Costa Rica · Month comparison
May vs July
July ranks #1 overall vs May at #4. Humpback whales arrive off the Pacific coast and sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.
May
#4 of 12 months
Best match
Green season opens — prices drop 30–50%, Pacific surf improves, and the lush transformation begins.
- ↑Accommodation prices fall sharply as green season begins — 30–50% below peak rates, with no compromise on the quality of nature, food, or infrastructure
- ↑Pacific surf season awakens: south swells begin arriving in May, making Playa Hermosa, Pavones, and Nosara genuinely excellent for experienced surfers through November
July
#1 of 12 months
Best match
Humpback whales arrive off the Pacific coast and sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.
- ↑Humpback whale watching season opens off the Pacific south coast (Marino Ballena National Park, Drake Bay) — the July–October migration of humpbacks from Antarctica is one of the world's great wildlife spectacles, viewable on day boats
- ↑Green turtle nesting begins at Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast — guided night beach walks to watch turtles lay eggs are among the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Central America
| Factor | May | July |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 5 | 5 |
| Value score | 8 | 8 |
| Crowd score | 8 | 8 |
| Events score | 6 | 9 |
| Atmosphere | 7 | 8 |
| Avg high temp | 27°C | 25°C |
| Monthly rain | 229mm | 211mm |
| Daily sunshine | 5.5hrs | 5.3hrs |
May trade-offs
- ↓229mm of rainfall means serious rain — typically afternoon downpours lasting 2–4 hours; mornings are generally clear and usable, but flexibility is essential
- ↓Some Pacific beach days are compromised by wind and swell; calm swimming conditions are less predictable than dry season
- ↓Arenal Volcano cloud cover increases significantly — waiting days for a volcano view is normal; the hot springs and hanging bridges are enjoyable rain or shine
July trade-offs
- ↓Pacific rainfall continues at 211mm: the morning-clear, afternoon-wet pattern holds, and planning activities for early morning is essential
- ↓Tortuguero turtle tours require advance booking through licensed operators — only a limited number of visitors allowed on the beach each night; reserve weeks ahead
- ↓Still low season pricing which means infrastructure is quieter; some upscale lodges and tour operators work at reduced capacity
Scores compare months within Costa Rica. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →