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 25°C with low heat and humidity.

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Q: When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica (San Jose) is January, February, March, April and May based on the following average weather conditions. Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C. Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more.

Q: 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 372mm on average. There are normally 24 days in September with some rain.

Q: 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.

Find the best time to visit Costa Rica and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

Costa Rica by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Destination

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

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica (San Jose) is January, February, March, April and May based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

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Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

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 / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

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.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

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

Why visit Costa Rica?

Considering a holiday to the Costa Rica? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

Beaches
Nature

Costa Rica tourist information

Costa Rica Tourism Board

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK.

Travelling to Costa Rica?
Holidays Hotels Flights eSIMs

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 month has the most rain in Costa Rica?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in San Jose, Costa Rica with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Costa Rica?

The sunniest time of year in San Jose, Costa Rica is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Costa Rica?

The sea is usually at its warmest in San Jose, Costa Rica in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

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?

The main language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish.

Learn a language for Costa Rica with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Babbel^*.

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^*.

Costa Rica travel deals

Holidays to Costa Rica

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