When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Do you like sunny weather and high prices or afternoon showers and lower prices?

Costa Rica has two seasons called “invierno” and “verano” by the costaricense.

“To counteract the negative connotations of daily rain, the tourist industry refers to the rainy season as the "green season.”

Verano is the summer season and is distinguished by little or no rainfall. Invierno or winter starts with the seasonal rains that began a pattern in April or May and last until December. The rains seldom occur in the morning and in some places you can plan your summer day around an afternoon shower starting around 2 p.m.

Personally, we prefer the rainy season with its afternoon rain to the almost dull repetition of sunny fair weather. The first months of verano (December, January, February) are considered the high season by the tourist industry and most prices are higher.

October and November tend to be the rainiest months and do cause the only problem with travelling in Costa Rica. These daily rains produce landslides that can fill a road with part of a mountain or undercut the road sending the highway into an adjacent river; the locals call them derrumbes. To counteract the negative connotations of daily rain, the tourist industry refers to the rainy season as the "green season."

The truth is that you can come anytime and enjoy what this country has to offer. The best way to experience the country is to stay away from the all-inclusive resorts; the country has much more to offer, Pick any location here and explore. Ride a bus, take a taxi (here taxis are cheap) practice your Spanish skills with the locals. In Costa Rica a friendly smile and saying “Pura vida!” will put you in a good light with the people here