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Best time to take a vacation to Costa Rica

Best Time to Go

Costa Rica vacations are wonderful for anytime of the year. Annual temperatures are between 70oF and 80oF. The tropical climate of Costa Rica makes it a popular travel destination for visitors that want to escape the winter chills and take advantage of the warm temperatures that the country has to offer. Rain fall is primarily present from May to November. If you would like to avoid the rainy season in Costa Rica, the best time to visit is between December and April. Attend the National Orchid Show in San José in March or Puntarenas Carnival the last week in February.

Popular Costa Rica experiences

Beaches

Costa Rica is known as a tropical paradise largely thanks to its peerless beaches. Whatever you want from your Costa Rica travels, you can be sure there's suited to your lifestyle. Experienced surfers hang tan for Playa Hermosa, and Playa Platanares offers great swimming, sunbathing and kayaking in the nearby mangroves. Families flock to Playa Negra for its safe swimming and body boarding.

Metropolitan Cathedral

While you're in San Jose, this immense cathedral is a must-see on your Costa Rica vacation. The Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest church in the country and was rebuilt in 1871 after a massive earthquake nearly destroyed it. Now full of intricate wooden pillars and soaring reliefs (not to mention a charming stamp museum), the cathedral is completely free to visit.

Parismina Sea Turtle Commission

Costa Rica enjoys top ranks on the Happy Planet Index (HPI), and you can discover why with a night with the Parismina Sea Turtle Commission. For a small donation, tag along with a local guide for hands-on experience caring for turtles. And the shimmering view of the moon twinkling over the sea isn't too shabby either.

San Jose

Meander through the capital city on your Costa Rica travels, and stumble across an array of buildings built in the extravagant Colonial style. Take a free tour of the National Theater or brush up on some history in the National Archives. San Jose will give you the flavor of Costa Rican culture that won't cost you a cent.

Tortuguero National Park

This is one of the few free national parks in Costa Rica, and it brims with verdant beauty and environmental info. Explore through the Caribbean Conservation Corporation's Natural History Center, and take a lesson (or two) in their inspiring conservation efforts.

Insider tips for Costa Rica travel

Arenal Volcano

Check out the popular and active Arenal Volcano situated near Costa Rica’s Lake Arenal.

Desafio Adventure Company

Costa Rica’s San José area offers tons of outdoor adventures through the Desafio Adventure Company.

Santa Rose National Park

Some of Costa Rica’s best beaches are located at the Santa Rosa National Park on the northwest end of the country.

Tamrindo Beach

Fishing, surfing, sailing, golfing, boat rides, horseback riding, and much more can be done at Tamrindo Beach’s Playa Tamrindo resort.

^Savings based on all package bookings with Flight + Hotel made on CheapTickets.com from 2019-04-01 - 2020-03-31 as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.