Arenal and Monteverde
Costa Rica · Central America & Caribbean
Arenal and Monteverde works almost all year round, peaking in January–March, when it is at its strongest for nature & wildlife and hiking. Excellent conditions for birdwatching, including quetzal sightings in Monteverde, alongside mild daytime temperatures. High visitor numbers persist across major trails and hanging bridges.
Plan a trip to Arenal and MonteverdeMonth by month
| Month | Fit | Weather | Crowds & prices | What it's good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10/10 | 18°C · 27 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. Peak travel season brings vibrant energy, active wildlife, and clearer skies between frequent misty showers. Popular trails and thermal hot springs are busy with international travelers. |
| February | 10/10 | 18°C · 23 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. One of the relatively drier and sunnier months in the highlands, ideal for volcano viewing and canopy zip-lining. Advance bookings for popular eco-lodges and cloud forest reserves are essential. |
| March | 10/10 | 19°C · 26 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. Excellent conditions for birdwatching, including quetzal sightings in Monteverde, alongside mild daytime temperatures. High visitor numbers persist across major trails and hanging bridges. |
| April | 9/10 | 20°C · 23 rain days | crowds 4/5 · prices 4/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking, Road trips. The warmest month of the year with good trail accessibility before the heavier rainy season begins. Easter week causes significant spikes in domestic travel and accommodation demand. |
| May | 9/10 | 21°C · 28 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking. Transition into the green season with frequent afternoon downpours revitalizing waterfalls and lush rainforest greenery. Crowds drop substantially, offering a quieter experience on nature trails. |
| June | 9/10 | 20°C · 30 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife. Mornings often remain clear for adventure tours before daily afternoon rainfall sets in. Mountain dirt roads between Arenal and Monteverde can become muddy and slick. |
| July | 9/10 | 19°C · 30 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking. A slight mid-year lull in rainfall often occurs, coinciding with North American and European summer family travel. Hot springs and rainforest hikes remain very appealing. |
| August | 9/10 | 20°C · 30 rain days | crowds 3/5 · prices 3/5 | Nature & wildlife. Lush vegetation and active rainforest wildlife are prominent despite near-daily rainfall. Cloud cover often obscures the peak of Arenal Volcano during the afternoon. |
| September | 8/10 | 20°C · 29 rain days | crowds 1/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. One of the wettest periods of the year leads to muddy trails and potential river swells. Tourism is at its lowest, making it great for budget travelers seeking tranquil hot springs. |
| October | 8/10 | 20°C · 31 rain days | crowds 1/5 · prices 1/5 | Nature & wildlife. Heaviest rainfall of the year can cause washed-out rural roads and localized trail closures. Lodging prices reach annual lows and hot springs offer a cozy retreat from the rain. |
| November | 9/10 | 19°C · 30 rain days | crowds 2/5 · prices 2/5 | Nature & wildlife. Rain begins to taper off late in the month as trade winds shift toward the drier season. Landscapes are exceedingly lush and vibrant as tourism gradually picks back up. |
| December | 10/10 | 18°C · 29 rain days | crowds 5/5 · prices 5/5 | Nature & wildlife, Hiking. Holiday crowds arrive for festive getaways amidst cooler highland temperatures and improving trail conditions. Cloud forests are misty and vibrant, requiring warm layers for the evening chill. |
Getting in
Israeli passport: Visa-free · up to 90 days — Passport must be valid for at least 1 day past departure.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
Other passports are checked in the app when you search. Rules change; verify before booking.
