Costa Rica · Plan your trip
Choose the coast before the month. Pacific dry and rainy seasons differ from Caribbean rainfall, and a cloud-forest trip still needs rain protection.
Plan your trip ↓
Make the time count
The Tourism Board describes December–March as the Pacific dry season, April as a transition, May–October as rainy and November as another transition. September and October are generally the wettest Pacific months. These are climate patterns, not a forecast. [1]
The Caribbean has no well-defined dry season. February–March and September–October are relatively drier coastal periods, while November–January is a wetter period. A December beach trip does not have the same weather tradeoff on both coasts. [1]
Keep the most important Pacific outdoor outing early where practical and allow for afternoon rain. The July–August relative lull in Pacific rainfall is not a guaranteed dry spell and does not transfer to the Caribbean. [1]
A south Caribbean trip can make more sense than assuming the wettest Pacific months describe the whole country. Keep forecasts, road conditions and local sea advice central to the final choice. [1]
November and April can change across the month and by region. For December–March, compare Pacific beach time with a wetter Caribbean possibility; Monteverde and the northern rainforest still need layers and rain gear. [1]
Canal wildlife, forest birding and a guided turtle-nesting beach outing are different experiences. Confirm the regulated outing and its current season with the local operator. Do not book a trip on a promised sighting. [11]
No. September and October are generally very wet on the Pacific side but form a relatively drier coastal period on the Caribbean side. Check the particular region and forecast.
No. The Pacific dry season generally begins in December, while the Caribbean’s stronger rainy period is November–January. Regional climate patterns do not guarantee the weather on your trip.
Both are transition months on the Pacific side, so timing and region matter. The Caribbean follows a different rainfall pattern; choose your coast and check a local forecast.
The website catalog was captured October 27, 2026. Editorial source checks were made November 5, 2026. Check current conditions, admission, room offers and transfers for your dates. The map shows saved place coordinates, not a verified driving route.
Put it into a journey
10-day default · Forest, canals & a Pacific finish
A 10-day starting plan through the Central Valley, Tortuguero, Arenal, Tamarindo and Monteverde. Choose the main outings; this is not a seven-day tour of both coasts.
Read every day →5-day default · One coast, with time to settle
Five days around Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, followed by a San José night. Keep the arrival and return days for travel, with beach choices in between.
Read every day →5-day default · A Tamarindo base
Five days with four selected nights at Capitán Suizo. The saved plan is centered on Tamarindo, with an airport choice to resolve before booking.
Read every day →Choose a saved route, make it your own and keep the details with you in Fyno.