Costa Rica Fishing Seasons: The Best Time to Fish, Month by Month

The best time to fish in Costa Rica depends on what you want to catch. December to April is the dry season, with the calmest seas and the best sailfish and mahi-mahi fishing on the Pacific coast. May to November is the green season, when marlin and big yellowfin tuna take over and the water is less crowded. Pacific fishing runs all year, so the real question is which species you want and which conditions you prefer.

This guide breaks the year down month by month, species by species, and coast by coast, so you can match your travel dates to the fish. It is written for anglers planning a charter out of Los Sueños on the central Pacific coast.

Costa Rica fishing seasons at a glance

• Dry season (December to April): calm mornings, steady sailfish, mahi-mahi and tuna, and the busiest booking period.

• Green season (May to November): afternoon showers, strong marlin and yellowfin tuna fishing, more open dates and often lower prices.

• Best for sailfish: December to April on the Pacific.

• Best for marlin: the green season, with strong months from June to September.

• Best for yellowfin tuna: May to October, with fish offshore all year.

• Best for roosterfish and inshore species: the green season.

• Best for first-timers: January to March for calm seas.

  
  

  Costa Rica fishing calendar: month by month

  These are typical patterns. Ocean conditions shift each year, so confirm the current bite with your captain before you book.

Dry season fishing in Costa Rica (December to April)

The dry season is the classic window for Pacific sailfish. Seas are calm, mornings are clear, and many charters book out weeks ahead. Mahi-mahi (dorado) are common around floating debris, and yellowfin tuna and wahoo show up regularly.

Choose this window if you want the most comfortable days on the water, you are fishing with family or first-timers, or sailfish are your main goal. Book early for December to March.

Green season fishing in Costa Rica (May to November)

The green season has a reputation for bad weather that does not match most days on the water. Rain usually falls in the afternoon, so morning trips often stay dry. Marlin and big yellowfin tuna are the headline fish, inshore species like roosterfish and cubera snapper are active, and the marina is quieter.

Choose this window if you want marlin, you are flexible with dates, or you prefer fewer boats and better availability. Keep a spare day in your schedule in September and October in case a storm moves through.

Best time to catch each species

Sailfish and marlin

Sailfish are the Pacific's signature fish, and December to April is the peak window. Marlin, both blue and black, are caught across the year, with the green season from June to September the usual favorite. Billfish are normally released, so the fight and the photo are the prize.

Mahi-mahi (dorado)

Mahi-mahi are fast, acrobatic, and excellent on the table. They are most reliable in the dry season and often found under floating logs and debris offshore.

Yellowfin tuna

Yellowfin are available year round offshore. The green season is the time most anglers target them, and the largest fish are hard fighters that need a strong crew.

Wahoo

Wahoo are fast and strong, and they show up most often in the dry season. Expect short, explosive runs on trolled lures.

Roosterfish, cubera snapper and grouper

These inshore and reef species fish well in the green season, close to the coast on shorter trips. They are a good option for anglers who want action without a long run offshore.

Pacific coast vs Caribbean coast fishing

Costa Rica has two very different fisheries. The Pacific is the offshore billfish, tuna and mahi-mahi coast, and it is where Dream Boats Costa Rica fishes from Los Sueños. The Caribbean side is known for tarpon and snook in river mouths and lagoons.

How to choose the right month and charter

Five questions narrow down the best time for your trip.

1. Which species do you want? Sailfish point to December to April. Marlin points to June to September. A mixed bag of tuna and mahi-mahi works in most months.

2. How much do you care about weather? Choose the dry season for calm seas. Choose the green season if you accept afternoon rain for quieter water.

3. What type of charter fits your group? Compare half day, full day, inshore and offshore trips. Offshore billfish trips usually need a full day.

4. Who is on the boat? Families and first-timers do best in calm months, while experienced anglers can target the green season.

5. What is included? Ask about the fishing licence, tackle, drinks, lunch, fuel and crew, so there are no surprises on the dock.

Also check the boat, the crew's experience, and how recent the captain's fishing reports are. A good captain will tell you honestly if your dates are not ideal for the fish you want.

Tips for a better fishing day in Costa Rica

• Fish the morning. Seas are calmest early, and most of the green season rain falls in the afternoon.

• Take motion sickness medication before you leave the dock, not after you feel unwell.

• Wear sun protection. Bring polarized sunglasses, a hat, a long-sleeve sun shirt and reef-safe sunscreen.

• Bring water and snacks even if lunch is provided. Days offshore run long.

• Listen to your captain and mate. They read the water daily and know how to set up the fight.

• Tip the crew. It is customary in sportfishing. Ask your captain what is typical.

  
  

Why fish with Dream Boats Costa Rica

Dream Boats Costa Rica runs sportfishing charters out of Los Sueños on the central Pacific coast, where billfish, tuna and mahi-mahi are within reach of the dock. Our captains plan each trip around the season, the conditions and your group, so the day matches the fish you came for. Read our guide on how to book a fishing charter in Los Sueños, or contact us with your dates and we will tell you honestly what the fishing looks like.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to fish in Costa Rica?

January to March is the best overall window for calm seas and strong sailfish and mahi-mahi fishing on the Pacific. For marlin, June to September is a strong choice.

When is sailfish season in Costa Rica?

Pacific sailfish fishing is best from December to April. Sailfish can be caught in other months, but the dry season is when the bite is most consistent.

Is the rainy season a good time to fish in Costa Rica?

Yes. Marlin and yellowfin tuna fishing is strong, and the marina is quieter. Rain usually falls in the afternoon, so morning trips are often dry.

Can you fish in Costa Rica in December?

Yes. December is the start of the high season on the Pacific, with sailfish arriving in numbers and calm seas. Book early, because December dates fill quickly.

What is the best time for marlin fishing in Costa Rica?

Marlin are caught throughout the year. The green season, especially June to September, is the usual favorite for blue and black marlin.

What is the best time to go fishing in Costa Rica for beginners?

January to March has the calmest seas and the most reliable action, which makes it the easiest window for first-time anglers and families.

Plan your Costa Rica fishing charter

Pick your dates, choose your target species, and talk to a captain who fishes these waters every week. Check availability and book your charter with Dream Boats Costa Rica.