Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
The two seasons
| Dry season | Green season | |
|---|---|---|
| Months | December to April | May to November |
| Weather | Sunny, hot, little rain | Sunny mornings, afternoon rain |
| Crowds | High, peak around Christmas, January and Easter | Lower, except school holidays in July |
| Prices | Highest | Lower |
| Park tickets | Book early | Usually easy |
Month by month
- December: dry season starts; very busy from Christmas to New Year.
- January to March: the driest and sunniest months, and the busiest. March and April are the hottest.
- April: still mostly dry, with the first rains late in the month. Easter week is extremely busy.
- May to August: green season. Mornings are often clear; afternoon storms are common. July can have a short dry spell and local school holidays.
- September and October: the wettest months. Some trails get muddy and the park can close at short notice during severe weather. Some businesses close for the low season.
- November: rain eases towards the end of the month.
What it means for your plans
- Do the park at 7:00 am in any season. It's cooler, wildlife is more active and in the green season you finish before the rain.
- Put water activities in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer. See our catamaran guide.
- Buy park tickets early in the dry season. Here is how to buy them.
- Whale watching: humpbacks pass the Pacific coast from about July to mid-November and again from December to March.
Most popular
Small-group naturalist walk, ticket option
Best for: First-time visitors who want a small group and the ticket sorted
- Maximum 10 people, about 2–3 hours with a spotting scope
- Choose the option WITH park ticket at checkout
- Meets at Chalo Parking, a few steps from the entrance
Prices and booking on Viator
On the water
Morning catamaran with snorkel and lunch
Best for: A relaxed day on the water along the park's coast
- 9:00 am departure from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Buffet lunch, juices and snorkel gear included; bring a towel
- Hotel pickup only in the Manuel Antonio area
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Manuel Antonio?
For sun, January to March. For a balance of good weather and fewer people, late April or early May and the first half of December, avoiding Easter week and Christmas.
Does it rain all day in the green season?
Usually not. The common pattern is a sunny morning and rain from around early afternoon. Plan the park and water activities for the morning.
When are park tickets hardest to get?
From late December to April, during Easter week and in Costa Rican school holidays. Book your SINAC ticket as soon as your dates are fixed.