The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. 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. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. At this time, you also have several festive celebrations, such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose, which is held in the second week of the month. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. 5. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. Some of them include. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. May through November is the green season. 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 best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. The most stable weather is between December and April. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. Typically, the sky clears up as the rains begin to taper off for dry season, and you can experience beautiful beach days on the Pacific Coast. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? 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. 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. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. 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. Study up and see how you can optimize your Costa Rican getaway without breaking the bank: If you want an unforgettable tropical vacation, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations. 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. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . You'll pay more, deal with bigger crowds, and less availability for rooms, flights, and rentals, but hey - it's peak season for a reason. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. 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. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. This a tough topic. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. All rights reserved. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. 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. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. 10. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. 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. One of the advantages of visiting . Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. 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. Source . In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . Costa Rica for solo travellers. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. 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. Let's have a look at them. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. On a mission to witness the planet's beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. It was founded in 1985 as a family passion and today, it is among worlds leading producers of, Read More The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-TimeContinue, There is something for everyone at sprawling 222-room Hacienda Encantada in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. 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. Rains typically pass quickly at this time of year, delivering much-needed hydration to the lush jungles and rain forests without sticking around long enough to make your beach trip a waste. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . You know the best time to visit Costa Rica, but making the most of your trip to Costa Rica means you need a little more info to plan your getaway. 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. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. There is an easy solution though. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Arenal and its surroundings make a . Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. . If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. If you want to see the world, go see it! Best Rainy Season Activities. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. Traveling during the rainy season also presents a chance to witness the thousands of turtles that come to deposit their eggs on the sandy beaches of Costa Rica. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. 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. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. 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. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 2 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is about 2.5 inches of rainfall rain with an average of 5 rainy days per month. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. 6. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit La Fortuna, the hottest months are April, March, and then February. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. 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. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. 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. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. 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. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! In contrast to Limon, these destinations average about one to two inches a month in February and March. 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. Nicaragua folklore dress code. 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. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. 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. Costa Rica September. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. 2. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. December through April is 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. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. Start Here Caribbean Costa Rica The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. So, watch out. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. With that, hotel prices rise. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. . It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. Since heavy rain incidents can cause problems by making the ground slippery, be extremely cautious when driving during the green season, try to stick to daylight hours, and ensure you have adequate time to reach your destination. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. 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. 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. 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. 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. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . Arenal. Tie in a neighbour. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. 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. At elevations above sea level, often referred to as the lowlands, the temperature is typically approximately 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), whereas, in the so-called highlands, it is typically 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius). Whether you book your trip during the best time to visit Costa Rica or during the worst, youre going to have an amazing tropical experience. In May, the rains had started to pick up in most parts of the country, roads were still passable, and hotels were still within the price ranges of April. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. 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. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. The worst months are May through October because of. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. 7. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Have you been looking for a country to visit? They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? 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. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Brrr! At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. 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. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. 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. 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. 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. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. 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. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. 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. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. 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. The rainiest months are September and . Mexico or Costa Rica? At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. Plus, there are no crowds. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. 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. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. 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. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Wildlife watching:Alaska/California humpback whales; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, A beautiful, clear day on the Nicoya Peninsula from Hotel Punta Islita. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls.
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