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! 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. October is the rainiest month. 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 . The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Have you been looking for a country to visit? Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. 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. 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. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. The most stable weather is between December and April. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. Costa Rica Experts 2023. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. If you want to see the world, go see it! 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. Clearly, the best time of year to visit Puntarenas is during the winter and early spring and the worst times to visit are during the summer and fall. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com 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. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. They're also most crowded. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Beautiful water bodies surround it. 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! Undoubtedly, the best weather is in January and February, when Costa Rica is still early in the dry season, and the skies are clear and rain is very low. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. Hotels and businesses are dragging to reopen or reinvest after the business had slowed down during the rainy peaks of September and October. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. December through April is the dry season. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls approximately every other day (on average), with about 7 inches of rainfall during the month. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. With that, hotel prices rise. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. The Nation values family as the basic social unit, with children staying with their families until they get married. You can see sea turtles at different times throughout the year, but the most famous spot to see them is in Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, and July-October is the best time to see them nesting here. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. However, the rainy season isnt quite as severe as one might imagine, which is why the term green season has gained popularity instead of wet season because the countrys jungles, forests, and flowers use the rainfall to blossom and turn green.. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? All Rights Reserved. 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. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Source: WikimediaThe best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease.The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Arenal and its surroundings make a . Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. All rights reserved. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. 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. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. The Costa Rica market is flooded with hard drugs such as cocaine, and there are instances where even medicinal drugs are stuffed with them to recruit new drug customers. . 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. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. Cloudy skies predominate, and there are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. Nicaragua folklore dress code. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. 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. 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 months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. Shoulder season in Costa Rica is April and November, when the weather shifts between being sunny and fairly dry to being overcast and rainy as the month goes on in April, and then turns from rainy to dry and sunny by the end of November. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. 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. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. Therefore, there are certain things you should keep in mind if you intend to travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season to stay secure and comfortable. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. 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. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. DONT FORGET: Renting a car in Costa Rica ahead of your trip will help you to save hundreds of dollars and also ensure you will have a car when you get there. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Expect it to be warm and humid. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. 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. 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. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. . If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. . Sunsets are just horrible. As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. 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. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast inMarch; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: Costa Rica Spring Break Survival Guide. 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. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. Where to Stay in Cancun | Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Ricain 2023, Where to Stay in Costa Rica | Best Areas & Hotels, 19 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in 2023. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? Because Costa Rica has many different climate regions, well discuss the areas on the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the middle of the country. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. 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. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! 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. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Learn how your comment data is processed. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. Turtle Watching Season The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. 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. Arenal. The currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rica Colon, and according to Xe.com, the 633.75 Colones are trading to the equivalent of $1. 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. 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 green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. 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. 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. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. 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. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Its simple with our helpful travel tips! The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 80 F. More than half the days are sunny, with 7 days of rain and 2 inches of rain falling. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . 1. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. Its important to note when talking about the rainy season in Costa Rica that often rain will fall mostly in the afternoon, so the mornings will still be clear for your beach time or activities. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. But for cruise visitors, the best and worst times also depend on whether they are visiting the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast or the Limon cruise port on the Caribbean coast. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. 10. Our personal favorite time to go to Costa Rica is July and August when there's a bit more rain but even fewer visitors and slightly lower prices and of course it's great to travel during the secret dry season on the Caribbean in September and October In fact there's no bad time to go. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded 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. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. You can choose from among leisure activities. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. , 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! Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. Brrr! The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. On the Pacific Coast, April to August has the best surfing waves for experienced surfers, while beginners will appreciate the somewhat smaller waves on the Pacific Coast from December to April. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. 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! For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rainfall increases during October, with of the days seeing some rainfall. or less. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. April is a transitional month. 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. 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. 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. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. 2. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. 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. Mexico or Costa Rica? The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. April typically marks the end of the dry 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. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. 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. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain.