The best months to have a wedding in Costa Rica

You have decided you want to explore the idea of a destination wedding in paradise. One of your first questions is likely: “when is the best month to have a wedding in Costa Rica?” 

Weather is a big factor to consider when determining the best month to host your wedding but other factors such as holidays (both US and Costa Rica holidays) and lush scenery should also be considered.

The answer is a bit complex because there are 12 distinct climate zones and numerous microclimates in Costa Rica so location plays a big factor in this decision. The month that is most likely to have the best weather can vary based on your destination. For example, the more southern regions have a higher potential for afternoon showers throughout the year as compared to the Guanacaste region.

Costa Rica is pretty small, it is roughly the size of the state of West Virginia. However, it is pretty diverse. With many microclimates throughout the country, the weather can be very different even in short distances.

January, February, March, April, and late November through early December are the best months to have a wedding in Costa Rica. 

These months experience the least amount of rain in most parts of the country so you are likely to enjoy crystal blue skies and water. December through April is often called the Dry Season in the north of the country, as there can be long periods without any rain at all. The beaches and any booked adventures do often have tourists but they are not nearly as crowded as the peak holiday dates. With good preparation, you can find accommodations for your entire guest list as well as a variety of venues to choose from! It is quite hot during these months, we always remind our couples of this so that you remember to keep the ceremony short, buy a breathable suit, and pack lots of sunscreens. (which is surprisingly more expensive in Costa Rica.) As planners, this is our busiest time of the year. We absolutely love this wedding season!

November, early December, and April have become a shoulder season for weather in recent years so these do have increased chances of rain compared to January through March, but lower chances of rain as compared to September and October.

May, June, July, and early August are good months to have a wedding in Costa Rica.

These months come in a very close second with the best time of the year to get married in Costa Rica. This time has a higher chance of rain but still plenty of sunshine – along with absolutely gorgeous sunsets!  The sunsets in Dry Season are lovely, but the sunsets in Green Season are a photographer’s dream!

May and June typically come with likelier chances of rain as compared to July, but with lower hotel prices, and are still popular months for weddings. The rain does bring the benefit of more lush, green surroundings and more active wildlife. We’ll always make sure we are prepared with an event backup plan in case of rain in these months, but overall you and your guests will still use sunblock much more than an umbrella.

September and October are not as ideal for weddings because there is increased rain during this time.

These are the rainiest months of the year in most parts of the country. Hotel prices are lowest in these months, for a reason. We will always make sure you have a rain plan and covered space for the event but considering it’s likely to rain much of your guests’ stay, we do not recommend these months for a wedding getaway.

The week before Easter and Christmas through the New Year are not great dates for a wedding because they are the busiest times in Costa Rica.

During these weeks Costa Rica has the highest tourism rates of the year. You can expect crowded beaches, hotels, national parks, and excursions, along with peak season pricing. Flights can also be more expensive.  You and your guests paying a premium price for a not-as-premium experience is not something we can recommend – not when we know how magical your experience can be on other dates.

One thing to keep in mind when selecting your dates is that one of the reasons you’re visiting Costa Rica is because it’s beautifully covered in amazing rain forests, and surprise, surprise – it rains in the rainforest! People also flock here because of the eco-friendly appeal, the diverse wildlife which is more active in the Green Season, and variety of excursion options. So while weather is an important factor to consider, just remember – it’s not the only thing to consider and we can prepare back up plans in case of rain. Be sure to consider experience and scenery when selecting your dates to make the most of your experience!