This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. 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. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. 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. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Costa Rica Experts 2023. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. 30 Tips Before Travelling In Costa Rica | 2021 Travel Guide Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. 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. 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. 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. April typically marks the end of the dry season. 17 Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - VacationIdea The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. . 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. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The vegetation is lush, waterfalls are high, and you have a good chance to see whales, nesting turtles in some regions, and enjoy surfing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica 2018 - Yahoo! December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. Best time to visit Sweden 2021| Rough Guides | Rough Guides Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. Total rainfall averages less than one inch from January through March, a little more than one inch in May and December and eight inches or more from May through October. 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. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica (2023) If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. 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. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. Travelers can still enjoy clear skies, although the vegetation, particularly on the North Pacific Coast, has lost some of its vibrant green sparkle after months of little rain. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. , 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 . Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. are many perks of traveling in rainy season, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. 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. 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. 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. The dry season is back! Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Costa Rica When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. Arenal, at 1,670 meters above sea level, is undoubtedly the most well-known of Costa Rica's volcanic giants since it is one of the world's top ten most active volcanoes. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons) - Eco Lodges 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. 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. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead) South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content 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. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. 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. . 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. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). Best time to visit Jaco Attractions in October Best time to visit Costa Rica Waterfall Tours in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Jaco Beach in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Atv Adventure Tours Costa Rica in Jaco October Everyday : 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM Best time to visit Discovery Horse Tours in Jaco October 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. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. There are less than 3 days of rain, with less than an inch of rain falling. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. 1. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. One other way of deciding which months are best for destinations in Costa Rica is by looking at the average number of days that it rains each month. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. 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.. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. When Is the Worst Time to Travel to the Bahamas? | USA Today 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. Some of them include. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Barrio La California, Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica - The Ultimate Guide In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. 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. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Have you been looking for a country to visit? See average monthly temperatures below. 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. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. 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. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. 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. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. 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. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in 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. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila 5 Reasons to NEVER Travel to Costa Rica 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. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. 5. 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. 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! Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip The rainiest months are September and . The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Hurricane Season. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. Arenal and its surroundings make a . The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. 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. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . Best Rainy Season Activities. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. 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 Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. 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. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. December through April is the dry season. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. 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. This is us in Tamarindo! 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. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. October is the rainiest month. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. 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. Best time to visit Costa Rica Happily, the best weather coincides with Christmas, new Year, spring half term and the worst of the northern winters. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. All rights reserved. The annual rainfall in these regions ranges from 40 to 60 inches, while temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) almost all year long. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. When referencing Pacific weather in the following sections, weve highlighted what you will experience when staying in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area, which is the middle of the Pacific Coast. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. What's The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? - Visitingly November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists.