Manuel Antonio in August

Dry season runs December through April — this is when you get guaranteed sunshine and calm seas, but also the highest prices and biggest crowds. January and February are perfect: sunny days, cool evenings, and the Christmas rush has died down. March and April get hot and windy, but the surf's consistent. Here's what most guides won't tell you: late November can be fantastic. The rains are tapering off, prices drop, and you might have beaches to yourself. Avoid September and October — it rains daily, roads flood, and some hotels close. May through August is shoulder season: morning sunshine, afternoon showers, and 30% cheaper accommodations. Pack a rain jacket and embrace the green season's dramatic skies. Wildlife activity peaks in early morning regardless of season, so set that alarm.