When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The best time for wildlife lovers to visit Costa Rica's Caribbean coast may be from July-August to watch nesting turtles. However, the wettest months are September to October. The rest of the country experiences a dry season Dec-April, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is variation between regions: for example, the rainy season often starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.

For more detailed information on the best time to visit Costa Rica, go to our When To Go section.

What is the official language of Costa Rica?

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.

What is the national currency of Costa Rica?

Colón is the national currency of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.

What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?

The time difference between the UK and Cosa Rica is GMT -5 hours.

Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.

What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Costa Rica?

Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.

What places combine well with Costa Rica?

A visit to neighbouring Nicaragua or Panama pairs well with Costa Rica holidays. There are land crossings to both, as well as international flights.

How do I get to Costa Rica?

To get to Costa Rica there are flights from London to San José via US and European hubs.

What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?

Some of the cultural events that take place in Costa Rica include:
International Arts Festival in San José in March with music, dance, and film art exhibitions. Monteverde Music Festival takes place in Monteverde between Jan - Feb.

When is the best time to visit Panama?

The best time to visit Panama is from mid-December to mid-April. As it is situated well within the tropics, Panama has a typical tropical climate with high temperatures (30°C) all year round at low altitudes. Temperatures are significantly modified by altitude – higher up it can be very cool at night. Mid-December to mid-April is the best time to visit Panama as it is the dry season. Apr-Nov is rainy season, with the Caribbean side receiving more rainfall than the Pacific. There is a small risk of tropical storms on the Caribbean coast but the country lies outside the main hurricane belt.

What is the official language of Panama?

Spanish is the official language of Panama.

What is the official currency of Panama?

Balboa is the official currency of Panama. The national currency is at parity with the US dollar, and only US banknotes are used. (There are some local coins equivalent to US cents). There are ATMs in most towns where you can use a UK credit or debit card. You may have to ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts may be limited, and vary from bank to bank. Notes can be obtained from exchange houses and also from banks which will supply advances on a debit or credit card.

Do I need a visa for Panama?

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.

What vaccinations do I need for Panama?

Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.

What is the time difference between Panama and the UK?

The time difference between Panama and the UK is GMT -5 hrs.

What countries does Panama combine well with?

Combine your holiday to Panama with a visit to neighbouring Central America countries, such as  wildlife-rich, slickly organised Costa Rica; and Colombia, with the northern coast of which Panama shares a swashbuckling history.

What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Panama?

The festivals that take place in Panama are:
Carnival in February-March. Celebrated with much gusto in Panama City, costumed revelry, music and dancing culminate into a big Shrove Tuesday parade.

Semana Santa is celebrated at Easter. It is celebrated throughout Panama with religious processions.

Kuna festivals take place on the San Blas Islands. There are several festivals throughout the year, all of which feature dancing, traditional sports and feasts.