Costa Rica Weather in February

February is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica, especially if you’re heading to the Pacific side. It’s smack in the middle of the dry season, which means you’ll get plenty of sunshine and very little rain. Here's our guide to the weather in Costa Rica in February.

Costa Rica in February at a glance

• February is warm across Costa Rica, with average temperatures around 82°F (28°C).
• It’s the dry season (December to April), perfect for outdoor activities and beach time.
• Expect more tourists and higher accommodation prices.
• Rain is minimal in most areas, though the Caribbean coast can be a bit wetter.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in February?

February is part of Costa Rica’s dry season, and it’s a good time to visit if you want to make the most of clear skies and warm temperatures. Most of the country, especially the Pacific coast and Central Valley, has dry weather during this month, with very little rain. The Caribbean coast tends to see a bit more rain, but even then, it’s usually just brief afternoon showers.

This dry spell means the landscape is lush and vibrant from the previous rainy season, and outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and beach days are all on the table.  This month can also be good for seniors; see our guide to Costa Rica senior tours.

Average daily temperatures in February

The temperatures in February are warm but comfortable, perfect for a tropical vacation. Daytime highs usually range from 80-95°F (27-35°C) depending on where you are. Nights tend to cool down to around 70-75°F (21-24°C) at the coast, and in higher elevations, it drops a bit more to 60-65°F (16-18°C)—perfect for sleeping without air conditioning. 

The Pacific Ocean is warm too, with temperatures around 84°F (29°C), so it’s a great time to swim or try other water sports. Since there are about 11.5 hours of daylight, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the day. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

Guanacaste & Northern Pacific

In February, Guanacaste and the Northern Pacific region get the driest and sunniest weather of the year. Daytime temperatures can reach 90-93°F (32-34°C), and there’s little to no rain. The dry tropical forest looks a beautiful golden-brown.
The sunny weather is great for the beach, but the afternoon heat can get intense, so plan to enjoy activities early in the morning and maybe take a break in the afternoon when it’s hottest.

Central Valley & San José

The Central Valley, including San José, enjoys moderate temperatures in February, with highs around 80-83°F (27-28°C) during the day and cooler evenings around 63°F (17°C). The elevation at about 3,800 feet (1,160m) makes the weather feel comfortable, with warm days and cooler nights. The clear skies and low humidity make it a great time to explore, especially if you’re planning on hiking or visiting the coffee plantations. February is also a good month for volcano hikes, like Poás or Irazú, since the weather is clear enough to get good views of the craters.

Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean coast doesn’t follow the same dry pattern as the rest of the country. While February is one of the drier months, it still gets around 8 inches (200mm) of rain. The temperatures stay warm, with highs around 84°F (29°C) and nights around 73°F (23°C). The rain keeps the area’s rainforests lush and gives the region a more wild, untamed vibe (see our favorite Costa Rica rainforest tour). If you’re looking for the best weather, southern spots like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita usually have drier conditions than the northern areas.

Is February a good time to visit Costa Rica?

February is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica, especially if you’re after dry weather and sunshine. As it’s right in the middle of the dry season, you can expect sunny days and minimal rain, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you’re planning on ziplining, hiking to waterfalls, spotting wildlife, or spending time on the beach, the weather is likely to cooperate. Costa Rica wildlife spotting is also easier during this month, as animals tend to gather around the remaining water sources. See more about Costa Rica wildlife. 

What about the crowd & cost?

Keep in mind that February is in Costa Rica’s peak tourist season, so you’ll likely encounter larger crowds and higher prices. Popular spots like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Monteverde can get pretty busy, and accommodations are often booked well in advance. 

If you'd prefer fewer crowds and similar weather, consider visiting in late April or early May. The dry season is winding down, and you’ll still have great weather without the peak-season prices. Another option is late November or early December, when the weather is drying up, but it’s before the vacation crowds and rates kick in.  See more in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. 

Where to go in Costa Rica in February

Dry season continues, with great weather across most of the country. Ideal for volcano views, beach days, and exploring national parks.

Nicoya Peninsula

February is one of the driest times on the Nicoya Peninsula, and it shows—this stretch of coast is all blue skies, bright sun, and temps around 90°F (32°C). The beaches are the main draw here, but the region’s known for more than just sand and sea. It’s one of the world’s Blue Zones, where locals tend to live longer than average. That’s usually chalked up to simple routines, a lot of walking, fresh meals, and tight-knit communities. You’ll notice a slower pace here, and it’s easy to fall into it—grab fresh fruit, go for a swim, or take a nap in the shade.

