When To Go Instead (Best Time To Visit Costa Rica), Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Them. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. In contrast to Limon, these destinations average about one to two inches a month in February and March. 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. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. Beautiful water bodies surround it. Flight from San Jos to Billings. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. There are a lot of candidates for the most treacherous, risky, menacing peril awaiting visitors to Costa Rica - crocodiles in the estuaries, dengue mosquitoes in the swamps, deadly vipers in the rainforest, and psychos behind the wheel of cars, trucks and buses. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. 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. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. 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. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 2 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! 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. 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. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. 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. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . 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 Liberia (Guanacaste) are January, February, March, April, November and December. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. You can see sea turtles at different times throughout the year, but the most famous spot to see them is in Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, and July-October is the best time to see them nesting here. It was founded in 1985 as a family passion and today, it is among worlds leading producers of, Read More The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-TimeContinue, There is something for everyone at sprawling 222-room Hacienda Encantada in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. 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.. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. 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. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. 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. Due to the high numbers of tourists present, accommodation facilities and most leisure activities/amenities are usually fully booked while the available ones are overpriced. You'll pay more, deal with bigger crowds, and less availability for rooms, flights, and rentals, but hey - it's peak season for a reason. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. (avg. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. 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. Some of them include. The Nation values family as the basic social unit, with children staying with their families until they get married. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. 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. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. 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. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. 10. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. 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. 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. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. 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. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. 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. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. 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. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . See average monthly temperatures below. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. 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. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. 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. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. 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. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Costa Rica Climate Guide. 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. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. Good deal one-way. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? 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. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. Nicaragua folklore dress code. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. , 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! 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 peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Book early. On the Caribbean Coast, the average high is 85 F and the average low is 77 F. The area sees about 2 inches of rain, with an average of 4 rainy days per month. 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. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. This a tough topic. $10.5 billion. Undoubtedly, the best weather is in January and February, when Costa Rica is still early in the dry season, and the skies are clear and rain is very low. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. 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. 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. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. 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. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . 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 . 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. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. All Rights Reserved. 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. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. 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. 5. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. Let's have a look at them. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. 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 . In May, the rains had started to pick up in most parts of the country, roads were still passable, and hotels were still within the price ranges of April. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. You'll find significant rain almost every day. 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. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. 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. 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. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. 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. , 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 . For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. 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. 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. If you want to see the world, go see it! Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. I have to say, it's true. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. 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 . If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 72 F,, with about 14 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. 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. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. Most elections are held in February. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. 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. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. 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. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. 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. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. 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. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. 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. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. 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. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Copyright 2023 The Discovery Nut | Privacy Policy, Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid A complete guide [2023], 7 Days In Costa Rica: How To Plan Your Itinerary, 22 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica in 2023. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. May through November is the green season. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. There are some places which, if you make the right decisions on when to visit them, will give you the most extraordinary experience you will ever have. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. 1. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. With that, hotel prices rise. 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.

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