Costa Rica

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Why visit Costa Rica?

The beating heart of eco-tourism, Costa Rica packs astonishing biodiversity into a friendly, pura vida paradise. Zip-line through misty cloud forests in Monteverde, watch lava-lit sunsets over the Arenal Volcano, and spot sloths, toucans and monkeys in the steamy jungles of Manuel Antonio and Corcovado. Surf the Pacific breaks of Tamarindo and Nosara, snorkel the Caribbean reefs near Puerto Viejo, and soak in volcanic hot springs beneath the rainforest canopy. Raft roaring rivers, watch turtles nest on wild beaches, and sip some of the world's best coffee in the highland valleys. With protected parks covering a quarter of the land, nature is always close. Because wildlife, weather and winding roads require smart timing, let Tony plan it: our AI balances rainforest, volcanoes and beaches around your interests and pace, minimising long drives. Tell Tony your dates and passions, whether surfing, wildlife or adventure, and he crafts a personalised Costa Rican itinerary that flows smoothly from cloud forest to coast, timing everything around wildlife seasons and dry weather so your pura vida escape feels effortless and richly rewarding.

🏖️ Beaches & nature

Both Pacific surf beaches and calm Caribbean coves fringed by lush rainforest and wildlife.

🍽️ Local cuisine

Gallo pinto rice and beans, fresh casados, tropical fruit and rich highland coffee.

📅 Best time

December to April, the dry season, for sunshine and wildlife.

Plan your Costa Rica trip with Tony AI

Tony AI creates personalized day-by-day itineraries based on your budget, travel style and interests. No more hours of research — get your perfect Costa Rica plan in seconds.

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Everything for your Costa Rica trip

Book flights, stays, tours and more — all in one place

More options: Kiwi.com · Oojo · Skytours · seats.aero · Arangrant · QEEQ · Carla · GetTransfer · CarmelLimo · ViaToVia · Saily · Yesim · GigSky · Klook · EF Ultimate Break · EF Adventures · AirHelp Plus · CruiseDirect

Popular experiences in Costa Rica

The things travellers book most here. You pay the same price as booking direct.

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When to go to Costa Rica

The best months for Costa Rica are January, February, March, April and December. Highs then sit around 25°C, crowds are high at peak, and a week here is mid-priced.

Jan
25°
low 15°
6 wet days
Feb
26°
low 15°
3 wet days
Mar
26°
low 16°
11 wet days
Apr
26°
low 16°
18 wet days
May
26°
low 17°
25 wet days
Jun
24°
low 16°
29 wet days
Jul
25°
low 17°
25 wet days
Aug
25°
low 16°
29 wet days
Sep
25°
low 16°
29 wet days
Oct
24°
low 16°
29 wet days
Nov
24°
low 16°
24 wet days
Dec
24°
low 16°
9 wet days
Highlighted = best monthsNumber = average daytime highBar = how wet the month is

Temperatures and wet days are measured, not estimated: ERA5 reanalysis for 2021-2023, at San José, Provincia de San José. Source: Open-Meteo.

Planning Costa Rica

Best time to visit Costa RicaMonth by month, measuredWhere to stay in Costa RicaWhich area suits youHow many days you needWhat fits in a short or long stay

Costa Rica — common questions

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best months for Costa Rica are January, February, March, April and December. Highs then sit around 25°C, crowds are high at peak, and a week here is mid-priced.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

February is the warmest month, with daytime highs around 26°C. June is the coolest, around 24°C by day and 16°C at night. June is the wettest, with about 29 wet days. Figures are measured averages, not estimates.

What is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is best known for nature, wildlife, adventure, tropical weather and beaches. The things people come for: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, turtle nesting beaches, zip-lining, sloths and toucans.

Who is Costa Rica best suited to?

Costa Rica works particularly well for families, couples, solo travellers and backpackers. That is based on what there is to do there, not on who books it most.

What can you book in advance in Costa Rica?

The experiences that sell out first are food tours, cooking classes, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, walking tours and night tours. You can check availability and prices on our booking partners below — you pay the same as booking direct.

Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?

That depends on your passport and how long you are staying, so there is no single answer. TonyPlan has a visa and entry checker — put in your nationality and it tells you what applies to you.

Get the Costa Rica guide as a PDF

Why to go, the best months with real measured temperatures, which area to stay in, and what flights cost right now — in one file you can read on the plane. Free.

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