Costa Rica Weather in February

 The weather in Costa Rica in February is exactly what most travelers hope for—dry, sunny, and warm, especially on the Pacific side. You’ll get blue skies for hiking, surfing, or watching wildlife in the national parks. The Caribbean side still gets some rain, but it’s quieter and lush. It’s one of the most popular months to visit, so expect more travelers and higher prices in beach towns, but also the best outdoor conditions of the year.

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 is a great time to plan your Costa Rica itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in February

February is deep into Costa Rica’s dry season, which means plenty of sun and a wide range of temperatures depending on where you are. On the Central Pacific coast, daytime highs usually hit the upper 80s to lower 90s°F (31 to 34°C). It’s even warmer in the Northwest Pacific, where temperatures often reach the low 90s°F (33 to 34°C). Across the country, you’ll see daytime highs anywhere from 80 to 95°F (27 to 35°C), while mountain regions stay more comfortable, around 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C).

It’s one of the hottest times of year, similar to January, just before March starts to push temperatures even higher. Beach days are long and hot, so sun protection and staying hydrated are important.

Evenings cool down to about 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C) along the coast, and higher elevations drop further to 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C), which helps with sleeping. The Pacific Ocean holds steady around 84°F (29°C), great for swimming without feeling too warm. On the Caribbean side, the water stays slightly cooler, usually in the mid-80s°F (around 29°C).

You’ll get about 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:55 AM and sunset close to 5:45 PM. 

Ready to see Costa Rica? Have our local Costa Rica travel experts create the perfect customized itinerary.

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.  For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

Why February is a good time to go to Costa Rica:

• Middle of dry season with sunny days and minimal rain
• Perfect weather for outdoor activities like ziplining, hiking, and beach time
• Excellent wildlife spotting as animals gather around water sources
• Ideal conditions for exploring without weather interruptions
• Peak season for tourism with reliable, cooperative weather

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. Here are some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. 

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. See our pick of the best hikes in Costa Rica.

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. Here are some of the best things to do in Costa Rica. 

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. For more advice, see our Costa Rica travel tips. 
 

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.