Yes, the answer depends on the individual. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 80 F. More than half the days are sunny, with 7 days of rain and 2 inches of rain falling. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. July is very similar to June, with about 16 rainy days and 7 inches of rainfall throughout the month. 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. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Source . The Southern Pacific Region of Costa Rica is an incredible area that delights and surprises tourists with memories of Costa Rica that they'll have for life. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. When referencing Pacific weather in the following sections, weve highlighted what you will experience when staying in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area, which is the middle of the Pacific Coast. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. . It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. 6. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. 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. $10.5 billion. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. 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.. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. or less. The capital city of San Jos and many interior locations attract visitors from Puntarenas for the citys nightlife and natural attractions of the surrounding area. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. At the end of the month, the big crowds which had turned up to celebrate the Easter holiday start to go low, and the hotels charge the cheapest. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. 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. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Best Rainy Season Activities. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. . See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. The rest . Tie in a neighbour. 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). If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. 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. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. Source: WikimediaThe best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease.The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Arenal, at 1,670 meters above sea level, is undoubtedly the most well-known of Costa Rica's volcanic giants since it is one of the world's top ten most active volcanoes. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Have you been looking for a country to visit? It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. You can see sea turtles at different times throughout the year, but the most famous spot to see them is in Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, and July-October is the best time to see them nesting here. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. Taking the last general elections, for example, there were serious concerns among the conservatives that there would be a gay deputy president in the country. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. Always Pack a Raincoat. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Costa Rica for solo travellers. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. Travel Tips. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Knowing when to go can make a difference for cruise visitors who want to explore one of the most popular and wettest ecotourism destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. May, June and July are the rainiest. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). December through April is the dry season. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. , 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 . This a tough topic. If you decide to go during July or August, youll get the best of both worlds with sunny, warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and cheaper pricing than the peak season. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Costa Rica September. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. 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. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. . This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. There are less than 3 days of rain, with less than an inch of rain falling. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. Arenal and its surroundings make a . Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. While theres considerably more rainfall during these months, the rains in Costa Rica move through quickly and will still leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor exploration. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. The park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. The dense jungles and protected rain forests in national parks here are ideal destinations for anyone who loves to get out and see wildlife in their natural habitat. December through April is the dry season. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. 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. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. 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. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. However, if you prefer enjoying your vacation/trip when there are fewer crowds, then the ideal time of year to visit Costa Rica is either May or November. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 2 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Shoulder season in Costa Rica is April and November, when the weather shifts between being sunny and fairly dry to being overcast and rainy as the month goes on in April, and then turns from rainy to dry and sunny by the end of November. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. They're also most crowded. April, Enjoy the Sunshine, the Wildlife, and the Samantha Week, May, Witness the Transition to Rainy Seasons, December, Take Advantage of the Holiday Celebrations, October, the Terrible Roads in Parks and Low Hotel Season, November, The Month with the Highest Number of Places You Should Avoid, The Best Places You Can Visit at Any Time in Costa Rica, Things to Avoid When You are in Costa Rica, The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-Time, 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, Mexico, The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, Finland, How Ali Wong Achieved a Net Worth of $3 Million, Eight Reasons to go to French Polynesias Marquesas Islands, How Lisa Rinna Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, 20 Cities with The Worst Weather in Europe. The dry season has plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for wildlife watching, beach lounging, and indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Whether youre looking for lively metro areas with tons of shopping, accommodations, and restaurant options or a tucked-away towns with vibrant and authentic Costa Rican culture, youll find it here. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 May through November is the green season. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. While theres really not a bad time to go to Costa Rica, the worst time to plan your first visit is during late December through January. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 93 F and average low is 73 F, with about 4 days of rain, with an inch of rain falling . Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Since heavy rain incidents can cause problems by making the ground slippery, be extremely cautious when driving during the green season, try to stick to daylight hours, and ensure you have adequate time to reach your destination. But times change. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. (avg. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. During General Election Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. These same two months are among the most popular months for western Caribbean cruises because other destinationssuch as Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Roatanalso have lighter rain during the same time. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. Although the dry season offers the best weather for you to take advantage of the majority of outdoor activities, it is also the busiest travel period which may also turn out to be the worst time to visit Costa Rica. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. Clearly, the best time of year to visit Puntarenas is during the winter and early spring and the worst times to visit are during the summer and fall. Barrio La California, What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? 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. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. . They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Central America which, in most countries, is January-March (or November-April in Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras). 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. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. October is the rainiest month. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. Another reason the wet season is not ideal is that some of the vital attractions sites in the country, such as national parks and beaches, may be closed or their operating hours shortened due to the wet weather; hence it limits the activities and time one gets to enjoy. The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges.
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