The Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica? (Spoiler: It Might Not Exist)

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There’s a question I get all the time — usually right after someone checks the forecast and sees 15 days of thundercloud icons in a row: “So… when’s the worst time to visit Costa Rica?”

And my honest answer? Depends who you ask — and how much you like mud.

Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica: Myth or Just Bad Packing?

Let’s get this out of the way: Costa Rica doesn’t have a bad season. It has dry months, wet months, and that magical in-between where everything is green, nobody’s around, and avocados fall from trees like gifts from the jungle gods.

But sure, there are times when visiting might be… inconvenient. Like if you forgot your rain jacket during the rainy season in Costa Rica, or you dreamed of surfing only to learn that your “perfect beach” turns into a washing machine in October.

Still, calling it the worst time to visit Costa Rica? That might be a stretch.

bridge Costa Rica, Sightseeing and Diving — Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Rainy Season? More Like Green Season (No, Really)

From May to November, Costa Rica gets soaked — especially on the Pacific side. It’s known as the green season, and yes, it does rain. Sometimes a lot. But it’s rarely an all-day thing. Mornings are usually sunny, and the rain hits in the late afternoon like clockwork. It’s nature’s siesta alarm.

During this so-called worst time to travel to Costa Rica, you get:

Lower prices
Fewer tourists
Wild, jungle-drenched landscapes
And a great excuse to drink coffee under a tin roof while a storm rolls in

Sounds awful, right?

Best and Worst Months to Visit Costa Rica

Ask the internet and it’ll tell you that September and October are the worst months to visit Costa Rica. Why? It rains a lot on the Pacific coast. Some remote lodges shut down. Roads in the mountains can get a little… exciting.

But guess what? These are prime months for the Caribbean coast, where it’s often sunny, warm, and empty. While half the country’s getting drenched, places like Puerto Viejo are living their best beach life.

So again — is it the worst time to visit Costa Rica, or just a reminder to check both coasts?

When Not to Go to Costa Rica (If You’re Super Particular)

Let’s flip the question. Here’s when you might want to rethink your plans:

If you hate heat, maybe skip March and April, when it’s dry, dusty, and scorching inland.
If you loathe crowds, avoid Christmas and Easter, when Costa Rica travel season goes full throttle.
If you need 100% guaranteed sunshine, maybe don’t gamble on September in a beach tent.

But here’s the catch: even during these “worst” windows, Costa Rica still delivers. One minute you’re in a thunderstorm, the next you’re spotting toucans and watching monkeys steal someone’s sandwich.

So… What’s the Real Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Honestly? It’s when you don’t come at all.

The truth is, every season in Costa Rica has something to offer. Dry season (December to April) is beach-perfect but busier. Rainy season (May to November) brings life to the forest and deals to your wallet. Shoulder seasons (May and November)? Total sweet spots.

The worst time to visit Costa Rica is only “worst” if you come unprepared — like packing only flip-flops in October or thinking Monteverde is always warm (spoiler: it’s not).

Want to Time Your Trip Just Right?

We can help. Our trip planning service doesn’t just look at weather charts — we help you pick the right region, right vibe, and right season based on how you actually want to travel. Sun? Solitude? Sea turtles? We’ve got you.