I've traveled to Costa Rica for nearly 20 years. Here are the best times to visit for sunshine, wildlife, waves and deep discounts.

One of the questions I'm most often asked about Costa Rica is simply: "When is the best time to go?" I've been traveling to Costa Rica regularly for nearly 20 years, and have visited and lived there in all seasons, from spending the Christmas holidays in Arenal to leading a group of students on summer break to Tortuguero.

There isn't a bad time to visit, but there may be a best time for you . Getting a handle on the quirks of the weather can help you decide. 

Costa Rica's seasons don't follow the familiar four-season pattern of the northern hemisphere, and the country's varied topography and numerous microclimates make it impossible to break down the weather all neat and tidy. It could be pouring rain in the mountains and blazing hot on the coast at the very same moment, even within the same province.  

So, how do you determine the best time to go to Costa Rica? The first thing to do is forget everything you think you know about seasons elsewhere and understand what they mean here. Then, choose the best time based on your interests and priorities.

Sunseekers will have the highest chance of hot beach days on the Pacific coast during the dry season, from December to April. Budget travelers and introverts should aim for May to November when the rainy season (commonly called the green season) brings discounted rates and fewer crowds. You can encounter wildlife year-round, but peak leatherback turtle nesting in Tortuguero is from March to June, and the mass nesting of olive ridley turtles at Playa Ostional is during September and October.

Read more: The ultimate guide to Costa Rica

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Dry season: sunny days and larger crowds

The start of Costa Rica's dry season, from December through April, overlaps with the end-of-year holidays, including Christmas. So prices are higher, and hotels, flights and tours tend to fill up. While living in Potrero on the Pacific coast, I experienced some hot, dusty dry-season days that exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit — great for sunseekers, but not the best time and place for travelers who can't handle the heat.  

Keep in mind, dry season doesn't mean no rainfall at all. Mountainous and forested areas, such as those around Monteverde and Arenal Volcano, receive rain year-round. And the weather on the Caribbean side of the country can be quite different from that on the Pacific side, with December often the wettest month on the Caribbean coast.  

Green season: lush landscapes and lower rates

Those verdant jungles you picture when daydreaming about your adventures in Costa Rica thrive thanks to abundant rainfall, much of which falls from May to November in many parts of the country.

But it generally doesn't rain all day, every day for those seven months — even if it looks like it will on the weather apps. In many areas, you'll often get sunny mornings and afternoon showers, so you can try to plan your activities accordingly. There's also a "midsummer drought" in some regions, such as Guanacaste, during July and August, when rainfall decreases slightly.  

Another little twist: The Caribbean region of Costa Rica tends to receive less rainfall in September and October, which are typically the rainiest months across most of the country. 

Many travelers shy away from the green season , fearing that constant rain will ruin their plans. Yes, heavy rains can cause flight delays, road closures and activity cancellations. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't travel during this time; you just need to go prepared. When I brought a group of students to Costa Rica during the green season, we had a mix of sun and showers, kept our rain jackets within reach and were able to enjoy all of our activities as planned, including a lava trail hike under perfectly blue skies and whitewater rafting in the rain. 

Those who travel to Costa Rica during the green season are rewarded with lush landscapes, fewer crowds, better prices and abundant wildlife. Just bring good rain gear and a positive attitude, be flexible and always have a backup plan, like a wellness experience or cooking lesson. One of my favorite rainy day activities? A workshop at The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo , in which an Indigenous Chorotega artisan taught me how to make traditional-style pottery.

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The best time for sunseekers

Although the dry season officially starts in December, heavy rainstorms have sometimes lingered into the month in recent years. If you're set on spending your days lounging by the pool or at the beach, your best bet for maximum sunshine is January through March on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. Dry season is high season, so book your hotels, car rentals and activities well in advance.  

The best time for budget travelers

During Costa Rica's rainy season, visitor numbers drop, and you'll find discounts and promotions on hotels, activities and rental cars. Don't forget your rain jacket, keep an eye on the news for updates on road closures and be aware of flash flooding. Steer clear of rivers during and after storms, and hire a licensed guide for your outdoor adventures.  

The best time for wildlife lovers

You'll encounter wildlife no matter when you visit Costa Rica, but there are peak times and places for certain species. 

You can spot humpback whales along the Pacific coast from December to mid-March and from late July to mid-October. Look for the elusive resplendent quetzal in the cloud forests of Monteverde and La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena during its nesting season, from around late January to March. And witness the arribada (meaning arrival in Spanish), when hundreds or even thousands of olive ridley turtles come ashore to nest at Playa Ostional in September and October. 

Keen on seeing the world's largest sea turtles? Head to Tortuguero National Park between March and June when leatherbacks come ashore to lay their eggs. 

The best time for hikers

I've trekked through tropical dry forests, like those you find in coastal Guanacaste, at various times of the year, and I prefer the rainy season, when the temps are cooler and the landscape is greener. Plan your hikes for early morning if you want to beat the afternoon showers.  

Hikes that involve rivers, though, like Rio Celeste, are generally best in the dry season. Heavy rains can sometimes lead to trail closures and temporarily turn Rio Celeste's iconic electric-blue water a cloudy brown.

The best time for surfers

Costa Rica is a year-round surfing destination, but certain periods are best for specific surf breaks. April brings smaller waves to Tamarindo — great for beginners. More experienced surfers will appreciate the bigger July and August swells at popular surf spots like Pavones and Dominical. Visit Costa Rica from December through February, and you might have a chance to surf both coasts, with waves firing at beloved breaks like Playa Grande on the Pacific side and Salsa Brava on the Caribbean coast.