May through November is the green season. The rainiest months are September and . The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every of the Year Copyright 2023 The Discovery Nut | Privacy Policy, Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid A complete guide [2023], 7 Days In Costa Rica: How To Plan Your Itinerary, 22 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica in 2023. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. Best Times to Visit Jaco - Weather, Season, Temperature - TripHobo Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. With that, hotel prices rise. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. This guide will help you make an informed decision about how to plan your adventure and know what to expect during your trip to Costa Rica, whether youre doing activities in La Fortuna or hanging out at the beach in Tamarindo! On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. April typically marks the end of the dry season. 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. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 10. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. 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. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. Hurricane Season. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. 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. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. 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. 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. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. 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. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. Expect it to be warm and humid. It was founded in 1985 as a family passion and today, it is among worlds leading producers of, Read More The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-TimeContinue, There is something for everyone at sprawling 222-room Hacienda Encantada in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. . 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. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. or less. 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. 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. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. In this article, I'll be talking about the worst time to visit Costa Rica, as well as providing some tips for making the most of your trip even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. . The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel Costa Rica September - Weather, Holidays and How to Plan 5 Reasons to NEVER Travel to Costa Rica Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 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. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. 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. $264. 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. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. The best time of year to travel to Costa Rica - Pickvisa Beautiful water bodies surround it. 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. Some of them include. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. 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. | 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. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. The rest . Start Here Caribbean Costa Rica The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. April is a transitional month. Things to do | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. 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. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. I have to say, it's true. But times change. 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. 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. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. 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. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. Barrio La California, Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. If you want to see the world, go see it! Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. Travel Tips. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. In May, the rains had started to pick up in most parts of the country, roads were still passable, and hotels were still within the price ranges of April. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. 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. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? 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. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). 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? 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 June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. The Weather and Climate in Costa Rica - TripSavvy September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. 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 lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. 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. 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. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. This is us in Tamarindo! On a mission to witness the planet's beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours. 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. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. 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! Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). , 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 Central Costa Rica, the average high is 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. Always Pack a Raincoat. Best time to visit Central America - Responsible Travel Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. 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. 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. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Some hotels increase their prices in these months. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. 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. 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). 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. Brrr! Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. . Turtle Watching Season Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. 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. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. The Most Dangerous Thing in Costa Rica September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. You can choose from among leisure activities. Travelers can still enjoy clear skies, although the vegetation, particularly on the North Pacific Coast, has lost some of its vibrant green sparkle after months of little rain. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. rainfall increases to almost 3 inches, and an average of 7 rainy days per month. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. 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. They include: According to the Culture Trip, theft is a common type of crime in Costa Rica, so the chances of you losing your values to this are so high. 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. Best time to visit Bolivia - responsiblevacation.com As the heavy rainfall begins to wrap up in mid-December, its also one of the best times of year to spot wildlife on land and in the ocean. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com But for cruise visitors, the best and worst times also depend on whether they are visiting the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast or the Limon cruise port on the Caribbean coast. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. 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. 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. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. One of the advantages of visiting . Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. 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. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel 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. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. May, June and July are the rainiest. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. 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. Book early. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! Source . Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Flying. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead) On the Caribbean Coast, the average high is 85 F and the average low is 77 F. The area sees about 2 inches of rain, with an average of 4 rainy days per month. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. Best time to visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica | Escapade Tours But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. 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. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. Travelers at this time of year will also find lively fiestas and festivals happening all around the nation, complete with bullfights, dancing, and live music. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. They're also most crowded. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons) - Eco Lodges The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid It is the perfect time to explore Costa Ricas magnificent rainforests, view the wild animals in their natural habitat, and relax on the sandy beaches. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. 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. The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation.