Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. 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. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. 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. 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. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. 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. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Total rainfall averages less than one inch from January through March, a little more than one inch in May and December and eight inches or more from May through October. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. 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 is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. 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. Rains typically pass quickly at this time of year, delivering much-needed hydration to the lush jungles and rain forests without sticking around long enough to make your beach trip a waste. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. 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. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. From the central capital city of San Jose to smaller towns that dot the dreamy coastlines (we especially love Quepos for its natural beauty and immersive cultural experience), Costa Rica is so alive with culture, tradition, and amazing foods. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. 1. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . , 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! We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. 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. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. April, Enjoy the Sunshine, the Wildlife, and the Samantha Week, May, Witness the Transition to Rainy Seasons, December, Take Advantage of the Holiday Celebrations, October, the Terrible Roads in Parks and Low Hotel Season, November, The Month with the Highest Number of Places You Should Avoid, The Best Places You Can Visit at Any Time in Costa Rica, Things to Avoid When You are in Costa Rica, The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-Time, 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, Mexico, The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, Finland, How Ali Wong Achieved a Net Worth of $3 Million, Eight Reasons to go to French Polynesias Marquesas Islands, How Lisa Rinna Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, 20 Cities with The Worst Weather in Europe. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. 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. 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. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! You get it all when you visit at this time of year! Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Costa Rica is beautifully warm all year, with an average annual temperature of 80-90 Fahrenheit on the coasts and 75-80 in the countryside and on the mountainsides. 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 annual rainfall in these regions ranges from 40 to 60 inches, while temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) almost all year long. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. 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. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. 5. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Book early. 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! The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Central America which, in most countries, is January-March (or November-April in Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras). There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. 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. While theres considerably more rainfall during these months, the rains in Costa Rica move through quickly and will still leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor exploration. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. 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. To sail in Tahiti means to enjoy not only the beauty of the islands, but also the, Read More The Top 5 Places to Sail in TahitiContinue, California is mostly synonymous with the Hollywood entertainment industry, sunny beaches, and a temperate weather. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. 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? At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. The rainiest months are September and . Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . Sunsets are just horrible. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. 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. 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! The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. $264. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. 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. 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. There is an easy solution though. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. 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! Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. 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. | 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. In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. 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. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. 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. 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. 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. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. 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. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. The International Living gives a detailed report on the places you should avoid the most in November: Santa Rita de Alajuela, Leon XIIII, Tibas, San Jose, Limon City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, and the Puntarenas City, Puntarenas. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. , 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 . The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. See average monthly temperatures below. 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. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. Flight from San Jos to Billings. 1. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. Knowing which months are dry or green seasons in the country is crucial as it will help you choose the best place and time to visit. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. Puntarenas and San Jos get rain more than 20 days a month from May through October and peak at 25-26 days in September and October. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. Worst Weather 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. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate.

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