The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. 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. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content 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. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . 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! The rainiest months are September and . With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Arenal and its surroundings make a . Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is still squarely in the rainy season, with approximately half the days seeing rain and 6 inches of rain falling throughout the month. Barrio La California, Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island Turtle Watching Season The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Well show you the best time to visit Costa Rica no matter what your goal is the best overall trip, the cheapest, the least busy, and more. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. 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. 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. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. 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. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Today, Tamperes old cotton mills have been turned into chic malls,, Read More The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, FinlandContinue, Tahiti is one of those places where the nautical conditions are pretty much near perfect all year long. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. The temperature in Costa Rica. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. 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. April typically marks the end of the dry season. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent 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 was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. In fact, you're likely to encounter snow here until well into May and temperatures can fall to -30C, though Norrland 's summer months are typically a comfortable 15 degrees. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Costa Rica has a tropical climate. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. 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. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. Expect it to be warm and humid. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. With that, hotel prices rise. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! Most elections are held in February. 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. 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. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. 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. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. About every other day will have rain (on average), with about 6 inches of rainfall during the month. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. 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. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. These first few months of the dry season are particularly pleasant since the weather condition is warm and the skies are clear. 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. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. or less. Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. 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. 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 September - Weather, Holidays and How to Plan The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! 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. Cheap Flights from Costa Rica to Montana from $1,038 - KAYAK The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. One of the advantages of visiting . Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. 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. There is an easy solution though. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. 6. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. 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. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. It is also clear that there is no specific worst time to visit Costa Rica since its diversity in terms of seasons and climatic conditions presents unique, attractive features and activities to satisfy the needs of different types of tourists. Source . The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month This a tough topic. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. , We visited in July and experienced several days of completely clear weather, and some days when there was an hour or two of afternoon rain not bad at all, especially when a lot of the tours in La Fortuna happen in the morning! Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Things to do | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. According to Christa from Pura Vida Moms, the worst place to go if you want to avoid mosquitoes in Costa Rica is the Caribbean Coast (around Tortuguero National Park), Osa Penninsula . 17 Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - VacationIdea Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. . The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. 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. September to early December are the cheapest times to go to Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season throughout the country. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. 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. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. The most stable weather is between December and April. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. The Most Dangerous Thing in Costa Rica See average monthly temperatures below. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Best Rainy Season Activities. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? 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. May through November is the green season. 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. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. So, watch out. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. The dry season is back! It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. The worst months are May through October because of. Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. The best time of year to travel to Costa Rica - Pickvisa What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. 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. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. 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. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. Book early. Let's have a look at them. $10.5 billion. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. 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. 30 Tips Before Travelling In Costa Rica | 2021 Travel Guide Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . 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.