Costa Rica Fishing Seasons
There’s no bad month to fish Costa Rica — but every species has its peak. Use our month-by-month chart to see when sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado, roosterfish and snapper are at their best, and plan your trip around the fish you want most.
- Fishing 12 months a year
- Sailfish peak Dec – Apr
- Marlin & tuna peak May – Nov
- Roosterfish & snapper year-round
The best time to fish Costa Rica is whenever you can go
Costa Rica’s warm Pacific waters hold fish all year. What changes is the mix: the dry season is famous for sailfish and dorado, while the green season brings the best marlin and big yellowfin tuna. Inshore, roosterfish and snapper bite in every month.
Our captains and crews fish these waters every day and adjust to conditions — moving offshore when the billfish are thick, or inshore when the rocks are on fire.
Pick your dates first, then use the chart below to see what’s likely to be biting.
Month-by-month fishing calendar
How each species typically fishes on the Pacific coast through the year.
| Month | Sailfish | Blue Marlin | Black Marlin | Yellowfin Tuna | Dorado | Roosterfish | Snapper |
|---|
Know your dates?
Tell us when you’re coming — we’ll tell you what’s biting and recommend the right charter.
When to target each fish
Already know what you want to catch? Here’s when to go.
Sailfish
Excellent from November through April, and still very good the rest of the year.
Blue Marlin
Peaks at the start and end of the green season, with very good fishing in between.
Black Marlin
Caught all year, with its best months around the shifts between seasons.
Yellowfin Tuna
Excellent throughout the green season, when bigger fish move in.
Dorado
Excellent from October through April, with very good fishing the rest of the year.
Roosterfish
Rated excellent every month along the rocky coast — a sure bet for inshore trips.
Snapper
Excellent in every month around reefs and rocky structure.
Dry season vs. green season
Dry season (December – April): Sunny days, calmer seas on most of the Pacific and the best sailfish and dorado fishing. It’s also peak travel season, so book early.
Green season (May – November): Mornings are usually clear with afternoon showers. It’s prime time for blue marlin and big yellowfin tuna, with fewer boats on the water and better travel deals.
Most fishing trips leave early in the morning, so afternoon rain rarely affects your day on the water.
How the seasons shift along the coast
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is long, and the bite varies from north to south.
North Pacific
Great dry-season sailfish and strong marlin from May to October. Papagayo winds can blow from January to March, so captains often fish early or inshore.
Central Pacific
The heart of Costa Rica sportfishing, with the classic December–April sailfish run and green-season marlin, tuna and dorado.
South Pacific
Sailfish often arrive here earlier, around November, and offshore trips target big tuna and marlin.
Questions about when to fish
What is the best month to fish in Costa Rica?
It depends on your target. November through April is best for sailfish and dorado, while May, October and November are top months for blue marlin, and May through November is best for yellowfin tuna.
Is the rainy season a good time to fish?
Yes. The green season (May to November) is excellent for marlin and big tuna. Trips leave early, so afternoon showers rarely affect your fishing.
When is sailfish season in Costa Rica?
Sailfish are excellent from November through April and very good the rest of the year, making them a year-round target.
Can I catch roosterfish all year?
Yes. Roosterfish and snapper are rated excellent in every month along Costa Rica’s rocky Pacific coast.
Is fishing good during Christmas and New Year?
Yes. December is excellent for sailfish and dorado, but it’s the busiest travel period, so book your charter early.
Is the chart a guarantee?
No. It’s a general guide based on typical seasons. Conditions change year to year, so ask us what’s biting for your exact dates.
Ready to plan your fishing trip?
Send us your dates and the fish you’d like to catch — we’ll recommend the best time, port and boat.