May: Embracing the Green Season’s Lush Beauty

In this Costa Rica wedding May, you will know how this month ushers in the green season, with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and more affordable wedding options. While it marks the start of the rainy season, the mornings are often sunny, offering beautiful opportunities for your wedding.

Costa Rica wedding guide May

Weather Through My Lens

Photographer’s Tip: The diffused light on overcast days can be incredibly flattering for portraits. I often use natural light and reflectors to create soft, romantic images. Embrace the lush greenery for stunning backdrops.

• Pacific Coast (Especially Central and South): While rain is more likely, the landscapes are incredibly vibrant, and you might catch some stunning post-rain sunsets.
• Central Valley: Offers beautiful gardens and haciendas, but be prepared for afternoon showers.
• Caribbean Coast: While not traditionally having a strong dry season, May can still see some rain here.

• More intimate weddings with fewer tourists.
• Lush scenery, with vibrant forests, waterfalls, and tropical flowers.
• More affordable rates for venues, vendors, and accommodations.

• Afternoon Showers: Be prepared for potential rain. Consider morning ceremonies or indoor options as a backup plan.
• Rain-Ready Venues: Choose venues that offer both indoor and outdoor options, such as resorts with covered terraces or garden pavilions.

• Guests can enjoy a more relaxed and less crowded experience.
• The lush landscapes are perfect for nature lovers.

Season Fruit:

• Labor Day (May 1st): Costa Rica celebrates with local festivals, parades, and community events.

• Morning ceremonies are generally preferred to avoid afternoon showers.
• Be flexible with your schedule to take advantage of breaks in the rain.
• Capture the vibrant colors of the flora and the dramatic skies.

• Weather Concerns: Start of the rainy season, with sunny mornings and afternoon showers. Be prepared for rain.
  

• Tourist Season and Crowds: Low tourist season, offering a more intimate experience.

• Local Events or Holidays: Labor Day parade might add local flavor.

• Venue Availability: Easier to find availability and potentially better prices.

• Travel Logistics: Flights and accommodations are generally more affordable.

• Unique Local Touches: Incorporate local flowers and fruits that are in season during the green season.

• Guest Comfort: Advise guests to pack light clothing, rain gear, and insect repellent.

Check out other months’ wedding guides:

April: Transition and Contrasts

April in Costa Rica offers a mix of sunny mornings and occasional rain, creating a unique atmosphere for a wedding. The changing light in April offers interesting photographic opportunities.

Costa Rica wedding guide April

Weather Through My Lens

Photographer’s Tip: The mix of sun and clouds can create dramatic lighting. I recommend being flexible with your schedule to capture the best conditions. Having a backup plan for rain is essential.

• Guanacaste: Still a good choice for beach weddings with more reliable sunshine than other areas.
• Central Valley: Gardens and haciendas offer beautiful settings, but be prepared for potential rain.
• Highlands: Cooler temperatures and stunning views, but rain is more likely in the afternoons.

• Stunning sunsets, especially on the Pacific coast, after the afternoon showers clear.
• The transition into the green season brings lush landscapes and vibrant colors.
• Reduced crowds in some areas as the peak season winds down.

• Rainy Afternoons: While mornings are usually perfect, afternoon showers are common. Be prepared with a backup plan for outdoor events.
• Booking Early: Due to the tail end of the high season, securing venues, photographers, and accommodations in advance is still crucial.

• Guests can still enjoy outdoor activities in the mornings.
• The lush landscapes are beautiful for exploring.

Season Fruit:

• Semana Santa (Holy Week): A major celebration with religious processions and local events. This can add a unique cultural element to your wedding week, but it also means larger crowds and potentially higher prices in some areas.

• Morning ceremonies are ideal to avoid the afternoon rain.
• Keep an eye on the weather and be flexible with your schedule.
• Capture the vibrant colors of the blooming flowers and lush greenery.

• Weather Concerns: Sunny mornings with increasing chance of afternoon showers. Have a backup plan for outdoor events.
  

• Tourist Season and Crowds: High season is winding down, but some crowds remain, especially during Semana Santa.

• Local Events or Holidays: Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a major event with religious processions and festivities.

• Venue Availability: Booking in advance is still recommended, especially for popular venues.

• Travel Logistics: Flights and accommodations may be slightly less expensive than peak season but still book early.

• Unique Local Touches: Incorporate Easter themes or local traditions related to Semana Santa if your wedding coincides.

• Guest Comfort: Advise guests to pack light clothing, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes.

Check out other months’ wedding guides:

March: Embracing the End of the Dry Season

March is a stunning month for weddings in Costa Rica, with warm weather, vibrant energy, and minimal rain across the country. I find the light in March particularly flattering for portraits.

Costa Rica wedding guide March

Weather Through My Lens

Photographer’s Tip: The bright sun can create strong shadows. I often use reflectors to soften the light and ensure even illumination.

• Coastal Areas (Tamarindo, Nicoya Peninsula): Perfect for beach weddings with consistent sunshine.
• Mountain Regions (Poás Volcano, Irazu Volcano): Offer breathtaking views and cooler temperatures for a unique wedding experience.
• Central Valley: Pleasant weather for outdoor weddings in gardens and haciendas.

