Central America & Caribbean

Costa Rica in February

Prime everything: beaches, volcano views, cloud-forest hikes. The driest, most dependable month on the Pacific side.

BestDriest stretch, highs near 89F (32C) on the Pacific coast

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica — Costa RicaPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Costa Rica. Prime everything: beaches, volcano views, cloud-forest hikes. The driest, most dependable month on the Pacific side.

Weather: Driest stretch, highs near 89F (32C) on the Pacific coast
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Costa Rica

February is the driest, most dependable month on the Pacific side. Highs near 89F (32C) on the coast, clear skies, and calm seas make it prime time for beaches, volcano views, and cloud forest hikes. Crowds and prices are high, and popular lodges fill up well ahead.

It suits first-timers, families on winter break, and anyone who wants the surest sunshine. It is a weaker pick for budget travelers and people who want lush green landscapes. If you want deep green scenery and lower prices, come in May, June, or November.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Costa Rica this month.

The surest sunshine of the year

February is the driest month on the Pacific side. Plan your beach days here with confidence.

Whale watching at Marino Ballena

Northern humpbacks are still around the south Pacific coast, often with calves.

Envision Festival

In some years, this international music and arts festival near Uvita lands in late February and fills the area's lodging.

What to pack for February

Strong sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
Breathable, quick-dry clothing
A refillable water bottle
Binoculars for birds and sloths

Our timing tip

Book Monteverde and Arenal lodges several months ahead, and check the Envision dates if you plan to stay near Uvita.

Book Costa Rica for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Costa Rica
Opens a hotel search for Costa Rica in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Costa Rica
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Costa Rica
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Costa Rica for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Humpback whale seasons

Roughly December through March and again July through October, strongest in the south Pacific

Two hemispheres' worth of humpbacks use the same warm coast, making Uvita and the Marino Ballena area a nearly year-round whale destination.

Envision Festival

Late February or early March, near Uvita

A well-known international music-and-arts gathering on the south Pacific coast that fills area lodging for the week.

Things to do in Costa Rica

Full guide

Arenal and La Fortuna

The classic volcano base: lava-field hikes, waterfall swims, and hot springs for the afternoon rain slot. The perfect cone hides in clouds some days in any season.

Tickets and tours →

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Hanging bridges through the canopy and a real shot at the resplendent quetzal, especially in nesting season. Bring layers; the cloud forest is genuinely cool and wet.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Manuel Antonio National Park

The greatest-hits park: sloths and capuchins over postcard beaches. Closed Tuesdays, capacity-capped, and best booked ahead with a licensed guide at opening time.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tortuguero's canals

A roadless Caribbean 'Amazon in miniature' reached by boat or small plane, famous for green sea turtle nesting from roughly July through October.

Tickets and tours →

The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado

The wildest corner of the country, with scarlet macaws overhead and tapirs on the beach. Guided entry only; the dry months are far easier logistically.

Tickets and tours →

Surf towns of the Pacific

Tamarindo and Nosara for learner-friendly consistency, Santa Teresa for the boho scene. Waves run all year, with green-season swells often the biggest.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Travel in May, June, or November: green-season shoulder months deliver most of the dry season's mornings with a fraction of its crowds and prices.
Book the capacity-capped parks, Manuel Antonio above all, for the first entry slot of the morning: wildlife is most active, heat is lowest, and the tour waves land later.
Skip the two national holiday crushes if you can: Christmas through New Year's and Semana Santa fill beaches, buses, and lodges with the whole country on vacation at once.
Trade one famous stop for its quieter twin: Rincon de la Vieja instead of Arenal, the Nicoya surf towns instead of Manuel Antonio, San Gerardo de Dota instead of Monteverde.

Know before you go

Costa Rica does not close seasonally as a country, but September and October on the Pacific side are the exception zone: some small lodges and tour operators pause, remote dirt roads can become impassable, and the Monteverde area's famous reserves and businesses take some maintenance downtime in the deepest low season.
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays and caps daily entries; Corcovado requires a licensed guide and advance permits year-round. Book both before you build days around them.
The Caribbean coast runs on the opposite weather calendar: its sunniest, calmest stretch is September and October, which keeps Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo very much open when the Pacific is at its wettest.
Semana Santa, the week before Easter, is the national vacation week: alcohol sales restrictions apply in some areas on the holiest days, transport is packed, and coastal lodging sells out far ahead.

Costa Rica in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Costa Rica?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Costa Rica. Prime everything: beaches, volcano views, cloud-forest hikes. The driest, most dependable month on the Pacific side.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in February?

Driest stretch, highs near 89F (32C) on the Pacific coast.

Is Costa Rica crowded in February?

Costa Rica is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Costa Rica in February?

Humpback whale seasons (roughly december through march and again july through october, strongest in the south pacific); Envision Festival (late february or early march, near uvita).