When is the best time for photography in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers year-round opportunities. The dry season (Dec–Apr) is great for wildlife visibility and landscapes, while the green season (May–Nov) provides lush forests, macro subjects, and dramatic skies.

Is there an off-season for photography?

No. Costa Rica’s biodiversity and climate make it a year-round destination for photography. Different species and scenes are available in each season.

When is the best time to see resplendent quetzals?

The resplendent quetzal is most active from February to July in the cloud forests of Costa Rica.

Does Physis adapt tours to the season?

Yes. With custom itineraries, Physis designs each tour around seasonal highlights, ensuring you capture the best wildlife and landscapes.

Year-Round Availability - Physis Photo Tours

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Year-Round Availability

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Year-Round Availability

One of the greatest advantages of Costa Rica is that there is no “off-season” for photography. Thanks to its tropical climate and diverse ecosystems, there are year-round opportunities to capture birds, wildlife, landscapes, and macro subjects. At Physis Photo Tours, we design itineraries that align with the seasons so you always maximize your photographic success.

Why Costa Rica Offers Year-Round Photography

Two Seasons — the dry season (December–April) brings clear skies and active wildlife, while the green season (May–November) offers lush landscapes and dramatic light.
Migration & Breeding Cycles — different species peak at different times of year, from bird migrations to frog breeding.
Diverse Ecosystems — even during rain, cloud forests, wetlands, and lowlands each offer unique opportunities.
Custom Flexibility — with custom itineraries, you can plan around your preferred subjects and dates.

Seasonal Photography Highlights

Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:

Dry Season (Dec–Apr) — excellent conditions for bird photography, active mammals, and clear landscapes.
Green Season (May–Nov) — vibrant forests, dramatic skies, macro opportunities, and peak frog activity.
Migration Periods — shorebirds and raptors in transition across coastal and wetland ecosystems.
Year-Round Subjects — hummingbirds, toucans, sloths, and monkeys are always present.

Best Time for Bird Photography

Costa Rica is a bird photographer’s paradise year-round, but highlights include:

Quetzals — most active from February to July in cloud forests.
Hummingbirds — present year-round, with different species peaking in dry vs. green seasons.
Waterbirds — abundant during the wetter months in remote wetlands.

Plan Around Your Interests

Your focus determines the best travel window:

Wildlife & Mammals — dry season visibility is higher.
Macro — rainy season creates ideal conditions for frogs and insects.
Landscapes — dramatic skies in green season add depth to long-exposure photography.

Combine With Other Features

Year-round photography opportunities connect seamlessly with:

Immersive Experiences — full days planned around seasonal peaks.
All-in-One Programs — accommodations and logistics adapted to weather and season.
Local Expert Guides — specialists who know the cycles of wildlife and birds.
Private & Exclusive Programs — flexible planning for your chosen season.

Any Time is the Right Time

Whether you visit in the dry season or the green season, Costa Rica always delivers extraordinary photography opportunities. Explore Our Photo Tours to plan your next adventure with Physis.