We are planning a trip which will include Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Puntaa Leona and San Jose. We can go early Jan (1/8-18) or late Feb (24- 3/6) Any thoughts as to which time would have the possibility of better weather? (This is a tour so we have to go when they go.) There is a slightly longer trip which adds Arenal and San Gerardo De Dota to the above list and has many dates in Jan. and Feb. Would that change your response?

Thanks so much and yes, I know that predicting weather is a very inexact science

Hi zaksgrandma!

Broadly speaking, there is not likely to be too much difference between these two times. Either way you are pretty well outside the rainier season, so can expect hot, sunny days in most parts. That said, with a tropical climate, you should always be ready for showers. San Gerardo, as cloudforest, will be much cooler, but still very agreeable.

Hope that helps,

Dave

I would go whenever it makes the most sense for you to leave home--not much difference in terms of Jan vs Feb.

More time and seeing more stuff is always a good idea!

Tortuguero gets rain evenly spread throughout the year. There's no true dry season there. You'll probably get wet no matter which month you go, but all the activities go on rain or shine.

By late February/early March, it does get noticeably warmer than mid-January. There is some difference in the way the temperatures feel.

I'd take either one, whatever fits best for you. In general, May to November is considered the green or rainy season, but that varies by the part of the country you're in.

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html is a map that I've found handy. You can mouse over the areas you're interested in to get an idea of the rainfall patterns. There's other good stuff on the site as well.

Starting from the second half of January is the good time to visit Costa Rica and February is the best season to visit Costa Rica as its the dry season. In February the Central and the Western region is dry and the rainfall is less too, even if it rains it during the evenings.

Thanks everyone. We are booked Feb. 24 - March 6