Best Time to Fish in
Quepos, Costa Rica
A complete month-by-month guide to fishing seasons, peak seasons, peack species, and the best time to visit Quepos for world-class sport fishing.
Quepos is one of the few fishing destinations in the world where you can target multiple trophy species year-round. Whether you're chasing the legendary sailfish of the dry season or the massive blue marlin that arrive during the green season, there's never a bad time to fish in Quepos — but knowing what's running when can make the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one.
This guide breaks down each season, what species are active, and what conditions to expect so you can plan your fishing trip with confidence.
Quepos, located on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, sits at the intersection of warm tropical currents and deep Pacific canyon walls — creating one of the most productive fisheries on the planet, year-round.
The Two Main Seasons in Quepos
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons that dramatically affect both fishing conditions and the species you'll encounter offshore.
Dry Season (December – April): Also called the high season or summer. Blue water, calm seas, excellent visibility, and the peak of sailfish activity. This is the most popular time to visit and book a charter.
Green Season (May – November): Also called the rainy season. Despite the rain, fishing is exceptional — blue marlin, massive yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and roosterfish peak during these months. Fewer tourists and lower charter prices make this an excellent time to visit.
Quepos is one of the few fishing destinations in the world where you can target multiple trophy species year-round. Whether you're chasing the legendary sailfish of the dry season or the massive blue marlin that arrive during the green season, there's never a bad time to fish in Quepos.
Quepos sits at the intersection of warm tropical currents and deep Pacific canyon walls — creating one of the most productive fisheries on the planet, year-round.
Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect each month when fishing in Quepos:
| Month | Sailfish | Marlin | Tuna | Rooster | Mahi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Peak | — | Good | Good | Good |
| February | Peak | — | Good | — | Good |
| March | Peak | Good | Good | — | Good |
| April | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| May | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| June | — | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| July | — | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| August | — | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| September | — | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| October | — | — | Peak | Good | Peak |
| November | Good | — | Good | — | Good |
| December | Peak | — | Good | — | Good |
Best Time for Sailfish in Quepos
If sailfish is your primary target, plan your trip between December and April. January, February, and March are the peak months, with multiple hookups per day being common on a full-day offshore charter. The dry season brings calm blue water and excellent visibility — ideal conditions for spotting and releasing these spectacular fish.
Costa Rica holds world records for sailfish releases, and Quepos is at the center of this fishery. During peak season, experienced captains regularly release 10, 15, or even 20 individual sailfish in a single day.
Best Time for Blue Marlin in Quepos
Blue marlin activity peaks during the green season — May through September. The warmer, nutrient-rich waters that arrive with the rains attract massive schools of baitfish, which in turn draw large marlin. Some of the largest blue marlin ever recorded in the Pacific have been caught off the coast of Quepos during these months.
Whether you're targeting sailfish during the dry season or marlin during the green season, our expert local captains will put you on the fish. Private charters available year-round.
Best Time for Inshore Fishing in Quepos
If you're booking a half-day inshore charter to target roosterfish, cubera snapper, and jack crevalle, the best months are May through October. The roosterfish in particular peak from June through September along the beaches and rocky points of Manuel Antonio National Park.
The good news is that jack crevalle and sierra mackerel are available year-round — so even if you're visiting during the dry season, the half-day inshore charter will deliver plenty of action on light tackle.
What About the Rainy Season?
Many anglers worry about fishing during the green season (May–November) because of the rain. Here's what you should know: the rain in Quepos typically falls in short afternoon bursts, and mornings are often calm and clear — which is exactly when most fishing charters operate. The green season is actually some of the best fishing of the year, with peak marlin, tuna, and roosterfish action, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
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Private sport fishing charters from Quepos Marina — targeting sailfish, marlin, tuna, roosterfish and more in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica.
