Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit Jacó
Jacó, Costa Rica is a tropical beach town on the Pacific coast, popular for surfing, nightlife, and outdoor activities. The town's climate is generally warm and sunny, with two main seasons: the dry season and the green season. Visiting Jacó requires consideration of the weather and crowds, which vary significantly throughout the year.
✦ Visit Jacó between December and April for the best combination of weather and manageable crowds.
✅ Best months
The best time to visit Jacó is between December and April, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). These months offer pleasant temperatures, gentle ocean breezes, and manageable crowds, making it an ideal time for surfing, beach activities, and exploring the surrounding rainforest.
🔥 Peak season
January is the peak month in Jacó, with the New Year's Eve celebrations and the Fiestas de la Segunda Categoría (a week-long festival in late January) drawing large crowds and driving up hotel prices. Expect higher rates for accommodations, especially during these events.
💷 Shoulder (best value)
The shoulder season, from May to June and November to December, offers a good balance between budget-friendliness and pleasant weather. During these periods, you can find discounts on accommodations and tours, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season. The weather is still warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-20s (77-79°F).
🌙 Quietest & cheapest
The quietest and cheapest time to visit Jacó is from September to October, when the green season is in full swing. While the weather can be rainy and humid, you can find significantly lower prices on accommodations and tours. However, be prepared for occasional rain showers and potential landslides in the surrounding rainforest.
Jacó season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Weather: Dry, sunny, and warm with average highs of 28°C (82°F).
Crowds: Medium
Ideal for surfing, beach activities, and exploring the rainforest.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Weather: Hot and humid with occasional rain showers.
Crowds: High
Not recommended due to the intense heat and rain.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Weather: Wet and humid with occasional rain showers.
Crowds: Low
Quiet and budget-friendly, but be prepared for rain.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Weather: Dry, sunny, and cool with average highs of 26°C (79°F).
Crowds: Low/medium
Ideal for surfing, beach activities, and exploring the rainforest.
🎭 Events worth timing a trip around
The Fiestas de la Segunda Categoría (late January) and the Jacó Beach Festival (late February) are two signature events worth timing a trip around.
🧳 What to pack
Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing that can withstand the occasional rain showers during the green season.
Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.
Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Jacó hotel.
Researched & reviewed by the TripSage editorial team · Updated July 2026.