Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. 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. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. At this time, you also have several festive celebrations, such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose, which is held in the second week of the month. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. 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. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. , 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 . Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. Clearly, the best time of year to visit Puntarenas is during the winter and early spring and the worst times to visit are during the summer and fall. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. 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. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . (avg. Theres no bad time to go to Costa Rica. One of the advantages of visiting . The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Turtle Watching Season On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. 7. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? It still erupts from time to time, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This a tough topic. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. 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. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. 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. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! Costa Rica has a tropical climate. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. Sunsets are just horrible. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. December through April is the dry season. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . The temperature in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a dream destination, with epic surfing, misty cloud forests, and wilderness and wildlife that will take your breath away.Costa Rica is known for adventure travel, but it is also making strides in sustainable and accessible travel initiatives.This Central American country's small size means that travelers can enjoy a wide variety of experiences in a short trip. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. 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. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. Flying. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. 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? Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls about half of the days in November, and 6 inches falling during the course of the month. Plus, there are no crowds. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. 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. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. 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. 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. 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. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. October is the rainiest month. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. 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. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. 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. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. 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. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. 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. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. Now for the monthly breakdown. 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. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. 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. See average monthly temperatures below. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. If you want to see the world, go see it! She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. Start Here Caribbean Costa Rica The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? 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. 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. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). price over the last 2 weeks) or less. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. 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. 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. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! 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 worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. Beautiful water bodies surround it. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? 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. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. The dry season is back! Some of them include. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. 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. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. . 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. 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 A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. December through April is the dry season. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. 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. Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. . 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. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. 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. At elevations above sea level, often referred to as the lowlands, the temperature is typically approximately 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), whereas, in the so-called highlands, it is typically 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius). Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. 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. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Good deal one-way. May, June and July are the rainiest. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. 10. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. Today, Tamperes old cotton mills have been turned into chic malls,, Read More The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, FinlandContinue, Tahiti is one of those places where the nautical conditions are pretty much near perfect all year long.