December through April is the dry season. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. 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. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Travel Tips. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. 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. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. 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. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. Barrio La California, Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. 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 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. If you decide to go during July or August, youll get the best of both worlds with sunny, warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and cheaper pricing than the peak season. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. They're also most crowded. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Theres no bad time to go to Costa Rica. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 2. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. 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. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. April is a transitional month. Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. , 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 . 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. There are some places which, if you make the right decisions on when to visit them, will give you the most extraordinary experience you will ever have. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. 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. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . 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. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. 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. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. 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. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 91 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. 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. 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. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Sunsets are just horrible. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. 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. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. 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. $264. But times change. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! October is the rainiest month. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. 1. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. 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. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. 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. 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. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. 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. 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. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. 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. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). 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. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. 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. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Arenal and its surroundings make a . The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. 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. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. May through November is the green season. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. 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. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. 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. 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. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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 best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. Mid-March to early May and mid-October to early December are the best months to visit Japan due to its stunning colors and mild weather. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. or less. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. 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. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. It is also clear that there is no specific worst time to visit Costa Rica since its diversity in terms of seasons and climatic conditions presents unique, attractive features and activities to satisfy the needs of different types of tourists. Costa Rica for solo travellers. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. Costa Rica ranks 16th on U.S. News & World Report's list of the world's best places to visit, and according to data collected from more than 1.6 million users worldwide on the travel app . The beautiful flowering trees that flourish during this period, such as the Corteza Amarilla, which exhibits an amazing blaze of yellow blossoms under the scorching sun, will stand out among the dried leaves. 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. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, . Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . They have an amazing way of doing flowers. 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. One of the advantages of visiting . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. 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). So, watch out. 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. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. 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. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? 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. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. 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 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. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! 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. 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. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. Arenal. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast inMarch; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: Costa Rica Spring Break Survival Guide. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 12 days with rain, receiving about 5 inches of rain total, with rain decreasing throughout the month. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. 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. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). pay for content, product research, guides, and more). 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. 6. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. 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. 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. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 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. This a tough topic. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. This is partly the result of higher elevations. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). 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.