FAQ about Costa Rica Vacations

When is the wet and dry season?

Costa Rica has two main seasons, the rainy and the dry season. The dry season commonly starts in November and goes until the end of April. Rainy season typically begins in May and goes until November. The months that you can expect the most rain would be September
and October. Costa Rica does have tropical weather and during the rainy season, you can expect sunny mornings and afternoon showers that last about two hours before the sky clears again. Because of the geography of Costa Rica, it has different micro-climates making it a destination that can be traveled year round. The Guanacaste region is the driest of the country, making it a recommended area to visit during the rainy season.

The traveler that wants to be on the safe side should travel to Costa Rica between the months of December and April. During this time the weather is very nice throughout the entire country. During the months of September and October, it is recommended to travel on the Caribbean side because on the Pacific side, a lot of rain is to be expected. Don’t fear the rain. Unlike in Europe, the rain is a lot more pleasant in the beautiful, warm country of Costa Rica.

Even in the rainy season, one can expect a heavy rain shower every day and the sun may disappear for short periods of the day. Continuous days of rainfall are the exception to this rule, but are not common.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The dry season (mid-December through April) is the most popular window, with sunny days across the country. May and November — the shoulder months — are the best value: fewer crowds, greener landscapes, lower rates, and mostly sunny mornings with short afternoon showers. Peak weeks are Christmas–New Year and Easter, which book out months in advance.

What are the high and low seasons in Costa Rica?

High season goes from beginning of December to April 30th and the months of July and August Low season is from May 1st to June 30th and from September 1st to November 30th
Peak season is the week of New Years, December 20th to January 6th, and Easter week.

Is Costa Rica expensive to visit?

Costa Rica is more expensive than most Latin American destinations but comparable to a U.S. national-park vacation. Mid-range custom trips typically run $250–$450 per person per day including hotels, private transfers, and daily tours. Luxury lodges and all-inclusive resorts push higher. International flights are separate.10 day programs allow you to enjoy and have the real taste of the country while still having some to relax at the beach.

What is the difference between beachfront hotels and beach hotels?

Beachfront hotels are located right on the beach where as beach hotels are in front of the beach with direct access to the beach. In Costa Rica, all of the beaches are public. The hotels in Costa Rica that offer beachfront access are near the beach or offer a path to have a direct access to the beach.

Where could travelers find all-inclusive system hotels?

Guanacaste region is where most of the all-inclusive resorts are located. In the Central Pacific, travelers could also find two all-inclusive resorts located in Puntarenas and Jaco Beach.
Full pension hotels offer three meals a day: breakfasts, lunch and dinner. This is a set up menu. Some properties located on the Caribbean Side and Osa Peninsula offer this service.
All other hotels offer European plans, which includes daily breakfast.

What is the best area for adventure and rainforest activities?

Without a doubt, Arenal Volcano area and Manuel Antonio are the perfect locations for all your rainforest and adventure activities.

Should I book Costa Rica through a travel specialist or on my own?

A specialist saves you the biggest headaches: connecting destinations by road (drives are longer than Google Maps suggests), matching hotels to the vibe you want, and having someone on the ground when a tour reschedules. DIY works if you stay in one town. For multi-region trips, most travelers find a local operator pays for itself in avoided mistakes.

Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?

Travel insurance is no longer required by the Costa Rican government (COVID-era rules were dropped in 2022), but it's strongly recommended. Adventure activities like zip-lining, rafting, and horseback riding aren't always covered by U.S. health plans. Costa Rica Dream Adventures resells Trawick International plans that cover trip cancellation, medical, and evacuation.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?

No. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You need a valid passport and proof of onward travel (a return or continuing ticket) to enter. Passports must be valid on the day of entry.

Costa Rica Passport Requirements:

For entry to Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. US passports must be valid for one day before entering Costa Rica.
While in Costa Rica, all U.S. citizens must carry proof of identification at all times. Citizens of non-U.S. countries, please consult local consulates.
US nationals cannot stay more than 90 days as a tourist.