Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to nearly 6% of the planet’s wildlife despite covering less than 0.03% of its surface. From slow-moving sloths and colorful toucans to migrating whales and nesting sea turtles, the country offers year-round wildlife encounters that few destinations can match.

But while Costa Rica has wildlife all year long, the best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing depends on what animals you want to see, where you plan to go, and how comfortable you are traveling during the rainy season. Some species are easier to spot during dry months, while others—like turtles and whales—appear only at very specific times of year.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing by season, animal type, and region, so you can plan your trip around unforgettable encounters with nature.

Understanding Costa Rica’s Seasons and Wildlife Cycles

Before diving into specific animals and destinations, it’s important to understand Costa Rica’s two main seasons and how they affect wildlife behavior.

Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season, also known as the high season, runs from December through April. During these months, rainfall is minimal in most of the country, especially along the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley.

Why the dry season is great for wildlife viewing:

• Animals gather near rivers, watering holes, and remaining green areas

• Roads and trails are easier to access

• National parks have clearer hiking paths and better visibility

• Ideal for families and first-time visitors

However, some animals—especially amphibians and certain reptiles—are less active during drier months.

Green Season (May to November)

The green season, often called the rainy season, runs from May through November. Rain usually falls in short afternoon showers, with mornings remaining sunny, particularly from May to August.

Why the green season is excellent for wildlife viewing:

• Forests are lush and full of food sources

• Birds, frogs, and insects are more active

• Fewer crowds in national parks

• Lower prices for hotels and tours

September and October are the rainiest months on the Pacific coast, but they also coincide with some of the best wildlife events of the year, including turtle nesting and whale migration.

Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing by animal

Different animals follow different seasonal patterns. Below is a breakdown of the best time to see Costa Rica’s most iconic wildlife.

Best Time to See Sloths in Costa Rica

Sloths are one of Costa Rica’s most famous animals, and the good news is that sloths can be seen year-round.

When are sloths easiest to spot?

• Best months: January to April and July to October

• Why: During these periods, sloths tend to spend more time feeding and moving between trees

Sloths are especially common in:

• Manuel Antonio National Park

• Cahuita National Park

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

• La Fortuna and the Arenal region

Hiring a certified guide dramatically increases your chances of spotting sloths, as they are experts at identifying camouflaged animals high in the canopy.

Best Time to See Monkeys in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to four monkey species: howler, capuchin, squirrel, and spider monkeys.

Best months for monkey sightings:

• December to April: Monkeys are easier to spot as trees lose some foliage

• May to August: Increased fruit availability brings more monkey activity

Howler monkeys are active year-round and are often heard before they are seen. Capuchin and squirrel monkeys are commonly spotted in coastal areas, while spider monkeys are more frequent in remote rainforests.

Best Time to See Birds in Costa Rica

With over 900 bird species, Costa Rica is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Best time for birdwatching:

• December to April: Peak season for migratory birds from North America

• September to October: Excellent time for resident species and fewer tourists

Some iconic birds to look for include:

• Scarlet macaws (year-round on the Central and Southern Pacific coast)

• Resplendent quetzals (February to May)

• Toucans and motmots (year-round)

Cloud forests like Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota are particularly rewarding during the green season.

Birdwatching tour in Monteverde

Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles. The best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing if turtles are your priority depends on the coast.

Pacific Coast Turtle Season

• Olive ridley turtles: July to November (with mass nesting events called arribadas)

• Green turtles: July to October

Top locations:

• Ostional Wildlife Refuge

• Tortuguero National Park

• Playa Grande

Caribbean Coast Turtle Season

• Green turtles: July to October

• Leatherback turtles: March to July

Tortuguero is considered one of the best places in the world to witness turtle nesting.

Best Time to See Whales and Dolphins in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is unique in that it receives two humpback whale migrations each year.

Whale watching seasons:

• Southern Hemisphere whales: July to October

• Northern Hemisphere whales: December to March

The best places for whale watching include:

• Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park

• Drake Bay

• Golfo Dulce

Dolphins are present year-round and are frequently spotted during boat tours on both coasts.

Best Time to See Frogs, Reptiles, and Amphibians

If you’re interested in colorful frogs, snakes, and other reptiles, the green season is the best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing.

Best months:

• May to November

• Peak activity during warm, humid evenings

Locations like Sarapiquí, Tortuguero, and the Osa Peninsula are especially rich in amphibian life.

Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing by region

Pacific Coast

• Best months: December to April for mammals, July to October for whales and turtles

• Drier climate makes animals easier to spot

• Excellent for families and first-time travelers

Caribbean Coast

• Best months: September and October (drier than the rest of the country)

• Prime turtle nesting season

• Fewer crowds and unique wildlife experiences

Rainforests and National Parks

• Best months: Year-round, with higher biodiversity during the green season

• Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park offer the highest concentration of wildlife

Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing on a budget

Backpackers and budget travelers will find the green season (May to November) ideal.

Benefits include:

• Lower accommodation prices

• Fewer tourists in national parks

• More availability for guided tours

• Rich wildlife activity due to abundant food and water

September and October are particularly affordable, though travelers should be comfortable with rain and flexible schedules.

Tips for maximizing wildlife sightings in Costa Rica

• Visit national parks early in the morning

• Hire local certified guides

• Stay near protected areas or wildlife corridors

• Be patient and quiet on trails

• Travel during shoulder months (May, June, September)

Conclusion

The truth is, there is no bad time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing—only different experiences depending on the season.

• Dry season (December to April): Best for easy travel, clear trails, and mammals

• Green season (May to November): Best for lush landscapes, frogs, birds, turtles, and whales

• July to October: Ideal for marine wildlife and turtle nesting

• February to May: Excellent for birdwatching, including quetzals

Whether you’re a backpacker chasing biodiversity, a family hoping to see sloths and monkeys, or a solo traveler looking for meaningful encounters with nature, Costa Rica delivers unforgettable wildlife experiences year-round.

At Pura Vida Traveling, we help travelers plan the best routes, tours, and wildlife experiences throughout Costa Rica—so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your adventure.