Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 12 days with rain, receiving about 5 inches of rain total, with rain decreasing throughout the month. The worst months are May through October because of. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. May, June and July are the rainiest. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. 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. . When To Visit Japan: Best and Worst Times - Sightsee & Sushi Costa Rica ranks 16th on U.S. News & World Report's list of the world's best places to visit, and according to data collected from more than 1.6 million users worldwide on the travel app . Expect it to be warm and humid. One other way of deciding which months are best for destinations in Costa Rica is by looking at the average number of days that it rains each month. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons) - Eco Lodges On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Bolivia doesn't quite have the family appeal of Costa Rica or Cancun, say - but those thinking of traveling in Bolivia with kids shouldn't be deterred. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 7 days with rain, receiving about 2 inches of rain total. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Vacation? The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? 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. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month The best time of year to travel to Costa Rica - Pickvisa The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. . (avg. 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 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. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. 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. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. Learn how your comment data is processed. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. 6. This Central American nation located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is endowed with wild rainforests, spectacular national parks, roaring waterfalls, and other natural wonders. 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. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. So, watch out. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. $264. 10. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. . You know the best time to visit Costa Rica, but making the most of your trip to Costa Rica means you need a little more info to plan your getaway. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. 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. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. 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. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. Cheap Flights from Costa Rica to Montana from $1,038 - KAYAK In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. 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. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica market is flooded with hard drugs such as cocaine, and there are instances where even medicinal drugs are stuffed with them to recruit new drug customers. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Due to the high numbers of tourists present, accommodation facilities and most leisure activities/amenities are usually fully booked while the available ones are overpriced. Sunsets are just horrible. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. The Nation values family as the basic social unit, with children staying with their families until they get married. Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is one of the wettest months for the region, with about 13 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. 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. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Arenal and its surroundings make a . Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Book early. 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). It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. While theres more rainfall from September through mid-December than any other part of the year, you also benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. 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. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com On the Pacific Coast, April to August has the best surfing waves for experienced surfers, while beginners will appreciate the somewhat smaller waves on the Pacific Coast from December to April. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Technically, July and August are part of the rainy season too, but is often considered mini summer because the rain is a little bit lower during these months, especially in the central parts of the country. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. Most elections are held in February. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . The Most Dangerous Thing in Costa Rica Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. Flying. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 90 F and average low is 80 F. There are about 3 days with rain, receiving about 1 inch of rain total. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. 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. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every of the Year The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Best time to visit Jaco Attractions in October Best time to visit Costa Rica Waterfall Tours in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Jaco Beach in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Atv Adventure Tours Costa Rica in Jaco October Everyday : 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM Best time to visit Discovery Horse Tours in Jaco October During General Election In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. or less. 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. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Turtle Watching Season This time of year is also a great time to visit the country because of what we refer to as the glorious awakening of nature. Similar to the beautiful green scenery you see when spring finally arrives after a long winter, everything appears to come to life during the green season. 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. Brrr! 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. Costa Rica for solo travellers. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. 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! 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. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. Let's have a look at them. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. 11 tips for travelling in Costa Rica | Rough Guides 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. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. 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. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. I have to say, it's true. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 1. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. 9 BEST Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023 - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. 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. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4.5 inches of rain falling during the month. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. All rights reserved. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. millions of different wildlife and plant species, Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips, The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. It will be sunny about half of the days and rain will fall about of the days this month, with an average total of 4 inches of rain. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. In addition, in November, beach activities are very low, crowds are still not picking up early, and this denies the chance to learn more about the culture of the Costa Ricans. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. A Guide to Visiting Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica Lets have a look at them. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. 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. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. They're also most crowded. are many perks of traveling in rainy season, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. When To Go Instead (Best Time To Visit Costa Rica), Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Them. 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. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. 2. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. To sail in Tahiti means to enjoy not only the beauty of the islands, but also the, Read More The Top 5 Places to Sail in TahitiContinue, California is mostly synonymous with the Hollywood entertainment industry, sunny beaches, and a temperate weather. At this time, you also have several festive celebrations, such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose, which is held in the second week of the month. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Always Pack a Raincoat. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! 5. . Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. Hurricane Season. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. 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. Good deal one-way. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. Mid-March to early May and mid-October to early December are the best months to visit Japan due to its stunning colors and mild weather. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage.