Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its temperate climate. The country’s sunnier High Season (December-April) enjoys average temperatures ranging from the mid-70’s to the low 90’s. Evenings are usually cool and comfortable. The wetter Low Season (May-November) is also an excellent time to visit, with similar temperatures and an even greener landscape. Ocean water temperatures near shore average 74 degrees off both coasts.

May is the first month (a “shoulder month”) of the Green Season in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has only two seasons: The Dry Season (or High Season) and the wetter Green Season (or Low Season):

• Green or Low Season or Winter: May to mid-November
• Rainiest Month: October in most areas
• Dry or High Season: late November to mid-April

Costa Rica is a tropical country with complex weather patterns. During any month, you can have one day of hot sunshine followed by a day of intermittent showers (usually in the late afternoon).

The two seasons are half-year periods characterized by general trends of higher or cooler temperatures and greater or lesser rainfall. The Green Season is generally the time of year when most of the country experiences some rain. Many people actually prefer to vacation during the green season when there are fewer crowds, the climate is cooler, and the land is greener.

Green Season Advantages:

• Fewer tourists
• Greener landscape
• Lower hotel prices
• Sea turtle nesting season (Tortuguero, Osa and Nicoya)
• Sport fishing peak season (Nicoya, Osa and Quepos)
• Whale watching (Nicoya)
• Surf swells are best
• Best river rafting (e.g. Pacuare in June, July, October, November)

Dry Season Advantages:

• Easier to get around rural areas with dirt road (Tambor, Liberia, Tamarindo, Osa)
• Sunnier weather
• Better (clearer) water for scuba diving and snorkeling

Are you considering a vacation in Costa Rica? Overwhelmed by choices? How would you like to have all your questions answered by a Costa Rica travel expert–someone who knows Costa Rica first hand and by heart? 

Because of its location and geography, Costa Rica has distinct microclimates depending on proximity to its two coasts and altitude. In fact, temperatures vary primarily with elevation, rather than by season.

Rainfall in Costa Rica results from the interaction of the trade winds with local topography.

Costa Rica is a year-round destination. There is really no “best” time to visit. Low rainfall in one area may correspond to heat in another area.

The best option seek the advice of someone who knows the local conditions, and can advise you of which areas to visit during your preferred travel dates. The expert travel planners at LANDED are at your service.

Spanish is the official and predominant language of Costa Rica. English is widely spoken in locations frequented by foreign visitors. Additionally, at least five native languages are spoken by Costa Rica’s indigenous populations.

Want to visit Costa Rica? Speak with one of our Costa Rica experts today, at 801.582.2100.

• Put the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy with you at all times.
• Mobile phone
• US drivers’ license (as ID for purchases and for car rental)
• Health insurance card (the card or paper issued by your health insurer showing proof of insurance)
• US dollars in small denominations ($20s, $10s, $5s and $1s)
• ATMs are available and major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the USA.
• Airline tickets for international flights
• Insect repellant
• Sun protection (block, hat and glasses)
• Camera, batteries, and data cards
• Binoculars (optional, for wildlife viewing)
• Prescription medications
• Rain / wind jacket
• River shoes or river sandals
• Synthetic fleece pullover
• Swimwear
• Casual clothes
• Comfortable walking / hiking shoes
• Dark, long sleeved / legged clothing (Tortuguero and other turtle nesting destinations)
• Small flashlight

Most of our clients leave the travel logistics to us. Doesn’t that sound better? Speak with one of our Costa Rica experts today, at 801.582.2100.

Costa Rica is generally quite safe; however, common sense precautions are still important. As a general rule, you should not be out in the streets alone after dark. Stay in well-lit areas. Keep money out of sight and in a money belt. Keep your travel documents in the hotel safe or concealed. Please ask your guide for additional safety advice.

Keep in mind that pedestrians do not have the right of way in Costa Rica. Use caution when crossing roads and do not assume that vehicles will stop for you.

Want to know which options are right for your Costa Rica vacation? Speak with one of our Costa Rica experts today, at 801.582.2100.

Costa Rica is open for travel for all U.S. citizens, provided travelers meet some entry requirements. Here are the current entry requirements for Costa Rica:

• All passengers entering Costa Rica must submit the Health Pass digital form available at: https://salud.go.cr/ . The Health Pass can only be completed within 72 hours of arriving in the country. Insurance certificate or vaccination certificate must be uploaded to the Health Pass to be reviewed and approved.
• Unvaccinated passengers aged 18 or older must present Travel Insurance.
• From December 1, 2021, to March 7, 2022: Proof of vaccination for travelers aged 12 or older might be required to enter commercial establishments. Proof of vaccination must be shown via the QR code that is generated through the Health Pass required to enter the country. Tourists who have a medical condition that exempts them from the approved vaccination by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica** may show duly accredited medical proof instead.

**The vaccines approved by Costa Rican health authorities are: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Covaxin, and Sinopharm vaccines.