WHEN TO GOCentral Pacific · Costa Rica
Costa Rica Fishing Seasons
Good news: the Central Pacific fishes all year. Use this month-by-month calendar to match your trip to the fish you most want to catch.
Dry season vs. green season
The dry season (December–April) means calm, flat seas and the world-famous sailfish bite at its peak — the busiest and most comfortable time to fish. The green season (May–November) brings afternoon rains but also the best blue marlin (September–October), plus outstanding dorado and tuna, cooler prices and open calendars. Mornings, when you fish, are usually clear.
| Month | Main targets | Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Sailfish (peak), marlin, tuna | ●●● |
| Feb | Sailfish (peak), marlin, wahoo | ●●● |
| Mar | Sailfish (peak), marlin, roosterfish | ●●● |
| Apr | Sailfish, marlin, roosterfish | ●●● |
| May | Marlin, dorado, roosterfish (strong) | ●●○ |
| Jun | Marlin, dorado, tuna, roosterfish | ●●○ |
| Jul | Marlin, dorado, tuna, roosterfish | ●●○ |
| Aug | Tuna (strong), marlin, dorado | ●●○ |
| Sep | Blue marlin (peak), tuna, dorado | ●●● |
| Oct | Blue marlin (peak), tuna, dorado | ●●● |
| Nov | Marlin, tuna, sailfish building | ●●○ |
| Dec | Sailfish (peak begins), marlin | ●●● |
● ● ● peak · ● ● very good · ● good
The short answer
Want the classic multiple-sailfish day and flat water? Come December through April. Chasing a giant blue marlin, or you love dorado and tuna? September and October are hard to beat. Roosterfish on the inshore reefs peak from May through September. Whatever month you land, there is a great trip waiting.
PLAN YOUR TRIP