February is a beautiful time to explore this beguiling Latin American destination. It offers plenty of sunshine, minimal rain and a whole lot of exciting things to see and do.
Hit up the beaches of the Pacific or the Caribbean coasts, go hiking in the rainforests, search for wildlife in the nature reserves, or summit a volcano. Just remember though, that this is peak season, so you'll need to book in advance for the best tours and hotels in Costa Rica in February.
The weather in February in Costa Rica is some of the best weather the country sees all year. This is the main reason why February can be the busiest month of the year, too.
It's the middle of the dry season, which effectively makes it the Costa Rican summer – yes, even though the country is in the Northern Hemisphere, February is summer in Costa Rica. Along the coast, it's dry and hot, with temperatures rising well above thirty degrees Celsius.
See how February's weather compares with other months by trying our month-by-month comparison tool. This will help you decide whether to visit Costa Rica in February or a different month by comparing factors like the weather, visitor numbers, prices and wildlife activity.
Select a month to see detailed travel conditions and recommendations
With great weather, February is a fantastic time to book a Costa Rica guided tour package and enjoy some of the cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the month.
Many towns and cities host carnivals in February, and these are some of the best places to see traditional costumes, dances and musical performances. There are often generous helpings of delicious local dishes to try, too.
The biggest and most well-known carnival is held in Puntarenas in the second half of the month. San Jose also hosts a lively summer festival, while the Liberia Fiestas are a celebration of the local indigenous cultures in the Guanacaste Province.
February is the best time to enjoy nature and the many outdoor pursuits available in Costa Rica. With so much to explore, it's easy to make the most of the beautiful weather.
It is one of the most popular times of the year for surfing, especially on the Pacific coast, because the waves and the surf are so consistent. Head to Tamarindo or Jaco, both of which overlook the Pacific Ocean. These offer plenty of surfing opportunities for everyone to enjoy, including beginners.
Explore the rest of the Nicoya Peninsula too, where you can find rainforests and reserves brimming with beautiful wildlife. You'll also be able to learn all about the indigenous Guanacaste culture.
Inland, you can escape the heat of the coast by travelling into the highlands. Costa Rica is home to a string of volcanoes, many of which are incredibly active. This is a great time to tackle the peaks, as at higher altitude they are much cooler than the lowlands.
As well as this, you can go wildlife spotting in the national parks, relax and unwind on the beaches, or explore the culture and history behind San Jose, the capital.
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What to pack for Costa Rica in February depends on what the weather will be like. Fortunately, it's the dry season, so you can leave your rain gear at home and pack light.
February weather in Costa Rica is hot and sunny, so you'll want light, protective clothing like the following.
Footwear depends on what activities you plan to do. Flip-flops are fine for the beach, but hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica in February. Pack some sturdier shoes so that you don't have to miss out.
The weather in February in Costa Rica is dry and bright, which means temperatures are consistently high across the country. The average temperature is around 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit), but there is some regional variation.
The heat can make travel to Costa Rica in February challenging if you're not used to it. Keep safe and comfortable by staying hydrated and applying sunscreen regularly.
February falls within Costa Rica's high season for tourists. This means that when you visit Costa Rica in February, all the country's top sights and attractions will be open.
With so much on offer, choosing what to see in Costa Rica in February might be the hardest choice of your trip.
February in Costa Rica is part of the country's high season for visitors, which can inflate prices. Costs for certain aspects of your trip can be significantly higher than in other months.
However, the prices of many popular things to do in Costa Rica in February remain similar year-round. Booking tours or activities, eating out and visiting national parks will generally cost the same.
February in Costa Rica is nesting time for the country's famous turtles. The warm sand and dry weather creates ideal nesting conditions, and you can find leatherbacks, olive ridleys and more along both coastlines.
Book a guided night tour for the best chance of seeing turtles. Experienced tour operators know where to see turtles in Costa Rica in February as well as how to avoid disturbing them.
There's no daylight-saving time in Costa Rica. Central Standard Time is used throughout the year, which is six hours behind UTC.
This puts the UK six hours in front of Costa Rica in February, which means that noon in London is 6 AM there.
Although it's winter in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, things to do in Costa Rica in February are not limited by a lack of daylight hours. There's around 12 hours of sunlight per day all year round.
There are many options for things to do in Costa Rica in February. It's the high season and the weather is warm and dry, so everything is open. Here are a few ideas to help inspire you.
With choices like these, the real question is not what to do in Costa Rica in February, but what not to.
The best place to stay in Costa Rica in February is different for everyone. It depends on the temperature you prefer and the activities you want to do, among other things.
Remember that when you're booking Costa Rica holidays, February is a month where rooms go fast. Make your reservations early.
The weather in February in Costa Rica is dry and hot. So, when choosing what to wear in Costa Rica in February, it's best to focus on clothes that are light, cool and protective against the sun.
And finally, although the weather in Costa Rica in February can be very hot, don't wear your swimsuit into town. Cover up when you leave the beach or pool.
