5. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. However, the rainy season isnt quite as severe as one might imagine, which is why the term green season has gained popularity instead of wet season because the countrys jungles, forests, and flowers use the rainfall to blossom and turn green.. The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. 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. Where to Stay in Cancun | Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Ricain 2023, Where to Stay in Costa Rica | Best Areas & Hotels, 19 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in 2023. 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. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? 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. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. 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.. 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. One other way of deciding which months are best for destinations in Costa Rica is by looking at the average number of days that it rains each month. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. Tie in a neighbour. However, if you prefer enjoying your vacation/trip when there are fewer crowds, then the ideal time of year to visit Costa Rica is either May or November. You can choose from among leisure activities. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? There is an easy solution though. May through November is the green season. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. 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. 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. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . Hurricane Season. 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. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? 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. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in.
Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . These same two months are among the most popular months for western Caribbean cruises because other destinationssuch as Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Roatanalso have lighter rain during the same time. But times change. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. 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. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. 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. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. 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 dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. . Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). 7. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. Whether you book your trip during the best time to visit Costa Rica or during the worst, youre going to have an amazing tropical experience. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel 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. 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. If avoiding big crowds for a serene, peaceful getaway is your main goal, the best time to visit Costa Rica is anytime during October through mid-December. The rest . The dry season is back! 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. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. If you want to see the world, go see it! Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. 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. 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. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com
What's the Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica - Plus 7 Top Tips Some hotels increase their prices in these months. 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. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall.
When Is the Worst Time to Travel to the Bahamas? | USA Today The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. But look out for the rest of the year. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is about 2.5 inches of rainfall rain with an average of 5 rainy days per month. 1. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip.
The Best Time to Go to Costa Rica by Season and Month Have you been looking for a country to visit? There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. 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. Knowing when to go can make a difference for cruise visitors who want to explore one of the most popular and wettest ecotourism destinations in the Western Hemisphere. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. As the heavy rainfall begins to wrap up in mid-December, its also one of the best times of year to spot wildlife on land and in the ocean. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. 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 . 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. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 80 F. More than half the days are sunny, with 7 days of rain and 2 inches of rain falling.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. 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. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. December through April is the dry season. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town).
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Bookmundi Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. 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. Best Rainy Season Activities. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. 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. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 93 F and average low is 73 F, with about 4 days of rain, with an inch of rain falling . This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! 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. October is the rainiest month. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. 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. This a tough topic. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. Mexico or Costa Rica? Arenal. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. 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. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content 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. It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. 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. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. 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. or less. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. 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. 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.
9 BEST Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023 - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. 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.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. Plus, there are no crowds. 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. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Always Pack a Raincoat. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. All Rights Reserved. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; green, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. 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 Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. The most stable weather is between December and April.
The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 1. 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. Book early. 2. Arenal, at 1,670 meters above sea level, is undoubtedly the most well-known of Costa Rica's volcanic giants since it is one of the world's top ten most active volcanoes. 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 . One of the advantages of visiting . Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. 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. April is a transitional month. 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 best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. This is us in Tamarindo! $264. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. Travel Tips. Fortunately, this travel guide provides vital information on the best as well as the worst time to visit Costa Rica to enable you to plan an ideal travel itinerary. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education.