Costa Rica weather and climate is split between the dry and rainy season. If you are trying to decide when to travel to Costa Rica, the dry season begins in December and lasts until April. The local refer to this as the summer (verano) season. The rainy season begins in May and is known locally as winter (invierno). From December through February, the schools in Costa Rica are closed and the vacation destinations can often be full, especially on weekends.

The early months of rainy season are a good time to travel in Costa Rica. There aren't as many tourists and the accommodations are less expensive. This time of year, however, is more challenging to get around. The rain causes the rivers to swell and the dirt roads to get muddy. However, it's a great season for sports such as white water rafting.

It's important to note that Costa Rica has a wide range of weather due to its diverse geography. As an example, the highlands of Costa Rica are often cold because of the cloud forest and mist. In areas such as the Central Valley and San Jose, the weather is temperate and feels like spring. On the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the weather is hot and humid year round.

Other travel considerations might be the potential for a natural disaster such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption.

Lying on the edge of a tectonic plate, Costa Rica is in earthquake country and has some major quakes. Smaller quakes and tremors occur often, especially in the Nicoya Peninsula.

The volcanoes in Costa Rica are less dangerous than the quakes, but it's important to respect the designated signs for safe distances. Check with a park ranger before embarking on an adventure up a volcano.