In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! 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. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. The worst months are May through October because of. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Most elections are held in February. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. $10.5 billion. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. 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. December through April is the dry season. Lets have a look at them. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Fortunately, this travel guide provides vital information on the best as well as the worst time to visit Costa Rica to enable you to plan an ideal travel itinerary. The warmest time of year is generally late March where highs are regularly around 88F (31.1C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 65F (18.3C) at night. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Calle 15, San Jos, 133391-1000, Costa Rica, Phone: +5-06-22-57-72-02 Top rated last minute places for couples: Getaways from DC, OK resorts, From Seattle, SD resorts, Bahamas, Casinos near NYC, Lava Tubes Flagstaff, Pueblo, November 7. 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. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. 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. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 9 days of rain and 3 inches of rain falling during the month. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). Another reason the wet season is not ideal is that some of the vital attractions sites in the country, such as national parks and beaches, may be closed or their operating hours shortened due to the wet weather; hence it limits the activities and time one gets to enjoy. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. 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. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. As the heavy rainfall begins to wrap up in mid-December, its also one of the best times of year to spot wildlife on land and in the ocean. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. December through April is the dry season. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. 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. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). 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. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. 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. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . 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. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. They're also most crowded. The Costa Rica market is flooded with hard drugs such as cocaine, and there are instances where even medicinal drugs are stuffed with them to recruit new drug customers. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is one of the wettest months for the region, with about 13 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. 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. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. One of the advantages of visiting . Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. Travel Tips. 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. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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 . November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit La Fortuna, the hottest months are April, March, and then February. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. Source . Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months 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. 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. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. 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). 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. 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 country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Sunsets are just horrible. May through November is the green season. Brrr! May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. 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. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. 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. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. 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. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. 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. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. They are more likely to experience an increase in total rainfall. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. 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. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. . As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. 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. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. During General Election In fact, you're likely to encounter snow here until well into May and temperatures can fall to -30C, though Norrland 's summer months are typically a comfortable 15 degrees. 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 . It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. . Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. 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. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. 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. 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. 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. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. Knowing when to go can make a difference for cruise visitors who want to explore one of the most popular and wettest ecotourism destinations in the Western Hemisphere. The rainiest months are September and . You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. 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. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. Hurricane Season. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. 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. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. 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. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. While theres more rainfall from September through mid-December than any other part of the year, you also benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. Around 75% of the country's 6,000,000 people live on less than $2 per day, well below the poverty line of most countries. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. 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. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! 7. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 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. 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. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. , 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 . This is partly the result of higher elevations. The dry season has plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for wildlife watching, beach lounging, and indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. All rights reserved. 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. Barrio La California, The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. 1. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. 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. . Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. 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. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. The Southern Pacific Region of Costa Rica is an incredible area that delights and surprises tourists with memories of Costa Rica that they'll have for life. Costa Rica Experts 2023. 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. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. . Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Arenal. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. 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. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Start Here Caribbean Costa Rica The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. May, June and July are the rainiest. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Nicaragua folklore dress code. 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! Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. The temperature in Costa Rica. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit.