The Perfect Timing for Visiting Costa Rica’s Attractions
Understanding the varied seasons is critical for people choosing the best time to explore Costa Rica real estate and enjoy the world’s best climate in Atenas. Locals consider the dry season, which runs from December to April, to be summer and is particularly popular for visitors. Meanwhile, the wet season lasts from May to November, with May to August serving as a shoulder season with fewer visitors and potential cost savings.
Your ideal activities will help you determine the best time to visit Costa Rica.
The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica According to Activity
Hot Springs and Volcanoes:
December–April and May–August are the best months.
Costa Rica’s unique geological location, where the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates collide, gives rise to breathtaking volcanoes and restorative hot springs. Atenas, perched among volcanic peaks, provides breathtaking panoramic vistas, particularly from December to April. The Poás Volcano in the Central Valley stands out, with its stunning panoramas reaching their peak during the dry season and the nice shoulder months.
Beaches:
The best months to visit are December–April (Pacific Coast) and August–October (Caribbean Coast).
With its accessibility to numerous coasts, Atenas allows you to select the best beach experience. On the Pacific coast, the dry season (December–April) brings mid-80s temperatures and ideal beach weather. Even when other parts of the Caribbean endure rain, August through October frequently provide great beach conditions.
Best months for surfing:
December–April (for beginners), May–September (for advanced), and December–January (for experts, on the Caribbean Coast).
Surfers of all skill levels flock to Costa Rica’s waves all year. Beginners may favor the dry season, while advanced surfers prefer the swells produced by the rainy season, which runs from May to September. Atenas is close to several well-known surf areas, including the difficult Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast.
Birding Season:
December–April
Atenas, surrounded by natural beauty, is a good base for birdwatchers. The dry season is ideal for birdwatching, with chances to see rare species such as the dazzling quetzal or colibri (hummingbird) in Monteverde Cloudforest Preserve and millions of birds in Cao Negro National Wildlife Refuge.
Best months for wildlife viewing:
July–August and May–November.
Year-round viewing of Costa Rica’s unique wildlife, including monkeys and sloths, is possible. Sea turtle fans should schedule their visits during nesting seasons, which are July and August on the Caribbean coast and May to November on the Pacific coast.
Best months for snorkeling and scuba diving
December–April and September–October.
Atenas locals and visitors can enjoy outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving locations. While diving is enjoyable all year, the west coast has the finest visibility from December to April.
Whether you’re looking for natural wonders, water activities, or cultural exploration, RE/MAX Best Climate can help you find a great home base to start. Make the most of your Atenas real estate experience by living the pura vida lifestyle.
