We’ve now been to Costa Rica twice in the past year — once in October (green season) and once over winter break (high season) — and they felt pretty different.
October (Green Season)
October is shoulder/green season. It was cheaper, less crowded, and much rainier. Most days followed a predictable pattern: clear mornings, rain in the afternoon or evening. The upside was lush landscapes, fewer people, and better pricing on lodging and activities. The downside was needing flexibility and planning outdoor adventures early in the day.
Winter Break (High Season)
December was peak season. It was dry, sunny, and busy, with no rain at all - but also more expensive and far more crowded. Lodging booked up quickly, tours filled in advance, and spontaneity was harder unless you planned ahead.
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What Actually Needed to Be Pre-Booked (and What Didn’t)
One big takeaway from both trips: you don’t need to pre-book everything - just the things that really matter. That said, it’s important to know that many national parks in Costa Rica require reservations online in advance and do not sell tickets at the gate. This is especially true during high season, but it can matter year-round. Please see this post for more pre-booking tips.
October Trip: What We Booked Ahead
Zip Lining – Even in green season you'll save $
Mistico Hanging Bridges – pre-booking saved time and guaranteed entry
Coffee & Chocolate Tour – helpful but probably not essential to pre-book
Manuel Antonio National Park – we did get a guide last minute
Because October was quieter, we had more flexibility overall, but these were the experiences we didn’t want to risk missing.
December Trip: What We Booked Ahead
Monteverde
Night Hike – unlike day hikes, this requires a guide
Play Flamingo Catamaran tour – essential to book early during high
season
Curi-Cancha
Reserve (Monteverde) – pre-booking was important due to limited daily
entry
What We Booked Last Minute (and Loved)
On both trips, some of our favorite experiences were booked just a day or two in advance:
Side Trip to Playa Samara & hotel
Monteverde Night Hike – unlike day hikes, this requires a guide
Kayak and snorkel rental to Isla Chora
ATV tours – easy to book last minute but a highlight
These experiences were widely available and flexible, even when the calendar was packed. Even in high season, most experiences were available on demand (minus some national park entries).
The Big Lesson
Costa Rica rewards intentional planning, not over-planning. Book experiences with limited capacity or online-only entry requirements (especially national parks), and leave room for flexibility everywhere else. Whether you’re traveling in rainy green season or sunny peak season, that balance made both trips feel relaxed, adventurous, and allowed us to make decisions in real time.
October vs. December: At-a-Glance Comparison
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