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Best time to visit Costa Rica
The best times to visit Costa Rica (San Jose) are in January, February, March, April and May based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.
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Costa Rica by month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Top Costa Rica destinations
Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Costa Rica. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.
All Costa Rica destinations
- Dominical
- Golfito
- Jaco
- La Fortuna
- Liberia
- Monteverde
- Punta Leone
- Quepos
- Samara
- San Jose
- Tamarindo
- Tambor
- Tortuquero
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best times to visit Costa Rica (San Jose) are in January, February, March, April and May based on the following average weather conditions.
Maximum daytime temperature = 72 - 86°F [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]
Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.
Max Day Temperature (°F)
- Jan
73 - Feb
75 - Mar77
- Apr77
- May77
- Jun77
- Jul75
- Aug75
- Sep75
- Oct75
- Nov75
- Dec73
Best time to visit
The weather guide for Costa Rica (San Jose) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.
Metric (°C) | Imperial (°F)
Costa Rica weather overview
Costa Rica is a small mountainous country between Nicaragua and Panama and shares many elements of its climate with the latter. Temperatures are high throughout the year, especially on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts which experience some rain all year and get very wet and sticky indeed during the May to November rainy season.
If you prefer more temperate conditions, head for the hills where the air is crisper and the nights are cooler.
What to pack for Costa Rica weather
Pack light clothing with warmer clothes for the chilly highland nights and a light raincoat for the rainy season.
More about Costa Rica
Explore our complete guide to Costa Rica with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica travel guide - essential info
Below is a beginner's guide to Costa Rica with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.
| Costa Rica - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Flight time✝ | 11.5 hours |
| Time difference | UK -6 hours |
| Language(s) | Spanish |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colon |
| Electricity | A + B plug (120V) |
| Driving side | Right |
✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.
Travelling to Costa Rica?
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Costa Rica travel deals
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- Book flights to San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica travel guidance
Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Costa Rica from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- UK traveller advice for Costa Rica - UK FCDO
- Irish traveller advice for Costa Rica - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
- Canadian travel advice for Costa Rica - Government of Canada
- US travel advisories for Costa Rica - US Department of State
- Safe travel advisories for Costa Rica - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for Costa Rica - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Costa Rica.
Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Costa Rica travel health
Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Costa Rica with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.
- Vaccines & medicines for Costa Rica - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for Costa Rica - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in Costa Rica - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Costa Rica, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.
Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Costa Rica travel features
Do you want to learn more about Costa Rica? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Costa Rica including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.
Which is the hottest month in Costa Rica?
The hottest time of year in San Jose, Costa Rica is normally May. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 77°F with low heat and humidity.
Which month has the most rain in Costa Rica?
In terms of rainfall, September is usually the wettest month in San Jose, Costa Rica with 14.6 inches on average. There are normally 24 days in September with some rain.
When is it sunniest in Costa Rica?
The sunniest time of year in San Jose, Costa Rica is normally March with bright sunshine on average for 60% of daylight hours; that's 7 hours of sunshine per day.
What is the flight time to Costa Rica from the UK?
The flight time to Costa Rica from the UK is typically 11.5 hours.
What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between Costa Rica and the UK is UK time-6 hours.
What is the main language spoken in Costa Rica?
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC).
Send money to Costa Rica with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.
Which plugs are used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts).
Which side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?
They drive on the right side of the road in Costa Rica.
Find out more about driving in Costa Rica with International Drivers Association*.
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