Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. rainfall increases to almost 3 inches, and an average of 7 rainy days per month. They include: According to the Culture Trip, theft is a common type of crime in Costa Rica, so the chances of you losing your values to this are so high. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . So, watch out. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. One of the advantages of visiting . On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. The Costa Rica market is flooded with hard drugs such as cocaine, and there are instances where even medicinal drugs are stuffed with them to recruit new drug customers. 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. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. 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. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. Traveling during the rainy season also presents a chance to witness the thousands of turtles that come to deposit their eggs on the sandy beaches of Costa Rica. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Monthly Rainfall & Temperature Averagesfor 1960-1990, For a general idea of monthly weather conditions, The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. 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. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . 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. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Liberia (Guanacaste) are January, February, March, April, November and December. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. The rainiest months are September and . As the heavy rainfall begins to wrap up in mid-December, its also one of the best times of year to spot wildlife on land and in the ocean. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). This a tough topic. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. 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. The worst months are May through October because of. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. Typically, the sky clears up as the rains begin to taper off for dry season, and you can experience beautiful beach days on the Pacific Coast. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . . The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). April typically marks the end of the dry season. Overall, the winter months (the driest months) and the summer months of July and August (which have a bit of a lull during the rainy season) are the best times to visit Costa Rica. . She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Puntarenas and San Jos get rain more than 20 days a month from May through October and peak at 25-26 days in September and October. 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. The mountain regions are yet to dry, the road in them is clogged with mad, and you can still experience rainfalls at any given time. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. 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. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. 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. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. 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. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. 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. Costa Rica September. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. 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. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. 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. 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. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . 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. 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. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. 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. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Brrr! 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. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 90 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. In fact, you're likely to encounter snow here until well into May and temperatures can fall to -30C, though Norrland 's summer months are typically a comfortable 15 degrees. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. 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! Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. 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. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. 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. 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. Study up and see how you can optimize your Costa Rican getaway without breaking the bank: If you want an unforgettable tropical vacation, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations. This is partly the result of higher elevations. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. There truly is never a bad bad time to visit Costa Rica; however, May is the worst month to visit, as the rain is fairly high, and you dont have the added benefits of good surfing conditions or turtle or whale watching season. 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. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). price over the last 2 weeks) or less. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. 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. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. 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. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. 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. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 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. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Hotels and businesses are dragging to reopen or reinvest after the business had slowed down during the rainy peaks of September and October. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. 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. (avg. 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. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . Due to the high numbers of tourists present, accommodation facilities and most leisure activities/amenities are usually fully booked while the available ones are overpriced. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Costa Rica is beautifully warm all year, with an average annual temperature of 80-90 Fahrenheit on the coasts and 75-80 in the countryside and on the mountainsides. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. October is the rainiest month. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 73 F. There are about 11 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. But for cruise visitors, the best and worst times also depend on whether they are visiting the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast or the Limon cruise port on the Caribbean coast. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages.

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