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Best Time to Dive Costa Rica

Across 25 Costa Rica dive sites with multi-year conditions history, March historically shows the most favorable days — 87% of sampled days in the good band. The next-highest months are February (87%), January (75%) and April (73%). August historically shows the fewest favorable days (42% of sampled days). Average water temperature in the sample runs from about 28°C in November to 30°C in April. Typical seas range from 1.3 m to 1.7 m of significant wave height through the year. These figures are historical climatology computed from measured conditions — patterns, not a forecast or a guarantee.

Computed from our own conditions climatology — measured history, not brochure copy.

Which months are historically most favorable in Costa Rica?

MonthHistorically favorable daysWater tempTypical seas
Jan75%29°C1.3 m
Feb87%29°C1.3 m
Mar87%30°C1.3 m
Apr73%30°C1.4 m
May45%30°C1.7 m
Jun43%29°C1.7 m
Jul44%29°C1.5 m
Aug42%29°C1.6 m
Sep58%29°C1.6 m
Oct53%28°C1.7 m
Nov51%28°C1.6 m
Dec73%28°C1.4 m

% = share of sampled days scoring in the favorable band, median across 25 dive sites with at least two years of history. Ringed = historical peak.

How does this compare worldwide? The Most Reliable Diving Months on Earth ranks 61 countries by the same measure.

Marine life seasons

Sighting patterns across the wider Galápagos & eastern Pacific region — not site-specific promises.

Bars are Jan–Dec — months when sightings historically concentrate (GBIF occurrence records). Wildlife is never guaranteed.

Famous destinations here

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