Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. All Rights Reserved. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls about half of the days in November, and 6 inches falling during the course of the month. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. Best Rainy Season Activities. Flying. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. 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.. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . While theres really not a bad time to go to Costa Rica, the worst time to plan your first visit is during late December through January. 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. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. , We visited in July and experienced several days of completely clear weather, and some days when there was an hour or two of afternoon rain not bad at all, especially when a lot of the tours in La Fortuna happen in the morning! The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. The most stable weather is between December and April. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). They're also most crowded. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. Flight from San Jos to Billings. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. 1. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. 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. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. 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. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. By the end of the month, you have 50% sunny days and 8 days of rain, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. During General Election In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4.5 inches of rain falling during the month. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Arenal. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Shoulder season in Costa Rica is April and November, when the weather shifts between being sunny and fairly dry to being overcast and rainy as the month goes on in April, and then turns from rainy to dry and sunny by the end of November. Temperatures are much warmer than Limon with average daily highs reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit from January through August and dipping into the high 80s for the rest of the year. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is a very slight dip in August in the amount of rain compared to July, with about 6 inches of rain falling during the month. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. 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. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. If you want to see the world, go see it! As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Total rainfall averages less than one inch from January through March, a little more than one inch in May and December and eight inches or more from May through October. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. . In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. 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. 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. Dry Seasons February, March, April, August (2nd half), September, October These months are the driest of the year with occasional rain usually occurring at night or early in the morning. The park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. 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. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. 1. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. Arenal and its surroundings make a . DONT FORGET: Renting a car in Costa Rica ahead of your trip will help you to save hundreds of dollars and also ensure you will have a car when you get there. 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. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. 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. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. 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. 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. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. The worst months are May through October because of. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. 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. 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. 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 hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. 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. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. I have to say, it's true. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. Have you been looking for a country to visit? In this article, I'll be talking about the worst time to visit Costa Rica, as well as providing some tips for making the most of your trip even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. 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. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. 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. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. . Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. This time of year is also a great time to visit the country because of what we refer to as the glorious awakening of nature. Similar to the beautiful green scenery you see when spring finally arrives after a long winter, everything appears to come to life during the green season. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. Costa Rica Experts 2023. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. 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. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. 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. No wonder July and August are highly regarded as the best time to visit Costa Rica by travel agencies and experienced travelers in the know! Its simple with our helpful travel tips! April is a transitional month. | 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. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . 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. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. 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. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. 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. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. October is the rainiest month. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. Because Costa Rica has many different climate regions, well discuss the areas on the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the middle of the country. . In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . 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. Where to Stay in Cancun | Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Ricain 2023, Where to Stay in Costa Rica | Best Areas & Hotels, 19 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in 2023. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. 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. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. 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. But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. 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. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. Multiple pools, Read More 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, MexicoContinue, Until not too long ago, Tampere was a slightly gritty town that was better known for its industry than its beauty. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. 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. 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.. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below.