OffPeak.Traveller
Americas · Costa Rica

Best time to visit Costa Rica

'Green season' is the industry's polite word for shoulder — and it's the trip you actually want. Rainforests are rainforesty, sloths are visible, and Manuel Antonio isn't a car park.

Crowd & Price Board · COSTA RICA
12 months · scale 1–5
JAN
05
Peak crowds100
FEB
05
Peak crowds100
MAR
04
High crowds80
APR
03
Moderate crowds60
MAY
02
GO
Low crowds40
JUN
03
Moderate crowds60
JUL
03
Moderate crowds60
AUG
03
Moderate crowds60
SEP
02
GO
Low crowds40
OCT
02
Low crowds40
NOV
03
Moderate crowds60
DEC
05
Peak crowds100
Recommended Other months1 = empty · 5 = peak
Best months
May & September
Weather then
24-30°C, afternoon showers
vs Peak season
~60% quieter than peak
Why this window

May and September are 'green season' — mornings clear, brief afternoon rains, wildlife at its most active, and lodges cutting rates 30-50% versus dry December.

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Do this while you're there

3 things to book ahead

  1. №01

    Arenal Volcano hike & hot springs

    Lava fields plus thermal soak

    Book on Viator →
  2. №02

    Monteverde cloud forest zipline & hanging bridges

    Canopy-level rainforest access

    Book on GetYourGuide →
  3. №03

    Manuel Antonio wildlife & beach day

    Guided park entry with naturalist

    Book on Viator →
Where to stay

Skip the tourist trap.

Split time between Arenal (volcano/hot springs) and the Pacific coast — skip San José.

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