Plus, there are no crowds. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. 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! 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. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Flying. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. Brrr! And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. They are more likely to experience an increase in total rainfall. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). 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. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. 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.. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 12 days with rain, receiving about 5 inches of rain total, with rain decreasing throughout the month. 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 . 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. You can choose from among leisure activities. 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. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. | 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. 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. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. Multiple pools, Read More 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, MexicoContinue, Until not too long ago, Tampere was a slightly gritty town that was better known for its industry than its beauty. 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. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. They're also most crowded. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. 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 . Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. . 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. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of 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. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. , 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 . One of the advantages of visiting . At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. Travel Tips. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. Hotels and businesses are dragging to reopen or reinvest after the business had slowed down during the rainy peaks of September and October. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. Shoulder season in Costa Rica is April and November, when the weather shifts between being sunny and fairly dry to being overcast and rainy as the month goes on in April, and then turns from rainy to dry and sunny by the end of November. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. 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. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. 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. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. Costa Rica for solo travellers. Flight from San Jos to Billings. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . The temperature in Costa Rica. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Palmeros Festival in Costa Rica takes place in January and draws in a ton of visitors (about 1 hour from San Jose) and includes concerts, dancing, and food sampling. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. This time of year is also a great time to visit the country because of what we refer to as the glorious awakening of nature. Similar to the beautiful green scenery you see when spring finally arrives after a long winter, everything appears to come to life during the green season. 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. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. This is partly the result of higher elevations. This Central American nation located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is endowed with wild rainforests, spectacular national parks, roaring waterfalls, and other natural wonders. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. 10. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. 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. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. But times change. Well show you the best time to visit Costa Rica no matter what your goal is the best overall trip, the cheapest, the least busy, and more. The 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. There is an easy solution though. 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. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. May through November is the green season. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. 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. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. 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? 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. 6. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. No one is tired of receiving Christmas gifts, you can give your sons one of the most memorable gifts you ever have, and here they call it the Nino Dios Moment. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. (avg. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The Nation values family as the basic social unit, with children staying with their families until they get married. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Let's have a look at them. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. You know the best time to visit Costa Rica, but making the most of your trip to Costa Rica means you need a little more info to plan your getaway. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. 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. 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. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Expect it to be warm and humid. 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. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. 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. Some of them include. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. May through November is the green season. So, watch out. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. 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. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. 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! It is also clear that there is no specific worst time to visit Costa Rica since its diversity in terms of seasons and climatic conditions presents unique, attractive features and activities to satisfy the needs of different types of tourists. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. 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! Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. 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. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. 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. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. 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. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. All rights reserved. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. 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. 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. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. However, there are many microclimates in 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 rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. The worst months are May through October because of. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. 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. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. 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. They include: According to the Culture Trip, theft is a common type of crime in Costa Rica, so the chances of you losing your values to this are so high. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? 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. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. 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. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. We'll go over the best (and worst) times to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more in this article. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. 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.