This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. Multiple pools, Read More 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, MexicoContinue, Until not too long ago, Tampere was a slightly gritty town that was better known for its industry than its beauty. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Vacation? 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. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is the driest month of the year, with an average of 1.3 inches of rainfall, and an average of 4 rainy days per month. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The average annual rainfall in the country is about 100 inches; however, mountainous regions can have an annual rainfall of up to 25 feet or 300 inches. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). As the month goes on, the drier and sunnier it will become, with about 40-50% of the days in November being sunny by the end of 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). I have to say, it's true. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Now that you know the best time to visit Costa Rica and have a few seasoned traveler tips under your belt, youll be able to plan the perfect tropical vacation. 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. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! October is the rainiest month. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Costa Rica However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. April typically marks the end of the dry season. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com 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. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. During General Election 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. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. 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! Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. 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. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. All Rights Reserved. The dry season is back! Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. 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. What's The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? - TripTivy The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). The weather is amazing with little rain to ruin your outdoor plans, crowds are moderate, and pricing for airfare, accommodations, and car rentals are lower than in the true high season. Now for the monthly breakdown. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. 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. 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. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). 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. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica - Two Weeks in Costa Rica If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. See average monthly temperatures below. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. Best time to visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica | Escapade Tours Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Have you been looking for a country to visit? Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. One of the advantages of visiting . In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. 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? The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. 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. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. 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. 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. 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. 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. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Some of them include. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. Book early. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. 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. 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. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 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. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. 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. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. The rest . The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. Source . Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . Plus, there are no crowds. Best Times to Visit Costa Rica | U.S. News Travel It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. 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. 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.. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. 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. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. 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. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. 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. Expect it to be warm and humid. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). With that, hotel prices rise. May through November is the green season. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. In contrast to Limon, these destinations average about one to two inches a month in February and March. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. . Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. Best time to go to Tamarindo Average weather of Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . (avg. 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.