Some of them include. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. So, watch out. Things to do | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . Always Pack a Raincoat. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons No wonder July and August are highly regarded as the best time to visit Costa Rica by travel agencies and experienced travelers in the know! Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. 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. 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. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 13 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. , 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 . Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. (avg. Source . 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. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? 15 Unpleasant Facts You Should Know About Costa Rica - theclever In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. 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. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). The best places to visit in Costa Rica - Lonely Planet $264. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. Brrr! The rainiest months are September and . The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. The dry season has plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for wildlife watching, beach lounging, and indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. 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. 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. 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? They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. This Central American nation located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is endowed with wild rainforests, spectacular national parks, roaring waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. Barrio La California, Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2022 | Travellers (2023) Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About 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. 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. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. But look out for the rest of the year. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. Best time to go to Liberia (Guanacaste) - Where and When to travel? It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. One of the advantages of visiting . The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Best time to visit Central America - Responsible Travel November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. This a tough topic. Knowing which months are dry or green seasons in the country is crucial as it will help you choose the best place and time to visit. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. 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. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. Knowing when to go can make a difference for cruise visitors who want to explore one of the most popular and wettest ecotourism destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. December through April is the dry season. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. Turtle Watching Season When To Visit Japan: Best and Worst Times - Sightsee & Sushi In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 91 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. The rest . The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. 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. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). 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. 1. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Costa Rica ranks 16th on U.S. News & World Report's list of the world's best places to visit, and according to data collected from more than 1.6 million users worldwide on the travel app . The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. Book early. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. The beautiful flowering trees that flourish during this period, such as the Corteza Amarilla, which exhibits an amazing blaze of yellow blossoms under the scorching sun, will stand out among the dried leaves. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. The Best Time to Go to Costa Rica by Season and Month There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica 2018 - Yahoo! The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. 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. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead) Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Hotels and businesses are dragging to reopen or reinvest after the business had slowed down during the rainy peaks of September and October. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. | 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. Another reason the wet season is not ideal is that some of the vital attractions sites in the country, such as national parks and beaches, may be closed or their operating hours shortened due to the wet weather; hence it limits the activities and time one gets to enjoy. Now for the monthly breakdown. 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. In such a scenario, local conservative members may discriminate against you if you are from a country that supports a topic they are not comfortable with. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Best Rainy Season Activities. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. Costa Rica for solo travellers. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. In addition, in November, beach activities are very low, crowds are still not picking up early, and this denies the chance to learn more about the culture of the Costa Ricans. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . Overall, the winter months (the driest months) and the summer months of July and August (which have a bit of a lull during the rainy season) are the best times to visit Costa Rica. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. 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. All rights reserved. 10. 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. 2. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. You can choose from among leisure activities. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. January through March is typically 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet April is a transitional month. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . Best Times to Visit Costa Rica - Rain, Cost, Events If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. When Is the Worst Time to Travel to the Bahamas? | USA Today In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. By the end of the month, you have 50% sunny days and 8 days of rain, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. 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. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. 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. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. I have to say, it's true. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. 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. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. If you want to see the world, go see it! Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. If you are not a fan of the heavy rains, do not travel to the South Pacific because the rains here are heavy by the second week of May. Cheap Flights from Costa Rica to Montana from $1,038 - KAYAK And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). 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. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. Plus, there are no crowds. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. Sunsets are just horrible. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. 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 peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. 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. 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. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! 6. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. 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. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is a very slight dip in August in the amount of rain compared to July, with about 6 inches of rain falling during the month. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel.