The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. Some of them include. The International Living gives a detailed report on the places you should avoid the most in November: Santa Rita de Alajuela, Leon XIIII, Tibas, San Jose, Limon City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, and the Puntarenas City, Puntarenas. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. The rainiest months are September and . Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. The worst months are May through October because of. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. We'll go over the best (and worst) times to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more in this article. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? All rights reserved. Arenal. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is a very slight dip in August in the amount of rain compared to July, with about 6 inches of rain falling during the month. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. Hotels and businesses are dragging to reopen or reinvest after the business had slowed down during the rainy peaks of September and October. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. Palmeros Festival in Costa Rica takes place in January and draws in a ton of visitors (about 1 hour from San Jose) and includes concerts, dancing, and food sampling. The currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rica Colon, and according to Xe.com, the 633.75 Colones are trading to the equivalent of $1. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. Best time to visit Costa Rica Happily, the best weather coincides with Christmas, new Year, spring half term and the worst of the northern winters. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. You'll pay more, deal with bigger crowds, and less availability for rooms, flights, and rentals, but hey - it's peak season for a reason. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. Temperatures are much warmer than Limon with average daily highs reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit from January through August and dipping into the high 80s for the rest of the year. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. As the month goes on, the drier and sunnier it will become, with about 40-50% of the days in November being sunny by the end of the month. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Monthly Rainfall & Temperature Averagesfor 1960-1990, For a general idea of monthly weather conditions, The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! It is also essential to note that the coldest months in the country are typically from September through November, though this varies from region to region. Because Costa Rica has many different climate regions, well discuss the areas on the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the middle of the country. Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Costa Rica is a dream destination, with epic surfing, misty cloud forests, and wilderness and wildlife that will take your breath away.Costa Rica is known for adventure travel, but it is also making strides in sustainable and accessible travel initiatives.This Central American country's small size means that travelers can enjoy a wide variety of experiences in a short trip. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Sunsets are just horrible. See average monthly temperatures below. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. , We visited in July and experienced several days of completely clear weather, and some days when there was an hour or two of afternoon rain not bad at all, especially when a lot of the tours in La Fortuna happen in the morning! They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). There truly is never a bad bad time to visit Costa Rica; however, May is the worst month to visit, as the rain is fairly high, and you dont have the added benefits of good surfing conditions or turtle or whale watching season. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls about half of the days in November, and 6 inches falling during the course of the month. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. The best time to visit Costa Rica overall is July through August you get the best, most balanced experience during this time, called the little high season.. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. With a booming tourism industry and tons of things for everyone to enjoy, anyone whos been to beautiful Costa Rica will tell you youve got to see it to believe it. December through April is the dry season. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. May through November is the green season. But times change. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. . Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. Where to Stay in Cancun | Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Ricain 2023, Where to Stay in Costa Rica | Best Areas & Hotels, 19 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in 2023. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. Turtle Watching Season DONT FORGET: Renting a car in Costa Rica ahead of your trip will help you to save hundreds of dollars and also ensure you will have a car when you get there. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. Worst Weather The rainy season in Costa Rica, which lasts from May to November, is usually considered the worst time to travel there since the rains frequently cause widespread flooding and mudslides, making travel activities hazardous and difficult. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. This a tough topic. Total rainfall averages less than one inch from January through March, a little more than one inch in May and December and eight inches or more from May through October. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. At elevations above sea level, often referred to as the lowlands, the temperature is typically approximately 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), whereas, in the so-called highlands, it is typically 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius). Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rainfall increases during October, with of the days seeing some rainfall. No wonder July and August are highly regarded as the best time to visit Costa Rica by travel agencies and experienced travelers in the know! Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. By the end of the month, you have 50% sunny days and 8 days of rain, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on. 5. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. Always Pack a Raincoat. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. No one is tired of receiving Christmas gifts, you can give your sons one of the most memorable gifts you ever have, and here they call it the Nino Dios Moment. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. Typically, the sky clears up as the rains begin to taper off for dry season, and you can experience beautiful beach days on the Pacific Coast. If avoiding big crowds for a serene, peaceful getaway is your main goal, the best time to visit Costa Rica is anytime during October through mid-December. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. The average annual rainfall in the country is about 100 inches; however, mountainous regions can have an annual rainfall of up to 25 feet or 300 inches. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! The rest . Although Costa Rica is frequently considered a warm country, there are a few locations where it could become a bit cold or freezing by Costa Rican standards. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 13 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. . The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; green, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Liberia (Guanacaste) are January, February, March, April, November and December. Its green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain inJuly in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. Tie in a neighbour. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 90 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Puntarenas and San Jos get rain more than 20 days a month from May through October and peak at 25-26 days in September and October. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . Whether you book your trip during the best time to visit Costa Rica or during the worst, youre going to have an amazing tropical experience. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. The weather is amazing with little rain to ruin your outdoor plans, crowds are moderate, and pricing for airfare, accommodations, and car rentals are lower than in the true high season. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Even if you go during the height of the rainy season or peak tourism times, youre going to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of this country. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? $264. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Theres no bad time to go to Costa Rica. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls approximately every other day (on average), with about 7 inches of rainfall during the month. It is also clear that there is no specific worst time to visit Costa Rica since its diversity in terms of seasons and climatic conditions presents unique, attractive features and activities to satisfy the needs of different types of tourists. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Costa Rica September. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Now that you know the best time to visit Costa Rica and have a few seasoned traveler tips under your belt, youll be able to plan the perfect tropical vacation. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. There is an easy solution though. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is about 2.5 inches of rainfall rain with an average of 5 rainy days per month. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. , March is still part of the dry season, and has slightly less sunny days than January and February, with about 50% of the days being sunny . In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. April is a transitional month. Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. Source . I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. Dry Seasons February, March, April, August (2nd half), September, October These months are the driest of the year with occasional rain usually occurring at night or early in the morning. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you can opt to visit at the end of January or the start of February to avoid such inconveniences while still enjoying the great weather. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. According to Christa from Pura Vida Moms, the worst place to go if you want to avoid mosquitoes in Costa Rica is the Caribbean Coast (around Tortuguero National Park), Osa Penninsula . This is us in Tamarindo! This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. . Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. Our personal favorite time to go to Costa Rica is July and August when there's a bit more rain but even fewer visitors and slightly lower prices and of course it's great to travel during the secret dry season on the Caribbean in September and October In fact there's no bad time to go. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. 6. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. Around 75% of the country's 6,000,000 people live on less than $2 per day, well below the poverty line of most countries. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica.
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