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Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, swathes of rainforest and two coasts, meaning weather conditions can vary greatly between regions. The rainiest season for most of Costa Rica is between September and November (its ending is hard to predict), however, the Caribbean coast continues to receive bountiful sunshine. During this time, river rafting is at its best and humpback whales take up residence in the Golfo Dulce. The rains subside in December and into the new year, which is a fantastic time to visit the beaches of Guanacaste and see green sea turtles nesting. Costa Rica’s forests are lush and green, replete with flowing rivers and waterfalls - ideal for adventurous travellers. As February rolls around, Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula are especially beautiful, while the famous quetzales begin nesting in the cloud forests. By mid-May, the rainy season begins again, refilling rivers and leaving Costa Rica’s national parks (relatively) tourist-free. Rainfall is interspersed with sun, especially in the Central Valley, Caribbean and Northern Pacific regions - and there are incredible swells on the country’s best beaches.

The dry season (December to April) is perfect for outdoor adventures, but expect higher prices and crowds – especially over Christmas, Easter, and Spring Break (book well in advance!). For fewer people and better rates, the green season (May to November) brings afternoon showers but clear mornings – and the Caribbean Coast stays drier, making it a great time to explore. "
Meg

Meg Yash

Costa Rica Travel Specialist

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Based on 1007 Feefo Reviews

An Incredible Safari Experience Thanks to Timbuktu Travel
Matt
An Incredible Safari Experience Thanks to Timbuktu Travel
October 2026
11 nights in Kenya and Tanzania
We recently returned from an incredible safari through Kenya and Tanzania, and we couldn't be happier with our experience working with Timbuktu Travel. Joanna and her team were wonderful from start to finish. They listened to what we wanted from our safari and designed an itinerary that exceeded our expectations. They helped us prepare for every aspect of the trip, answered our questions along the way, and made sure everything ran seamlessly once we arrived in Africa. From the accommodations and guides to the transfers and overall coordination, everything was exceptionally well organized. We were also celebrating a milestone anniversary, and Joanna and her team went above and beyond to make it special. They arranged anniversary surprises at every stop, including cakes, traditional celebration songs, and even a private dinner. These thoughtful touches made an already amazing trip even more memorable. We also want to recognize Joachim, our private guide for the final four days of our safari. He was friendly, patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. He made the final part of our journey particularly enjoyable. The entire experience exceeded our expectations. We saw incredible wildlife, stayed at wonderful camps, and never had to worry about the logistics. Timbuktu took care of everything, allowing us to simply enjoy the adventure. We can't thank Joanna, Joachim, and the entire Timbuktu team enough for creating such an unforgettable experience. We would highly recommend Timbuktu Travel to anyone planning an African safari.

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