When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. When To Visit Japan: Best and Worst Times - Sightsee & Sushi Costa Rica for solo travellers. 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 summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. 10. 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 . Beautiful water bodies surround it. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. 1. 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. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Best time to go to Liberia (Guanacaste) - Where and When to travel? Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which is Worth Your Time? - Layer Culture These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. 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. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! What's the Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica - Plus 7 Top Tips 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. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? 17 Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - VacationIdea From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. April, Enjoy the Sunshine, the Wildlife, and the Samantha Week, May, Witness the Transition to Rainy Seasons, December, Take Advantage of the Holiday Celebrations, October, the Terrible Roads in Parks and Low Hotel Season, November, The Month with the Highest Number of Places You Should Avoid, The Best Places You Can Visit at Any Time in Costa Rica, Things to Avoid When You are in Costa Rica, The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-Time, 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, Mexico, The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, Finland, How Ali Wong Achieved a Net Worth of $3 Million, Eight Reasons to go to French Polynesias Marquesas Islands, How Lisa Rinna Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, 20 Cities with The Worst Weather in Europe. Sunsets are just horrible. Fortunately, this travel guide provides vital information on the best as well as the worst time to visit Costa Rica to enable you to plan an ideal travel itinerary. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. . The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com They're also most crowded. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit 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. Its climate status can be roughly divided into two seasons: the dry season, also known as the high season, and the rainy season, also known as the green season. Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. 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. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Lets have a look at them. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. The best places to visit in Costa Rica - Lonely Planet Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. 5 Reasons to NEVER Travel to Costa Rica November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Best Times to Visit Jaco - Weather, Season, Temperature - TripHobo The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. 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. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. 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. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 7. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content Monthly Rainfall & Temperature Averagesfor 1960-1990, For a general idea of monthly weather conditions, The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. With that, hotel prices rise. 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 . I have to say, it's true. 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. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. 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. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Best time to visit Bolivia - responsiblevacation.com 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. Brrr! As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. Flying. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. Learn how your comment data is processed. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. The rainiest months are September and . To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. 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. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. 2. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. 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. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. 30 Tips Before Travelling In Costa Rica | 2021 Travel Guide You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. The best time to visit Costa Rica overall is July through August you get the best, most balanced experience during this time, called the little high season.. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead) Hurricane Season. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. 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. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. December through April is the dry season. 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. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. The Best time to Visit Costa Rica: A Full Guide | Selina Tie in a neighbour. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. So, watch out. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. The worst months are May through October because of. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Costa Rica September. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. 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). IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. 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. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. Arenal and its surroundings make a . They have an amazing way of doing flowers. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. Now for the monthly breakdown. 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. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. 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. 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. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. 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! You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. It is also essential to note that the coldest months in the country are typically from September through November, though this varies from region to region. December through April is the dry season. 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 The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. All rights reserved. $264. The mountain regions are yet to dry, the road in them is clogged with mad, and you can still experience rainfalls at any given time. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. 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. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. 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. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. 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. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 9 days of rain and 3 inches of rain falling during the month. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. Palmeros Festival in Costa Rica takes place in January and draws in a ton of visitors (about 1 hour from San Jose) and includes concerts, dancing, and food sampling. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. But look out for the rest of the year. 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. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? 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. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. 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. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. 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. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. 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. , 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! Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain.