Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Its green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain inJuly in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. 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. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. You can choose from among leisure activities. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. Costa Rica for solo travellers. 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. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. 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. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. Taking the last general elections, for example, there were serious concerns among the conservatives that there would be a gay deputy president in the country. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? , 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 . All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Temperatures are much warmer than Limon with average daily highs reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit from January through August and dipping into the high 80s for the rest of the year. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. 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. It is the perfect time to explore Costa Ricas magnificent rainforests, view the wild animals in their natural habitat, and relax on the sandy beaches. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. 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. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. 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. 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. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). 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. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. , 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! 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). However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. 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. 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. While theres considerably more rainfall during these months, the rains in Costa Rica move through quickly and will still leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor exploration. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. 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. Cheap Flights from Costa Rica to Montana from $1,038 - KAYAK Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. 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! Least crowded months in Costa Rica: May-October Dry Season in Costa Rica For most of the country, dry season means picture-perfect sunny days, fewer rain showers, and slightly warmer temperatures. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. 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. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. The Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Turks and Caicos - Travel In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. . Therefore, to be on the safe side, you can opt to visit at the end of January or the start of February to avoid such inconveniences while still enjoying the great weather. Have you been looking for a country to visit? A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 72 F,, with about 14 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. 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. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . While theres really not a bad time to go to Costa Rica, the worst time to plan your first visit is during late December through January. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. This a tough topic. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. 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. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? Yes, the answer depends on the individual. May, June and July are the rainiest. 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. 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. 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. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. According to Christa from Pura Vida Moms, the worst place to go if you want to avoid mosquitoes in Costa Rica is the Caribbean Coast (around Tortuguero National Park), Osa Penninsula . Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. 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. 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! The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. All rights reserved. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. 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. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. 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. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. Best time to visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica | Escapade Tours You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. Good deal one-way. Best time to go to Tamarindo Average weather of Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica (2023) Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. 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. 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. Tie in a neighbour. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Copyright 2023 The Discovery Nut | Privacy Policy, Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid A complete guide [2023], 7 Days In Costa Rica: How To Plan Your Itinerary, 22 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica in 2023. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. 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. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. 11 tips for travelling in Costa Rica | Rough Guides The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; green, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. If you want to see the world, go see it! The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. 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. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. . Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. 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. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. 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! Arenal. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. Barrio La California, Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? Best Rainy Season Activities. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. During General Election Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. We'll go over the best (and worst) times to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more in this article. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). The park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Now for the monthly breakdown. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which is Worth Your Time? - Layer Culture However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. No one is tired of receiving Christmas gifts, you can give your sons one of the most memorable gifts you ever have, and here they call it the Nino Dios Moment. When To Visit Japan: Best and Worst Times - Sightsee & Sushi November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. The Best Time to Go to Costa Rica by Season and Month November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. 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. . The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. 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. Turtle Watching Season Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. About every other day will have rain (on average), with about 6 inches of rainfall during the month. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. These first few months of the dry season are particularly pleasant since the weather condition is warm and the skies are clear. There is an easy solution though. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel April, Enjoy the Sunshine, the Wildlife, and the Samantha Week, May, Witness the Transition to Rainy Seasons, December, Take Advantage of the Holiday Celebrations, October, the Terrible Roads in Parks and Low Hotel Season, November, The Month with the Highest Number of Places You Should Avoid, The Best Places You Can Visit at Any Time in Costa Rica, Things to Avoid When You are in Costa Rica, The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-Time, 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, Mexico, The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, Finland, How Ali Wong Achieved a Net Worth of $3 Million, Eight Reasons to go to French Polynesias Marquesas Islands, How Lisa Rinna Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, 20 Cities with The Worst Weather in Europe.