Manuel Antonio National Park in May

December through April offers the driest weather and calmest seas for swimming. Morning visits between 7 AM and 10 AM give you the best wildlife viewing opportunities – animals are most active before the heat sets up. The park gets crowded after 11 AM, especially on weekends and holidays. Rainy season (May through November) brings afternoon showers but also means fewer crowds and lusher vegetation. Wildlife is actually more active during light rain, and the forest comes alive with sounds. Tuesday through Thursday are the quietest days if you're visiting during high season. Avoid Costa Rican school holidays in July and December when the park reaches capacity quickly.