James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety 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. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, 9 BEST Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023 - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site The best places to visit in Costa Rica - Lonely Planet November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Vacation? Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons) - Eco Lodges 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. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. Expect it to be warm and humid. 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. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com 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 To Go Instead (Best Time To Visit Costa Rica), Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Them. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. Have you been looking for a country to visit? The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. When to go to Costa Rica - Best Time to Visit - Natural World Safaris Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. 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. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead) There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. 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. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website The worst months are May through October because of. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . The worst time to visit Costa Rica. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. 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. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. Best time to visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica | Escapade Tours The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. 1. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. 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. 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. Mexico or Costa Rica? This is us in Tamarindo! For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. It is also essential to note that the coldest months in the country are typically from September through November, though this varies from region to region. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. 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. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023. Best time to go to Tamarindo Average weather of Tamarindo, Costa Rica Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. 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. But times change. . Bolivia doesn't quite have the family appeal of Costa Rica or Cancun, say - but those thinking of traveling in Bolivia with kids shouldn't be deterred. 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 is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. You'll find significant rain almost every day. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. 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. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. 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. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations At this time, the weather is dry and bright. 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. Flight from San Jos to Billings. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). 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. Palmeros Festival in Costa Rica takes place in January and draws in a ton of visitors (about 1 hour from San Jose) and includes concerts, dancing, and food sampling. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? 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. Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip The best time to visit Costa Rica overall is July through August you get the best, most balanced experience during this time, called the little high season.. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! December through April is the dry season. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. During General Election Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. On a mission to witness the planet's beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. While theres more rainfall from September through mid-December than any other part of the year, you also benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. May, June and July are the rainiest. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. 5 Reasons to NEVER Travel to Costa Rica On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. 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. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Bookmundi Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. 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. Best Times to Visit Jaco - Weather, Season, Temperature - TripHobo 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. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? May through November is the green season. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 93 F and average low is 73 F, with about 4 days of rain, with an inch of rain falling . You get it all when you visit at this time of year! 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. From the central capital city of San Jose to smaller towns that dot the dreamy coastlines (we especially love Quepos for its natural beauty and immersive cultural experience), Costa Rica is so alive with culture, tradition, and amazing foods. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . 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. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Authentic specialties like casado, gallo pinto, sopa negra, and more await your taste buds when you dive into the real Costa Rica off the beaten path. Travel Tips. 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 weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. 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. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice.