When to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica doesn’t have a bad time to visit, but knowing the nuances of the seasons makes all the difference:

• May & June – Green season begins with spells of afternoon rain but still plenty of sunshine.
• July to September – Green season settles making it a wonderful time to visit, especially with the turtle activity in Tortuguero.
• October & November – Peak green season.
• December to April – The driest time of year, and the most popular months to visit.

On the Caribbean side, rain is always a possibility, but August to October tend to be the driest.

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Can you visit the Caribbean Coast in Costa Rica?

When Costa Ricans go on holiday, they head to the southern Caribbean coast. They love it for its laid-back atmosphere, Afro-Caribbean culture, and untouched white-sand coves. Unlike the busier Pacific beaches, you are more likely to have the beaches here to yourself.

However, the weather operates on its own, unpredictable schedule. While most of Costa Rica sees heavier rain in September and October, this is actually the driest time of year on the Caribbean side. That said, while it is not on the hurricane belt, storms can strike at any time along this coastline, bringing downpours that last a full day or more.

If you can embrace a little unpredictability, the reward is a coastline few international travellers experience.

Can I stay on the beachfront in Costa Rica?

For a country with such a spectacular coastline, it’s surprisingly difficult to find hotels with direct beach access. Most high-end properties sit on clifftops with panoramic ocean views but require a shuttle (sometimes a 15-minute drive) to reach the sand.

If stepping straight from your room onto the beach is a priority, Nantipa in Santa Teresa is one of the few luxury options that delivers. Expect a relaxed, barefoot-luxury vibe that works equally well for couples and families.

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Where to go whale watching in Costa Rica?

The waters off Dominical and Uvita are among the best places in the world to see migrating humpback whales from July to November. It’s a transformative experience for all ages, and boat tours welcome youngsters. However, if you’re taking the children, it’s worth noting that none of the high-end hotels in this area accept children. You’ll either need to stay further afield or opt for more modest lodgings.

Does Costa Rica have good swimming beaches?

Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches look postcard-perfect, but many have strong currents and waves better suited to surfers than swimmers.

If you want calm waters, seek out:

• Playa Hermosa (Papagayo Gulf) – Gentle waves and golden sand
• Santa Teresa (Nicoya Peninsula) – Surf spots and sheltered coves for swimming
• Manuel Antonio – A swimmable beach inside the national park (but expect crowds)

The Caribbean side has more swimmable beaches, but the weather can be less reliable.

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Where are the best Hot Springs in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s volcanic landscape creates some fantastic hot springs. Most visitors head to Arenal, where luxury hotels incorporate thermal pools within their grounds. Tabacón and Ecotermales are excellent standalone options if you prefer a day visit.

For a quieter alternative, the hot springs at Rincón de la Vieja in the north offer a more rugged, less polished experience. The nearby lodges are simple, but it makes for an excellent day trip if you’re staying in the more popular spots of Papagayo, Playa Flamingo, or Tamarindo on the north west coast.

Where to go off the beaten path in Costa Rica?

Most first-time visitors follow a well-trodden route:

✈ Arrive in San José
– Fly to Tortuguero to explore the jungle waterways
– Travel inland to Arenal for volcano hikes
– Head to Manuel Antonio for beach time and wildlife
✈ Fly home from San José

While this itinerary includes spectacular highlights, without careful planning, it can also mean sharing them with other tourists.

To include more exclusive experiences in Costa Rica, consider:
✔ Staying in boutique lodges with scenic room views – in Arenal, choose a hotel that offers a volcano view
✔ Swapping Manuel Antonio for the quieter beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula
✔ Heading to San Gerardo de Dota, Turrialba and the Pacuare River, Bajos del Toro, or the Osa Peninsula for a more immersive nature experience

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Where to see Local Life in Costa Rica?

Some more exclusive lodges can be remote: deep in the jungle or hidden among deserted coastal coves. While this offers a welcome opportunity to disconnect, it is worth going into a local town to experience Costa Rican everyday life up close.

For a real insight into Costa Rican culture, Sarapiquí is worth adding to your itinerary. This unassuming town is often overlooked, but it offers a charming local atmosphere and is perfectly positioned between Tortuguero and rafting on Pacuare River. 

Until recently, accommodation in Sarapiquí was fairly basic, but the arrival of El Lugar has introduced a more upscale option, making Sarapiquí a hidden gem for those looking to experience local life without compromising on comfort.