• Prime outdoor weather ideal for any type of ceremony without worrying about rain.
• Tropical fruits are in season, perfect for incorporating into wedding menus.
• The springtime vibes exude energy and renewal, reflecting the spirit of your love story.

• Book Early: March is a popular month for both weddings and travel. Secure venues and vendors well in advance.
• Crowded Areas: Coastal regions can be busy due to spring break travelers. Consider private venues or off-the-beaten-path locations.

• Guests can enjoy various outdoor activities, from surfing to hiking.
• The warm weather is perfect for exploring Costa Rica’s beaches and national parks.

Season Fruit:

• Oxherder’s Day (Día del Boyero): Decorated oxcarts are made and paraded in the capital.
• Seasonal Easter Events (if early April): Many local celebrations start gearing up for Semana Santa, adding cultural richness.

• Morning ceremonies: Capture the softer light and avoid the midday sun.
• Afternoon ceremonies: Take advantage of the stunning sunsets for romantic photos.
• Consider capturing the vibrant colors of the local fruits and flowers in your photos.

• Weather Concerns: Very low chance of rain, hot temperatures in coastal areas. Ideal for outdoor weddings.
  

• Tourist Season and Crowds: High tourist season due to spring break, expect crowds and higher prices.

• Local Events or Holidays: Oxherder’s Day and potential early Semana Santa celebrations offer cultural experiences.

• Venue Availability: Book venues well in advance due to high demand.

• Travel Logistics: Book flights and accommodations early due to spring break travel.

• Unique Local Touches: Incorporate seasonal tropical fruits and flowers into your décor and menu.

• Guest Comfort: Advise guests to pack light clothing, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Check out other months’ wedding guides:

October: Embracing the Heart of the Green Season (and Celebrating Coffee)

October is typically the wettest month in Costa Rica, offering a truly immersive green season experience. While rain is frequent and often heavy, the landscapes are incredibly lush, and the lack of crowds provides a peaceful and intimate setting for a wedding. It’s a month for couples who truly embrace nature and don’t mind a little (or a lot) of rain. And, importantly, it’s a month to celebrate Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage!

Costa Rica wedding guide October

Weather Through My Lens

Photographer’s Tip: While October brings heavy rains to most of the country, the Caribbean coast offers excellent photography conditions with reduced humidity and rainfall. Along the Caribbean, you’ll find clearer skies and more stable weather, perfect for outdoor shoots. However, if you’re shooting in other regions, embrace the dramatic rainy conditions – capture reflections in puddles, vibrant greens against dark clouds, and misty atmospheres for unique images. Waterproof your equipment and have indoor backup locations ready when working in the rainy areas.

• Central Valley: While rain is very likely, the gardens and haciendas are incredibly lush and green, creating a beautiful backdrop. Prioritize venues with good indoor spaces.
• Highlands (Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota): The cloud forests are enveloped in mist, creating a truly magical and ethereal atmosphere.
• Caribbean Coast: While traditionally very rainy, October 2025 is predicted to be less rainy than usual here, which might make it a more viable option.

• Private Atmosphere: With the fewest tourists, your wedding will be incredibly intimate and peaceful.
• Beautiful Greenery: The rain makes Costa Rica’s rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls incredibly scenic.
• Affordability: You’ll find the most budget-friendly options for venues, services, and accommodations.
• A Celebration of Coffee: October is International Coffee Month, a perfect time to celebrate Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee culture.

• Frequent and Heavy Rain: Prepare for consistent rain, especially in the afternoons. An indoor venue or a very reliable covered outdoor space is absolutely essential.
• Humidity and Mosquitoes: Humidity is very high, particularly on the coast, so prioritize lightweight and breathable clothing. Mosquito repellent is a must.

• Guests should be prepared for rain and humidity.
• Focus on indoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Coffee Experiences: Take advantage of International Coffee Month by incorporating coffee tours, tastings, or coffee-themed favors into your wedding festivities.

Season Fruit:

• Day of the Masquerades (Día de las Mascaradas): Celebrated on October 31st.
• Limón Carnival: Celebrated during the second week of October.
• International Coffee Day Celebrations: Look for local coffee farms or cafes hosting special events or promotions in honor of International Coffee Day (October 1st).

• Weather Concerns: Expect the most rain of the year. A solid backup plan is absolutely crucial.

• Tourist Season and Crowds: Lowest tourist season; expect a very private experience.

• Local Events or Holidays: Fiesta de las Mascaradas, local harvest festivals, and International Coffee Day.

• Venue Availability: Easiest to find availability and potentially the best prices.

• Travel Logistics: Flights and accommodations are generally the most affordable.

• Unique Local Touches: Incorporate local harvest traditions, Halloween-themed elements (if your wedding is near the end of the month), and, most importantly, coffee-related elements to celebrate International Coffee Month.

• Guest Comfort: Advise guests to pack rain gear, waterproof shoes, insect repellent, quick-drying clothing, and layers for cooler evenings in the highlands.

Check out other months’ wedding guides: