Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. 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. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. 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. Theres no bad time to go to Costa Rica. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls approximately every other day (on average), with about 7 inches of rainfall during the month. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. 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. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. I have to say, it's true. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. 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 . First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. 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. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. $264. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. Sunsets are just horrible. 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. Always Pack a Raincoat. , 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 . The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. Mexico or Costa Rica? The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 72 F,, with about 14 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. 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. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! The International Living gives a detailed report on the places you should avoid the most in November: Santa Rita de Alajuela, Leon XIIII, Tibas, San Jose, Limon City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, and the Puntarenas City, Puntarenas. 5. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. At elevations above sea level, often referred to as the lowlands, the temperature is typically approximately 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), whereas, in the so-called highlands, it is typically 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius). From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. 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. Now for the monthly breakdown. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. Some of them include. . But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. 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. Brrr! Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. April is a transitional month. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. . They have an amazing way of doing flowers. 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. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. September to early December are the cheapest times to go to Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season throughout the country. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. Travel Tips. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. On the Pacific Coast, April to August has the best surfing waves for experienced surfers, while beginners will appreciate the somewhat smaller waves on the Pacific Coast from December to April. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). 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. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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. The average annual rainfall in the country is about 100 inches; however, mountainous regions can have an annual rainfall of up to 25 feet or 300 inches. 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. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. Costa Rica September. 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. 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. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. 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. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. 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. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. Arenal and its surroundings make a . Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. Arenal, at 1,670 meters above sea level, is undoubtedly the most well-known of Costa Rica's volcanic giants since it is one of the world's top ten most active volcanoes. But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. 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. 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. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. 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. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. 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. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. All Rights Reserved. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. Best Rainy Season Activities. 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. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. 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. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. Technically, July and August are part of the rainy season too, but is often considered mini summer because the rain is a little bit lower during these months, especially in the central parts of the country. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. 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. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. Good deal one-way. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. 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. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. 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. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. But times change. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. 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. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. Nicaragua folklore dress code. 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. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. They're also most crowded. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. 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. 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. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. 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! However, the rainy season isnt quite as severe as one might imagine, which is why the term green season has gained popularity instead of wet season because the countrys jungles, forests, and flowers use the rainfall to blossom and turn green.. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. 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. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. To sail in Tahiti means to enjoy not only the beauty of the islands, but also the, Read More The Top 5 Places to Sail in TahitiContinue, California is mostly synonymous with the Hollywood entertainment industry, sunny beaches, and a temperate weather. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). 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. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. 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. Beautiful water bodies surround it. The trade winds come in off the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica during the dry season and the strong prevailing wind pattern creates a rain shadow on the Pacific . You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. 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. Flight from San Jos to Billings. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . The park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. 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. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. Source . 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. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. 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. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. Discover Costa Rica's cloud forests, coral reefs and volcanos in new and exciting ways on these four amazing tours; The 50 most attractive nationalities revealed: India is No.1, USA comes second . | 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. 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. Most elections are held in February. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s.

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