many people think of it, the Caribbean coast is home to some amazing places like Cahuita National Park, which is home to expansive coral reefs, and the eccentric town of Puerto Viejo, which attracts a lot of surfers.

The rainy season brings significantly higher humidity to this region, therefore it's recommended to avoid going between December and April, when the weather is dry.

The most visited cloud forest in Costa Rica is Monteverde, located in the Puntarenas region. The deep fog looks like a cloud here and in similar forests; mountaintops puncture it. It's a breathtaking site to behold, but visitors should probably steer clear of the area in July and August, when the rainiest months, due to the extreme mud, if they can help it. Thankfully, the fog forms are relatively unaffected by the changing of the seasons.

Although it's becoming more popular, those who are easily irritated by rain and excessive heat should avoid visiting Costa Rica during the green season. Travelers concerned about the weather should avoid the Caribbean coast between May and November because of the oppressive humidity.

There will be less people during the dry season, so it could be your "worst time." Travelers hoping to avoid the crowds at major sights might consider visiting Costa Rica during a less popular season, as the winter and spring see hundreds of thousands of tourists.

In May or October, when the rainy season is either starting or almost ending, you can find the perfect mix between crowd size and climate.