Cheapest Time to Fly to Costa Rica in 2024/2025

Exploring Costa Rica‘s lush landscapes and vibrant culture doesn’t have to break the bank. When finding the cheapest time to fly to Costa Rica in 2024, timing is everything. In this article, we’ll guide you through the factors influencing airfare prices, including seasons, festivals, and travel trends to Costa Rica.

Understanding these elements lets you plan your trip strategically and maximize your budget. Prepare to embark on an adventure to Costa Rica without overspending on air travel by exploring the cheapest time to book flights to Costa Rica.

When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Costa Rica in 2024?

Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Costa Rica is during the rainy season, which falls between May and November. Specifically, September tends to be the cheapest month to find flights.

Here’s a breakdown of flight prices by season:

• Low season (May to November): This is when you’ll find the cheapest flights and hotel rates. However, it’s also the rainiest time of year.
• Shoulder season (December and April): Prices creep up during these months, but the weather is usually pleasant.
• High season (December and April): This is the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica but also the driest.

Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Costa Rica

The cheapest day of the week to fly to Costa Rica is generally Tuesday. Midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have lower demand, which often results in more affordable airfare than on weekends or Mondays. This trend is consistent with many other destinations, where airlines offer lower prices to fill seats during less popular travel times.

To find the best deals, it’s beneficial to be flexible with your travel dates and use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner and Kayak to view prices across an entire week or month. This flexibility can help you identify the most affordable days to fly. Additionally, booking in advance and avoiding high-demand periods, such as holidays, can increase your chances of securing the lowest fares, even on the typically cheaper midweek days.

Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Costa Rica & Average Prices

Here are 9 of the cheapest airlines that fly to Costa Rica, along with average prices during the cheapest times (rainy season, May to November):

1. Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is generally considered to be the cheapest airline to fly to Costa Rica. During the rainy season, round-trip flights from major airports in the United States can be found for as low as $200. However, Spirit is a budget airline that charges extra fees for checked bags and seat selection.
2. Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines is another budget airline that offers competitive fares to Costa Rica. During the rainy season, round-trip flights for around $250 can be found. Like Spirit, Frontier also charges extra fees for checked bags and seat selection.
3. Avianca: Avianca is a major Latin American airline that offers flights to Costa Rica from many cities in the United States, Canada, and South America. During the rainy season, round-trip flights cost around $300. Avianca is a full-service airline, so checked bags and seat selection are usually included in your ticket price.
4. JetBlue: JetBlue is a major airline in the United States that offers nonstop flights to Costa Rica from several East Coast cities. During the rainy season, round-trip flights are around $350. JetBlue is a hybrid airline, which means that some amenities, like checked bags, are included in your ticket price, while others, like seat selection, are available for an extra fee.
5. American Airlines: American Airlines is a major airline that offers flights to Costa Rica from many cities in the United States. During the rainy season, round-trip flights cost around $400. American Airlines is a full-service airline, so checked bags and seat selection are usually included in your ticket price.
6. United Airlines: United Airlines is another major airline that offers flights to Costa Rica from many cities in the United States. During the rainy season, round-trip flights cost around $400. United Airlines is a full-service airline, so checked bags and seat selection are usually included in your ticket price.
7. Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is a major airline that offers flights to Costa Rica from many cities in the United States. During the rainy season, round-trip flights cost around $400. Delta Airlines is a full-service airline, so checked bags and seat selection are usually included in your ticket price.
8. Air Canada: Air Canada is Canada’s national airline and offers flights to Costa Rica from several Canadian cities. During the rainy season, round-trip flights cost around $450. Air Canada is a full-service airline, so checked bags and seat selection are usually included in your ticket price.
9. WestJet: WestJet is a major Canadian airline that offers flights to Costa Rica from several Canadian cities. During the rainy season, round-trip flights cost around $450. WestJet is a full-service airline, so checked bags and seat selection are usually included in your ticket price.

Pros and Cons of Flying to Costa Rica During the Rainy Season (May to November)

Pros

• Lower fares are the most significant advantage of the cheapest time to fly to Costa Rica. You can find significantly lower fares on flights and hotels compared to the dry season.
• There are fewer tourists during the rainy season, so there will be shorter lines at attractions and popular destinations.
• The rain contributes to a vibrant and lush landscape, making Costa Rica even more beautiful.

Cons

• The most obvious downside is the rain. It can rain heavily for short periods, sometimes interrupting outdoor activities.
• Rain and cloud cover can sometimes limit visibility, especially when visiting volcanoes or enjoying scenic views.
• The rainy season can bring rougher seas, impacting some water activities and tours.
• Mosquitos and other insects can be more active during the rainy season.

Best Ways to Save Money on Flights to Costa Rica

• Be flexible with your travel dates: This is the golden rule for finding cheap flights! Airlines typically adjust prices based on demand. Flights are generally more expensive on weekends and holidays, so consider flying on weekdays or during shoulder seasons (April and December) to potentially snag a better deal.
• Consider flying into a smaller airport: San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the largest airport in Costa Rica but also the most expensive. Several smaller airports around the country, such as Liberia International Airport (LIR) near the Guanacaste region, may offer cheaper fares, especially if your final destination is that area.
• Book your flights in advance: Generally, the best time to book flights is 40 to 75 days before you fly. However, you can sometimes find even better deals if you’re willing to book further in advance (up to a few months out) or wait for last-minute deals (within a week or two of departure) – but this can be risky as there’s no guarantee you’ll find a good deal.
• Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites: Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that notify you when there are sales or special offers on flights to Costa Rica. This is a great way to stay on top of deals and snag a cheap fare.
• Consider budget airlines: Several airlines, such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, fly to Costa Rica. These airlines typically offer lower fares than major airlines but charge extra fees for things like checked bags and seat selection. So, be sure to factor in these additional fees when comparing prices.
• Fly during the rainy season (May to November): The rainy season is generally the cheapest time to fly to Costa Rica. However, be prepared for rain showers, possible limited visibility, and potentially more bugs.
• Travel carry-on only: This will save you money on checked-bag fees.
• Consider alternative destinations: If you’re flexible with your destination, you may be able to find cheaper flights to other countries in Central America, such as Nicaragua or Panama. From there, you can often find relatively cheap connecting flights to Costa Rica.

By combining these strategies, you can increase your chances of finding the cheapest time to book flights to Costa Rica, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to enjoying your trip.