Best time to go to Playa Matapalo

Costa Rica has a typically tropical climate, which explains the massive array of flora and fauna. It also means there’s no real notion of summer and winter. Instead, there’s a rainy season from August through to November. This means you’re likely to have a tropical downpour for an hour or two, which’ll quickly clear to reveal sunny skies. Temperatures normally clock in at around 26 to 33°C. The dry season, meanwhile, runs from February to July, with April often the hottest month. During the dry season, the mercury levels can push up to around the 35°C mark. If you’re wondering when’s best to visit to see the wildlife, August through to January is when Costa Rica is at its greenest and tropical best.

Passports and Visas

As a British citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica but you must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Health and safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information about Costa Rica, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/health

Further Reading

  • Overview
  • Things To Do

    • Travel Aware

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    Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

    See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel – for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

    See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice – for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

    Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

    See Travel Aware page – for travel advice from First Choice.

    See travelhealthpro.org.uk – for current travel health news.

    The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

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