During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. During General Election Even if you go during the height of the rainy season or peak tourism times, youre going to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of this country. 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. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations There is an easy solution though. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. 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. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. One of the advantages of visiting . I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. 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. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. . 6. 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 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. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. 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. 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. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Always Pack a Raincoat. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. 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. 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. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of 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. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . , 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! Costa Rica Experts 2023. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. 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.. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. 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. 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. May, June and July are the rainiest. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. The dry season is back! Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Sunsets are just horrible. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Its climate status can be roughly divided into two seasons: the dry season, also known as the high season, and the rainy season, also known as the green season. 1. Best time to visit Jaco Attractions in October Best time to visit Costa Rica Waterfall Tours in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Jaco Beach in Jaco October Everyday : 24-hrs Best time to visit Atv Adventure Tours Costa Rica in Jaco October Everyday : 08:00 AM to 09:00 PM Best time to visit Discovery Horse Tours in Jaco October I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Source: WikimediaThe best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease.The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. The Weather and Climate in Costa Rica - TripSavvy In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. 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. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. Plus, there are no crowds. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? Best time to go to Tamarindo Average weather of Tamarindo, Costa Rica The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica (2023) This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. This is your favorite month for those who want to enjoy the weather transition. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. 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. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. Best time to visit Costa Rica Happily, the best weather coincides with Christmas, new Year, spring half term and the worst of the northern winters. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. 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. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. 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, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 7. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. 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. Good deal one-way. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. They're also most crowded. 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. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. 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 must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. 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. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. 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 worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. When To Visit Japan: Best and Worst Times - Sightsee & Sushi 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. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Vacation? The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. 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! If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. 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. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. All rights reserved. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. 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. 15 Unpleasant Facts You Should Know About Costa Rica - theclever Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. With that, hotel prices rise. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. 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. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. 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. Arenal. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. . The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Expect it to be warm and humid. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit 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. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. rainfall increases to almost 3 inches, and an average of 7 rainy days per month. The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety 5. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023]