Palo Verde National Park

In February, Palo Verde becomes a kind of gathering spot for wildlife. As the dry season continues, the wetlands shrink, and animals cluster around what’s left. It’s especially good for birdwatching—there are hundreds of species around, and it’s one of the best places in the region to see them. Mornings are the best time to go. A boat ride along the Tempisque River gives you a good chance of spotting crocs, monkeys, and birds while it’s still relatively cool and quiet.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde tends to be wet and misty most of the year, but February is about as dry as it gets here. That makes it a little easier to hike—less mud, more stable footing. The forest is still lush and foggy, with tons of birds, insects, and plants you’re not going to see elsewhere. Daytime temps usually sit between 65–75°F (18–24°C), which is comfortable for walking around, even if you’re out for a while. It’s also a good month for night walks and stargazing.

Things to do in Costa Rica in February

With lower humidity and fewer rain showers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the country without weather getting in the way. The long days and clear skies give you more time to check off everything on your list.

Surf in Tamarindo

If you’re into surfing, Tamarindo’s the place to be in February. The conditions are consistent, with solid waves and offshore winds, which make for great surfing, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. The water’s warm (84°F/29°C), so you don’t need a wetsuit, and there’s little chance of rain to mess with your plans. If you’ve always wanted to learn or improve, there are surf schools that run lessons throughout the day.

The Diablitos (Little Devils) Festival in Boruca

The Diablitos Festival in Boruca is one of the most unique cultural events in Costa Rica. The Boruca people reenact their resistance against Spanish conquistadors, with performers wearing elaborate devil masks and costumes, dancing through the streets. It’s a mix of pre-Columbian traditions and Catholic influences, and the performances show a symbolic battle between the diablitos (representing the indigenous warriors) and the bull (representing the Spanish).  This is a great thing to do in Costa Rica with kids.

Mountain biking in Rincón de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja is perfect for mountain biking in February when the trails are dry and easy to navigate. The volcanic landscape gives you a mix of routes, from beginner-friendly paths to more technical trails. As you ride, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, seeing bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and waterfalls along the way. With less rain in February, the trails are in good condition, making for smooth riding. After you finish, you can relax in the hot springs nearby.
 

Planning your trip to Costa Rica in February

Here are some Costa Rica travel tips to make your planning easier:

What to pack

This is the time to get outside, so think functional and comfortable. Bring moisture-wicking shirts, quick-dry shorts, and something with sleeves for sun or bug protection. Water shoes are great if you’re planning on waterfall hikes or river crossings. Surfing? Bring a rash guard. A dry bag can be useful too, especially on boats or anywhere wet. You’ll need bug spray with DEET—mosquitoes aren’t everywhere, but they show up when you least expect it. A refillable water bottle is worth its weight, especially if you're on the move all day.

Planning your itinerary

A great way to start your planning is by looking at a few sample itineraries to help guide your trip. Here’s some inspiration:

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Experience San José’s cultural side, then head to La Fortuna for rainforest hikes and waterfalls. Check out Arenal Volcano and its scenic trails, then take time to relax in the hot springs. Wrap things up in Monteverde with its cloud forests, hanging bridges, and a coffee farm tour back in San José.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Begin in San José, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio enjoying the beaches and rainforests, then explore Monteverde’s cloud forest with its hanging bridges and zipper-lining. End your trip in La Fortuna, where you can check out Arenal Volcano, waterfalls, and hot springs.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Start your journey in San José, head to Tortuguero’s canals for wildlife spotting, then visit La Fortuna’s rainforest and Arenal Volcano. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and its beaches, and finish off your trip at Jaco Beach for some surf and sunset views.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: This longer route begins in San José, then takes you to Tortuguero’s canals, Puerto Viejo’s laid-back Caribbean vibe, and Cahuita’s coral reefs. Next, visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, Monteverde’s cloud forests, and finish your trip at Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife.

When to book

Valentine's Day can drive up demand in places like Monteverde and Arenal, so book accommodations a few months out if you're planning to be in those areas. Wildlife tours, especially for sloths or quetzals, can book out a few weeks ahead. You’ll still need to plan ahead for hotels and activities, but the Caribbean coast tends to be a little less hectic and usually has more flexibility. If you're visiting national parks like Rincon de la Vieja or Tenorio, it’s smart to get your park entry and tour tickets early—visitor numbers are capped daily.

Emergency weather information

February’s weather is usually clear and dry, but the sun can be brutal—especially at the beach or higher up in the mountains. The UV index gets high, and heat-related issues are common among travelers who underestimate it. Drink more water than you think you need, and know what heat exhaustion feels like: dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

In Guanacaste, things get really dry this time of year, and wildfires can start quickly. Download alerts from ICE (the electric company) for blackout warnings and save the local evacuation routes from your stay.

 For more travel inspiration, see our guide to creating your own Costa Rica itinerary, with tips from local travel experts, or find extra ideas in our Costa Rica travel guide and tailored Costa Rica trips.