Costa Rica by Season: Best Times to Buy, Visit, or Invest

If you’ve ever wondered “When’s the best time to buy real estate in Costa Rica?” or even just the best time to explore the country, you’re not alone. Costa Rica’s seasons don’t follow the same pattern as North America or Europe, and knowing how the dry season and green season affect everything—from weather to property tours to rental demand—can help you make smarter choices.

Let’s break it down season by season, with some honest, on-the-ground perspective so you know when to visit, when to invest, and when to watch the market.

Experience The Breathtaking Landscape of Costa Rica

The Dry Season (December – April): Sunshine, High Energy, High Demand

What it feels like: This is Costa Rica’s “summer.” Days are filled with blue skies, little to no rain, and postcard-perfect sunsets. In beach towns like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Samara, or Santa Teresa, the vibe is buzzing—tourists, expats, digital nomads, and locals are all out enjoying the Pura Vida lifestyle.

Why it’s the best time to visit:

• Ideal for beach days, outdoor adventures, and showing friends or family around.

• Roads are in their best condition—no muddy detours or surprise washouts.

• You’ll see properties (and neighborhoods) at their busiest, which helps you gauge true demand and lifestyle.

Why it’s both exciting and tricky to buy/invest:

• Pros: You can see a property in its sunniest, most appealing light. If you’re investing in short-term rentals, this is when occupancy and nightly rates peak.

• Cons: Sellers know demand is high, so competition can be fierce. You may face more bidding or less flexibility on price.

Pro tip: If you fall in love with a property during dry season, ask to see photos or visit again during green season—you’ll want to know how it handles rain, drainage, and humidity.

The Transition Months (May & November): Hidden Sweet Spots

What it feels like: May kicks off the rains, but gently—afternoons may bring showers, while mornings stay bright. November does the opposite: rains taper off, skies clear, and the landscape looks lush and alive.

Why it’s the best time to visit:

• Fewer crowds mean you get a more authentic, relaxed feel of Costa Rican towns.

• Airfares and accommodation rates often dip compared to peak season.

• You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: some sunshine, some refreshing rains, and plenty of greenery.

Why it’s a great time to buy/invest:

• Sellers who didn’t move their property during high season may be more flexible on pricing.

• You can negotiate better without as much buyer competition.

• Great moment to evaluate properties before the next big tourism wave.

Pro tip: If you’re serious about investing, May and November are strategic months to tour properties—you’ll get more agent attention and sometimes better deals.

The Green Season (May – October): Rain, Renewal, and Real Opportunities

What it feels like: Costa Rica’s “winter” doesn’t mean cold—it means rain. Expect lush, green landscapes, waterfalls in full force, and afternoon storms that clear by evening. The mornings are often sunny, giving you the best of both worlds.

Why it’s the best time to visit (yes, really!):

• Nature is at its most beautiful. Think: rainforests glowing emerald, rivers full, wildlife active.

• Less tourist traffic means quieter beaches and national parks.

• Perfect if you prefer peace, a slower pace, and lower prices.

Why it’s secretly one of the best times to buy/invest:

• You’ll see properties under “stress test” conditions—how roofs handle rain, whether the land drains properly, if roads are accessible.

• Fewer buyers in the market = more negotiating power.

• Rental demand slows for nightly stays, but medium- and long-term tenants (digital nomads, retirees) are still looking, especially with Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa.

Pro tip: This is when you’ll find the most authentic view of life in Costa Rica. If you love it in the green season, you’ll love it year-round.

So… When’s the Best Time to Buy?

It depends on your goals:

• For the best selection of properties: Visit during high season (Dec–April) when more listings are showcased and sellers are motivated by demand.

• For negotiation power and fewer competing buyers: Look in green season or the transition months (May/Nov). You’ll often find more flexibility.

• For investors eyeing rental returns: Touring in high season helps you see where tourists stay and what amenities they expect—important intel before buying a rental property.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Before You Buy?

Honestly? Anytime. Each season shows you a different side of Costa Rica. That said:

• If you want to experience the country at its busiest: visit in January–March.

• If you want a balance of sun and greenery: try November or May.

• If you want the most authentic, peaceful, “locals’ Costa Rica”: book for August–October.

Final Thoughts: Timing Your Investment with Confidence

One of Costa Rica’s biggest gifts is that every season offers something valuable. Dry season sells the dream. Green season reveals the reality. Transition months give you negotiation power.

If you’re thinking about buying, visiting during at least two different seasons can help you make a truly informed decision. And if you want expert guidance, our Pura Vida Real Estate Tours are designed exactly for this—we’ll show you properties, introduce you to communities, and give you the insider perspective that makes buying here a lot less overwhelming and a lot more exciting.

Ready to Explore Costa Rica in Every Season?

Join us for a personalized real estate tour and see firsthand what each season feels like, from sunny Tamarindo afternoons to misty mountain mornings in the Central Valley. When you’re ready to buy, you’ll know exactly which season—and which property—matches your pura vida lifestyle.