Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. Its important to note when talking about the rainy season in Costa Rica that often rain will fall mostly in the afternoon, so the mornings will still be clear for your beach time or activities. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. 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. Undoubtedly, the best weather is in January and February, when Costa Rica is still early in the dry season, and the skies are clear and rain is very low. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? Best Time to Visit Costa Rica 2018 - Yahoo! Multiple pools, Read More 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, MexicoContinue, Until not too long ago, Tampere was a slightly gritty town that was better known for its industry than its beauty. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. Best Times to Visit Costa Rica - Rain, Cost, Events 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. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. The annual rainfall in these regions ranges from 40 to 60 inches, while temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) almost all year long. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. Lets have a look at them. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 72 F,, with about 14 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. 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. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. There are some places which, if you make the right decisions on when to visit them, will give you the most extraordinary experience you will ever have. 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. 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. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons 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. 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. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. The first window is during February and March when the city experiences an average of about eight to nine inches of rain each month, according to 30 years of data from the World Weather Organization. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. Traveling during the rainy season also presents a chance to witness the thousands of turtles that come to deposit their eggs on the sandy beaches of Costa Rica. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. $10.5 billion. Calle 15, San Jos, 133391-1000, Costa Rica, Phone: +5-06-22-57-72-02 Top rated last minute places for couples: Getaways from DC, OK resorts, From Seattle, SD resorts, Bahamas, Casinos near NYC, Lava Tubes Flagstaff, Pueblo, November 7. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. 11 tips for travelling in Costa Rica | Rough Guides In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 73 F. There are about 11 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. 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. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. 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. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). 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. Arenal and its surroundings make a . The vegetation is lush, waterfalls are high, and you have a good chance to see whales, nesting turtles in some regions, and enjoy surfing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. From the central capital city of San Jose to smaller towns that dot the dreamy coastlines (we especially love Quepos for its natural beauty and immersive cultural experience), Costa Rica is so alive with culture, tradition, and amazing foods. 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. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. 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. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. There are a lot of candidates for the most treacherous, risky, menacing peril awaiting visitors to Costa Rica - crocodiles in the estuaries, dengue mosquitoes in the swamps, deadly vipers in the rainforest, and psychos behind the wheel of cars, trucks and buses. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2022 | Travellers (2023) Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island 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. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 78 F. There are 17 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. 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. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Book early. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. 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. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. . Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! However, the rainy season isnt quite as severe as one might imagine, which is why the term green season has gained popularity instead of wet season because the countrys jungles, forests, and flowers use the rainfall to blossom and turn green.. In such a scenario, local conservative members may discriminate against you if you are from a country that supports a topic they are not comfortable with. Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. Discover Costa Rica's cloud forests, coral reefs and volcanos in new and exciting ways on these four amazing tours; The 50 most attractive nationalities revealed: India is No.1, USA comes second . Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. Best time to go to Liberia (Guanacaste) - Where and When to travel? 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. 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. Turtle Watching Season . Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). 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. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. Least crowded months in Costa Rica: May-October Dry Season in Costa Rica For most of the country, dry season means picture-perfect sunny days, fewer rain showers, and slightly warmer temperatures. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. 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. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. . IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. 5. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. 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. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica (2023) 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. Cruise activity in the Caribbean declines as a result, so September and October are months when people are more likely to visit the eastern coast of Costa Rica for longer stays. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Vacation? December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. I have to say, it's true. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every of the Year The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. Now for the monthly breakdown. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. This is partly the result of higher elevations. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. 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. (avg. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which is Worth Your Time? - Layer Culture November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). But look out for the rest of the year. The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. Authentic specialties like casado, gallo pinto, sopa negra, and more await your taste buds when you dive into the real Costa Rica off the beaten path. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. 1. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. 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). The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. 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. 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. Costa Rica September - Weather, Holidays and How to Plan The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Always Pack a Raincoat. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. 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). Arenal. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. The best places to visit in Costa Rica - Lonely Planet Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica - Two Weeks in Costa Rica So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year!