Worst Weather 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. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. 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. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. This is partly the result of higher elevations. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. Costa Rica Experts 2023. You'll find significant rain almost every day. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If you want to see the world, go see it! 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. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. 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. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. Mexico or Costa Rica? The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is one of the wettest months for the region, with about 13 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. 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. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. May through November is the green season. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. 9 BEST Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023 - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. In this article, I'll be talking about the worst time to visit Costa Rica, as well as providing some tips for making the most of your trip even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. 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. 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. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is still squarely in the rainy season, with approximately half the days seeing rain and 6 inches of rain falling throughout the month. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. Expect it to be warm and humid. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. 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. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. 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. 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. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. 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. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. 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. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! 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. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. 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. Beautiful water bodies surround it. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. The Weather and Climate in Costa Rica - TripSavvy 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 . Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Let's have a look at them. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. Plus, there are no crowds. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel 7. 2. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. 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. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 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. 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. The temperature in Costa Rica. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. December through April is the dry season. During General Election Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com 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. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. Dry Seasons February, March, April, August (2nd half), September, October These months are the driest of the year with occasional rain usually occurring at night or early in the morning. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. 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. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. 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. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. 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. The rest . At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! So, watch out. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. 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 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. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. 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. It will be sunny about half of the days and rain will fall about of the days this month, with an average total of 4 inches of rain. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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. 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. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. 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. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Brrr! Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. 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. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. 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. Theres no bad time to go to Costa Rica. 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 rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. 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. The first window is during February and March when the city experiences an average of about eight to nine inches of rain each month, according to 30 years of data from the World Weather Organization. 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. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Central America which, in most countries, is January-March (or November-April in Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras). 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. Although Costa Rica is frequently considered a warm country, there are a few locations where it could become a bit cold or freezing by Costa Rican standards. Costa Rica for solo travellers. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. 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. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Now for the monthly breakdown. 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. 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. 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. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. Learn how your comment data is processed. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. The dry season is back! The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. 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. The worst months are May through October because of. Flying. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. $10.5 billion. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Costa Rica is a dream destination, with epic surfing, misty cloud forests, and wilderness and wildlife that will take your breath away.Costa Rica is known for adventure travel, but it is also making strides in sustainable and accessible travel initiatives.This Central American country's small size means that travelers can enjoy a wide variety of experiences in a short trip. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2022 | Travellers (2023) Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. 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. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Best time to visit Sweden 2021| Rough Guides | Rough Guides There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. 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. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. Hurricane Season. Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. 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! Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. Lets have a look at them. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. 6. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. The dry season has plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for wildlife watching, beach lounging, and indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
