Costa Rica: when to go, rains and beach safety

Summary: Costa Rica does not have a single "season": the Pacific and the Caribbean follow different rain calendars. According to the official tourism portal, the Pacific coast has a dry season from December to March and rains from May to October, while the Caribbean has no well-defined dry season. This guide summarises those data, adds the UK Foreign Office safety warnings (rip currents, volcanoes, flooding) and offers a checklist for planning a couples' trip.

Pacific and Caribbean: two calendars

The official Visit Costa Rica portal (accessed 10 November 2026) explains the difference with these data:

Pacific side

• The dry season lasts from December to March.
• April is a transition month and March is the driest and hottest month.
• The rainy season runs from May to October, with November as a transition.
• In July and August rainfall drops relatively: the "veranillo" ("little summer").
• September and October are the rainiest months.

Caribbean side

• There is no well-defined dry season: even in the driest months rain stays between 100 and 200 mm.
• Relatively drier periods are February to March and September to October.
• The strongest rainy period runs from November to January, with December the rainiest month.
• A second rainy period runs from May to August, peaking in July.

The portal's activity guides use a simpler split: dry season from December to April and green season from May to November. The portal gives no specific temperature figures, so this guide does not invent any either.

What this means for your trip

• Pacific beaches in December to March: the driest period, ideal if you prioritise reliable sun; demand may also be highest, so book early.
• Caribbean in February to March or September to October: the relatively drier windows, according to the portal, though with no defined dry season.
• Green season (May to November): more rain, but greener landscapes, and the July-August veranillo on the Pacific can give a break.
• September to October on the Pacific: the rainiest months: have an indoor plan B and stay flexible.

Rain, hurricanes and flooding

The British FCDO notes that from June to November the rainy season and the hurricane season coincide, that flooding and landslides can close roads and that you should plan local travel carefully and follow the authorities, including any evacuation orders. Check the forecast and official alerts before each journey.

Safety at beaches and on activities

• Rip currents: they are very common and lifeguards are often absent. The FCDO puts drownings at 50 to 60 a year, about a third involving tourists. Swim where there is supervision and do not enter the sea if in doubt.
• Snorkelling tours: there have been recent fatalities; choose established companies with experienced staff.
• Crocodiles: they are regularly sighted along the Pacific coast from Playa Azul to Playa Esterillos, with attacks in recent years.
• Volcanoes: Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, several active; Poás has had a significant series of recent eruptions. Check the news and avoid volcanic areas during and just after heavy rain. Ash can affect people with respiratory conditions.
• Jungle: go in with an experienced local guide; unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas is fined.
• Insurance: check that it covers activities such as surfing, zip-lining, quad biking or climbing.

Taxis, drinks and laws

The FCDO recommends avoiding unofficial "taxi piratas": official taxis are red (orange at the airport) with a triangular sticker and a roof box showing the company name and number; prefer radio-dispatched taxis with visible driver ID and a meter. It also warns about tainted drinks: spirits contaminated with methanol, including cheap vodka and guaro, have caused deaths and cannot be detected by taste or smell. Drug penalties are severe (minimum 8 years' imprisonment). Foreigners must carry ID; police will usually accept a printed copy.

Planning as a couple

1. Decide the coast first and the dates after.
2. Book with a flexible cancellation policy if you travel between May and November.
3. Agree what you do if the weather changes the plan.
4. Take out insurance covering activities and evacuation.
5. Split your cash and keep a copy of your passport.

Sources

• Visit Costa Rica (ICT), When to go, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Costa Rica travel advice, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Costa Rica: safety and security, accessed 10 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to go to Costa Rica?

It depends on the coast. For the Pacific, the official portal places the dry season from December to March; the Caribbean has no well-defined dry season.

Does it rain all day in the green season?

The portal does not give that figure; it says there is more rain from May to October on the Pacific. Plan flexibly.

Is the water dangerous?

Rip currents are very common and lifeguards are often absent: swim in supervised areas.

Which taxis are official?

Red ones (orange at the airport), with a triangular sticker and a roof box.