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Side-by-side comparison

Mexico vs Costa Rica: Best Time to Visit

Trying to choose between Mexico and Costa Rica? The right answer almost always comes down to when you can travel. Here's the month-by-month breakdown.

🇲🇽
Mexico

North America

Dry winter, green summer.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Peak: January, February, March, April, December

🇨🇷
Costa Rica

North America

Dry season is high season.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Peak: January, February, March, April, December

best
good
shoulder
off-season

Month-by-month: which is better?

MonthMexicoCosta RicaWinner
Januarybestbesttie
Februarybestbesttie
Marchbestbesttie
Aprilbestbesttie
Maygoodgoodtie
JunegoodshoulderMexico 🇲🇽
Julyshouldershouldertie
Augustshouldershouldertie
Septemberoff-seasonshoulderCosta Rica 🇨🇷
Octoberoff-seasongoodCosta Rica 🇨🇷
NovembershouldergoodCosta Rica 🇨🇷
Decemberbestbesttie

Pick Mexico 🇲🇽 if you're going in…

June

Day of the Dead in Oaxaca is unforgettable but books out 6 months ahead.

Pick Costa Rica 🇨🇷 if you're going in…

September, October, November

Green season has half the prices and a quarter the crowds — most days have only afternoon rain.

Months where both are equally good: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, December.