Good Time to Visit

Weather

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, with a small temperature range and abundant rainfall. It is fairly hot in the coastal areas, where the average annual temperature is 26-28°C. In the Central Valley, where the main centres of population are located, it is more temperate, with average temperatures of 22°C (72°F). The warm, dry season runs from December to May, whilst the slightly cooler, wet season is from May to November. Average annual rainfall is 330 cm.

Visitors are advised to bring linen clothing and lightweight cottons, with warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Rainwear will be needed from May to November.

Festivals

March sees one thousand people run from San José's National Gymnasium to the campus of the University for Peace in Villa Colón, as part of the Carrera de la Paz foot-race. During the same period, 500 different species are part of the National Orchid Show in Sabana Sur. Again in March, a Craft Fair on the Plaza de la Cultura sees 150 to 200 artists display their works.

National Oxcart Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of March at San Antonio de Escazú outside of San José. The Oxcart features over 500 different genres of boyero (oxcart driver) and the carreta (the wooden-wheeled painted cart). The Bonanza Cattle Show is also held every March, featuring prize bulls, bullfights, rodeos, horse races, and mechanical bulls.

The Freedom Torch is relayed around the country on 15 September, Independence Day.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Costa Rica: