Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, swathes of rainforest and two coasts, meaning weather conditions can vary greatly between regions. The rainiest season for most of Costa Rica is between September and November (its ending is hard to predict), however, the Caribbean coast continues to receive bountiful sunshine. During this time, river rafting is at its best and humpback whales take up residence in the Golfo Dulce. The rains subside in December and into the new year, which is a fantastic time to visit the beaches of Guanacaste and see green sea turtles nesting. Costa Rica’s forests are lush and green, replete with flowing rivers and waterfalls - ideal for adventurous travellers. As February rolls around, Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula are especially beautiful, while the famous quetzales begin nesting in the cloud forests. By mid-May, the rainy season begins again, refilling rivers and leaving Costa Rica’s national parks (relatively) tourist-free. Rainfall is interspersed with sun, especially in the Central Valley, Caribbean and Northern Pacific regions - and there are incredible swells on the country’s best beaches.