When is the Best Time to go to Costa Rica?

"The 'green season' in Costa Rica should also be called the 'value' season. In exchange for a few hours a day of rain, travelers find an absence of crowds plus rock-bottom airfares." -Frommer's Guides

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May through November is known as Costa Rica's 'green season'. We think it is the best time to visit. The countryside literally comes alive, similar to springtime in northern climates, with lush vegetation and a greater variety of blooming orchids and flowers. The air is fragrant, humid and warm. It's true that you may get some rain during your travels. But you could be there for a week and see none, or you might see intermittent afternoon or evening showers, or at worst, a few days of clouds and drizzle and rain. But, for most vacationers, there is eventually more than enough sun to take home with you in the form of a good, tropical, Costa Rican tan!

Here are just a few good reasons to consider summer and fall travel in Costa Rica:

Visiting during the off-peak 'green season' you will experience attractions and natural areas without the usual tourist crowds.
The rivers are full and whitewater rafting is at its best.
Rain usually falls for a few hours in the afternoon or at night and rarely disrupts travel.
Sea turtles come to nest during this period of time so many have come to also call it 'turtle season'.
It is the peak surfer season as the waves are at their best.
The coastal waters are an almost constant 74 degrees on both coasts.
June often sees veranito, a 'little summer' of several weeks with little or no rain.
Airfares are at their absolute lowest and some great deals can be found.

Take a Look at These Three Green Season Escapes From Austin-Lehman Adventures

Costa Rica Family - Coastlines to Cloud Forests

Magical days of wide-eyed discovery and nonstop fun
Visit a real farmer's market • Learn about butterflies at La Paz Waterfall Gardens • Visit Escuela Eslavon, a local public school, and join a third grade class for morning activities • Saddle-up and take a horseback ride through the rolling hills of our hacienda • Raft, swim and tube the Rio Pejibaye • Boat the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park observing monkeys and tropical birds • Witness the nesting rituals of Atlantic Green Sea Turtles on a night walk along a deserted Caribbean beach.

Trip Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Trip Price: Starting from just $3,498 for adults and $3,148 for children
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Costa Rica - Volcanoes & Jungles Multisport Adventure

An active week of biking, hiking, rafting and boating
Bike through farmland and tropical rainforest to view sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys • Witness the power of the active volcano Arenal • Visit Doña Mireya's private hot springs for a soothing soak • Spot crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds on a guided nature cruise down the Sarapiqui River to the Rio San Juan • Paddle a kayak along the emerald canals of Tortuguero National Park • Raft the Class IV rapids of the Pacuare through a virgin rainforest canyon.

Note: The best time of year to see both nesting and hatching turtles is September, which is also the sunniest month of the year in Tortuguero.

Trip Length: 7 Days/6 Nights
Trip Price: Starting from $2,198
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Costa Rica - Wilderness and Wildlife Multisport Adventure

Tropical canyons, old-growth rain forests, mighty volcanoes, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife
Watch at night as smoldering red boulders pour from the mouth of the Arenal Volcano • Zigzag through treetops on a jungle canopy tour • Comie eye to eye with monkeys and tropical birds • Sea kayak the Agujitas River and Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula • Snorkel around Caño Island, home to the best snorkeling in Costa Rica • Hike past thundering waterfalls and lush rainforest trails in Corcovado National Park • Tackle rapids on the Pacuare River.

Trip Length: 9 Days/8 Nights
Trip Price: Starting from $3,198
Click for more details about our Costa Rica - Wilderness & Wildlife Adventure Vacation >>

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