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. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. Whether you book your trip during the best time to visit Costa Rica or during the worst, youre going to have an amazing tropical experience. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. 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. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit La Fortuna, the hottest months are April, March, and then February. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. . The best time of year to travel to Costa Rica - Pickvisa A Guide to Visiting Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Plus, there are no crowds. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. Nicaragua folklore dress code. At this time, you also have several festive celebrations, such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose, which is held in the second week of the month. There is an easy solution though. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. 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. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. 1. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. 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. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. 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. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. 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. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. . Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? The first window is during February and March when the city experiences an average of about eight to nine inches of rain each month, according to 30 years of data from the World Weather Organization. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. 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 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. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. 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. Most elections are held in February. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. or less. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers 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. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Its simple with our helpful 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. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). This is partly the result of higher elevations. 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 . 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. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. 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 . Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. . The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. It is the perfect time to explore Costa Ricas magnificent rainforests, view the wild animals in their natural habitat, and relax on the sandy beaches. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. 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. 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. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. 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 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. This is us in Tamarindo! Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. Now that you know the best time to visit Costa Rica and have a few seasoned traveler tips under your belt, youll be able to plan the perfect tropical vacation. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. Costa Rica ranks 16th on U.S. News & World Report's list of the world's best places to visit, and according to data collected from more than 1.6 million users worldwide on the travel app . Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. April typically marks the end of the dry season. The Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Turks and Caicos - Travel The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. All Rights Reserved. October is the rainiest month. Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation Things to do | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons At the end of the month, the big crowds which had turned up to celebrate the Easter holiday start to go low, and the hotels charge the cheapest. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. 1. Turtle Watching Season 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. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. The dense jungles and protected rain forests in national parks here are ideal destinations for anyone who loves to get out and see wildlife in their natural habitat. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. 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. 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. 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. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. 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. Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. Best time to visit Jaco Attractions in October Best time to visit Costa Rica Waterfall Tours in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Jaco Beach in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Atv Adventure Tours Costa Rica in Jaco October Everyday : 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM Best time to visit Discovery Horse Tours in Jaco October One other way of deciding which months are best for destinations in Costa Rica is by looking at the average number of days that it rains each month. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. I have to say, it's true. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . | 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. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. 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. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. 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. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. Our personal favorite time to go to Costa Rica is July and August when there's a bit more rain but even fewer visitors and slightly lower prices and of course it's great to travel during the secret dry season on the Caribbean in September and October In fact there's no bad time to go. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons) - Eco Lodges Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. Costa Rica September. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . The most stable weather is between December and April. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. 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. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. 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. 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. Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. millions of different wildlife and plant species, Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips, The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023?
