It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. With a booming tourism industry and tons of things for everyone to enjoy, anyone whos been to beautiful Costa Rica will tell you youve got to see it to believe it. Costa Rica Climate Guide. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. 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. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. These same two months are among the most popular months for western Caribbean cruises because other destinationssuch as Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Roatanalso have lighter rain during the same time. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; green, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Central America which, in most countries, is January-March (or November-April in Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras). Costa Rica is a dream destination, with epic surfing, misty cloud forests, and wilderness and wildlife that will take your breath away.Costa Rica is known for adventure travel, but it is also making strides in sustainable and accessible travel initiatives.This Central American country's small size means that travelers can enjoy a wide variety of experiences in a short trip. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . Today, Tamperes old cotton mills have been turned into chic malls,, Read More The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, FinlandContinue, Tahiti is one of those places where the nautical conditions are pretty much near perfect all year long. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. . You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. But look out for the rest of the year. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? 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. 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. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. 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 two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. 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. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. $10.5 billion. 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! Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. Most elections are held in February. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. 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. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. 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. 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. 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. 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. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. 1. 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 Central Costa Rica, the average high is 91 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. 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. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. 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. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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 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. 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. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. 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. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. 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. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. All rights reserved. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. 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. Turtle Watching Season 7. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. 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. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. 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. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. Its important to note when talking about the rainy season in Costa Rica that often rain will fall mostly in the afternoon, so the mornings will still be clear for your beach time or activities. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is the driest month of the year, with an average of 1.3 inches of rainfall, and an average of 4 rainy days per month. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. 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. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Now for the monthly breakdown. The rainiest months are September and . The Nation values family as the basic social unit, with children staying with their families until they get married. 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. 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.. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. This is us in Tamarindo! Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. 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. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. 10. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. It will be sunny about half of the days and rain will fall about of the days this month, with an average total of 4 inches of rain. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. | 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. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 13 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. 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. Therefore, there are certain things you should keep in mind if you intend to travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season to stay secure and comfortable. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. According to Christa from Pura Vida Moms, the worst place to go if you want to avoid mosquitoes in Costa Rica is the Caribbean Coast (around Tortuguero National Park), Osa Penninsula . 1. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? 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. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Expect it to be warm and humid. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. 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. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! 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 dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Have you been looking for a country to visit? 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. 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. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. 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. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. 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. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast inMarch; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: Costa Rica Spring Break Survival Guide. Lets have a look at them. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! 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. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. . If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. 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. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. 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. One of the advantages of visiting . Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. 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. There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. 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! 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! And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. 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. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. 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 . And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. 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. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. 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. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rainfall increases during October, with of the days seeing some rainfall.