Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. 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. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. 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. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. 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. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. But for cruise visitors, the best and worst times also depend on whether they are visiting the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast or the Limon cruise port on the Caribbean coast. With a booming tourism industry and tons of things for everyone to enjoy, anyone whos been to beautiful Costa Rica will tell you youve got to see it to believe it. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. 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. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. There is an easy solution though. 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. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. Flight from San Jos to Billings. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). April is a transitional month. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. 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. 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. This is us in Tamarindo! This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. 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. 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. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you can opt to visit at the end of January or the start of February to avoid such inconveniences while still enjoying the great weather. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. 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. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. 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. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. 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. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rainfall increases during October, with of the days seeing some rainfall. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. 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. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 7 days with rain, receiving about 2 inches of rain total. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. Good deal one-way. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. Discover Costa Rica's cloud forests, coral reefs and volcanos in new and exciting ways on these four amazing tours; The 50 most attractive nationalities revealed: India is No.1, USA comes second . November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. . But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. 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. 1. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. In contrast to Limon, these destinations average about one to two inches a month in February and March. 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. 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. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. Because Costa Rica has many different climate regions, well discuss the areas on the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the middle of the country. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. 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. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? . pay for content, product research, guides, and more). The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. 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. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. Have you been looking for a country to visit? For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. , 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! The worst months are May through October because of. Arenal and its surroundings make a . The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. 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. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. 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. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. The rest . Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Travel Tips. Study up and see how you can optimize your Costa Rican getaway without breaking the bank: If you want an unforgettable tropical vacation, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4.5 inches of rain falling during the month. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. 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. One of the advantages of visiting . Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? 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 In such a scenario, local conservative members may discriminate against you if you are from a country that supports a topic they are not comfortable with. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. So, watch out. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. . Which side of Costa Rica is Better? The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. Barrio La California, 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. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. Let's have a look at them. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. 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. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. 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. Bolivia doesn't quite have the family appeal of Costa Rica or Cancun, say - but those thinking of traveling in Bolivia with kids shouldn't be deterred. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. 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. These first few months of the dry season are particularly pleasant since the weather condition is warm and the skies are clear. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. 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. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. 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. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. 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. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. 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. The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. 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. The temperature in Costa Rica. October is the rainiest month. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. 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. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. 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. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. 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). 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. 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. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. 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. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. Learn how your comment data is processed. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. Its green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain inJuly in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). Lets have a look at them. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Source . Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). With that, hotel prices rise. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. 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. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. 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. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. 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 worst time to visit overall is late December through January. or less. 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 . 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. 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 rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. Best Rainy Season Activities. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. . So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? 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. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. 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. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. 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 .
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