Which is the best month to go to Costa Rica?
 

My friend and I are going to Costa Rica for 21 days next year. We want to go to Puerto Viejo for a week and then sort of wing it and end up on the Pacific side and spend time there. We would like to go the 1st week in May which is the beginning of the "Green Season". I have done alot of research and want to know should we go In May , wait till September or go at the end of April. I realize that it rains on the Caribbean side almost everyday. And I read that Sept. and Oct. are the dries months there. My concern is if we go then will the rest of the trip be a wash out. Especially the roads. We hope to drive most of the trip. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I think you'd be fine going in April or May. I've been during those times and it rained a bit but was not a huge issue. Of course it could rain all day, there's always that chance! If it works better for the rest of the areas you want to visit I'd go for it.

If those are your only options, I would go in Sept! Surprised you huh? Reason being is that it is so much more beautiful when it's green! Before I moved here, I always went in Sept. as that is the month of my wedding anniversary, so we would always go on vacation to celebrate. In all the 10 years we went in Sept. rain was never a big issue.
That being said, between the other two months, I'd go in May. Depending on how soon the rains start, it could be green by the time you come. And, of course the low season rates start in May as well.

If you want cheaper accommodations and deals September is the best time but if you really want to enjoy without the hassle and dirt caused by heavy rains April-May are the best months to be here. Hope this helps. This will give you more information too http://travel.mongabay.com/costa_rica. Enjoy!

Dave, I'm confused by your statement "if you really want to enjoy without the hassel and dirt caused by heavy rains"...

The rain can cause some mud, yes, but we have never had an issue in Sept. (Never found a road that we can't pass and never have been stuck in mud) and I will take the mud anyday over the dust! April is the worst dirt/dust of the whole year! Think about it. At that time, there has not been ANY rain since probably early Nov. (if we're lucky) and the dust is SO BAD that at most times you have to make sure you are several meters behind any car as the dust is so bad you can't see 10 feet in front of you! There are health warnings about the heavy dust you find in April.
Of course, this depends on where you are going. If you stick to paved roads then you may be fine. Where I live, it's dirt roads and the dust is brutal!

If it's a question of a little mud or a LOT of dust, I'll take the mud anytime.
Just my opinion of course, but I live here full time and I hate March and April here, not only because of dust but also it's the HOTTEST months here. I pray for the rainy season to start.

Just my opinion of course.

To the OP - what other areas are thinking of visiting?

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html will give you a general idea of the rain patterns. Mouse over the areas you're interested in to see average rainfall patterns by month. Not always predictable though.

If we're talking about the pacific side of costa rica, September and October is the rainy rainy rainy season. You can get in and out of the pacific side, but expect a lot of rain.

An awesome time to go to the pacific coast in terms of weather is the end of december. But, it's really expensive and there are a lot of tourists. September the rain starts getting heavy. Like, tropical heavy. I like June/July the best because there weren't many tourists in costa rica and the weather is average. Its the time between the transition of really hot and really rainy.

I was on the Caribbean side this past March, which is supposed to be the dry season (at least away from the Caribbean coast). There was so much rain that a section of the road between San Jose and Sarapiqui was washed out, and the shuttle I was on had to take an alternate route. It just shows that you can never predict the weather.

To 'uinen'...I hope I, or anyone else have not scared you off Costa Rica! Please come back. I'm sure we can figure something out.
As Brian says, the weather is unpredictable. Last 'rainy season' here in the central Pacific (Nosara) we had very little rain. It was horrible for us. We were 'begging' for rain and it just didn't happen. This year, we have had more rain than the past 3 or 4 years! It's crazy!
In short, April should be dry here, with rains starting in May. When the rains start, you don't want to be on the Pacific. ALL the bugs come out with the first 2-4 weeks of rain. That is why I said to wait until September. Yes, there will be some rain...who knows how much! But in most cases it won't stop you from enjoying many activities in the mornings and early afternoons. I don't don't know much about the carribean side, but hopefully someone who lives there or goes there alot can help.
By the way...you don't really want "stay" in Puerto Viejo...right? Unless you know someone there, it's best to move on to the north or south of that port city.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Life and finances has taken the decision out of my hands. May is out. At least next May. So September it is. And as far as staying in Puerto Viejo...I never intended to stay in town. But we would like to be close enough to go into town when we want. I like the fact the the Caribbean side is the less explored. Looking at Banana Azul and several other places. Thanks Volcanogirl for the weather map.It was very helpful.

My pleasure, u. Banana Azul gets consistently good reviews. Hope you get to take your trip.

Banana Azul is a great choice. I will stay here again and again. You can walk the beach into town so it's a perfect location.

Brian, the terms dry and rainy seasons don't apply to the Caribbean. It can rain any day, any time over there. The patterns are somewhat opposite to the Pacific. The rainiest times (Sept/Oct) on the Pacific tend to be the driest on the Caribbean side--and vice versa.

I tend to agree with Ally that the dry season (particularly March/April) is way too hot and dusty on the Pacific. We are usually June-July travelers to Costa Rica, and in 10 years haven't had problems with mud. The rains keep the temps down a bit, too.

To get the best of both areas of the country, my recommendation would be beginning of July for Puerto Viejo. As for the rest of the country, there is a 2 week window called "little summer" during that time frame when it tends to be drier. The "rainy" season (at least in July) usually means more clouds in late morning and some showers for an hour or two in the afternoon. It can pour all day, but that isn't the norm.

This time frame would also put you in the right time zone for seeing the green turtles nest in Tortuguero, northern Caribbean. This is an awesome area of the country and the perfect time to visit. You can add it very easily to the end of your PV time before moving west.

Anytime after November 1st I would say... This way you benefit from the dry season and don't have to deal with the "post Christmas" tourists. I should say that even during the winter months, it can rain quite considerably at night.. Afterall you need some rain to make such lush vegetation...

Stéphane from Montréal, Canada

Just got back from a week on the Caribbean - when we go back we'll likely stay in Cocles - close to PV (walking distance) but gorgeous beaches, good surfing, more quiet and calm atmosphere and the Jaguar Rescue Center is here as well, which shouldn't be missed if you're an animal lover. Trip to Tortuguero with 'Francesca River Boats' was wonderful - lots of young folks took the tour and stayed in the "budget" accomodations and still had a great time.

We've always traveled in the green season and it's never been a problem - even 12 foot wide potholes on Nicoya peninsula can be negotiated if you're patient and careful and have a 4X4, of course. Love the rain that happens every day, but usually not ALL day every day.