Best Time to Visit La Fortuna
La Fortuna sits in the rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, warm and humid year-round with rain possible in any month. The dry season runs roughly December to April, the green season May to November, with a short dry spell called the veranillo in June and July. Here is when to go — and when to think twice.
The driest, sunniest stretch of the year, with the clearest views of the Arenal Volcano and the easiest trail conditions — but also the busiest and most expensive months, especially around Easter.
The green season is winding down, rain is easing, the rainforest is at its lushest, and crowds and prices are still well below the December holiday peak.
The wettest months in the northern lowlands, with frequent heavy afternoon downpours, muddy trails, and the Río Celeste sometimes losing its blue colour after storms.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21 to 32°C | High | High | Dry season in full swing, sunny mornings, good odds of clear Arenal views, hot springs busy |
| February | 22 to 33°C | High | High | Typically the driest month, best trail and volcano-viewing conditions, book hot springs and tours ahead |
| March | 22 to 33°C | High | High | Hot and dry, Easter week can push prices to their peak of the year if it falls in this month |
| April | 22 to 33°C | Medium | Medium | End of the dry season, first afternoon showers appear, still generally reliable weather |
| May | 21 to 31°C | Medium | Medium | Green season begins, regular afternoon downpours, the rainforest turning lush and crowds thinning out |
| June | 21 to 30°C | Medium | Medium | Veranillo brings a short dry spell mid-month, a good window between the wetter stretches |
| July | 21 to 30°C | Medium | Medium | Veranillo continues, somewhat less rain than the months around it, popular with regional visitors |
| August | 21 to 30°C | Medium | Medium | Humid with regular afternoon storms, waterfalls and rivers running full, fewer international crowds |
| September | 21 to 29°C | Low | Low | One of the wettest months, trails can turn muddy, Río Celeste colour more likely to fade after heavy rain |
| October | 20 to 29°C | Low | Low | Typically the wettest month of the year, some river and canyoning tours may pause after storms |
| November | 21 to 30°C | Medium | Low | Rain gradually easing, transition into the dry season, still green and comparatively quiet |
| December | 21 to 31°C | High | High | Dry season returns, Christmas and New Year push crowds and prices to their highest, book well ahead |