worst time to visit costa rica

Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. The weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. When referencing Pacific weather in the following sections, weve highlighted what you will experience when staying in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area, which is the middle of the Pacific Coast. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. 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. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. All rights reserved. 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. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. 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! The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. Nicaragua folklore dress code. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. 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. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. 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. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. 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. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. 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 . The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). Expect it to be warm and humid. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. 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. The vegetation is lush, waterfalls are high, and you have a good chance to see whales, nesting turtles in some regions, and enjoy surfing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Taking the last general elections, for example, there were serious concerns among the conservatives that there would be a gay deputy president in the country. Least crowded months in Costa Rica: May-October Dry Season in Costa Rica For most of the country, dry season means picture-perfect sunny days, fewer rain showers, and slightly warmer temperatures. There is an easy solution though. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 90 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. Arenal and its surroundings make a . Surfing and rafting are fantastic. 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. 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. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. . 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. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. 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. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. Lets have a look at them. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. 1. So, watch out. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. 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! San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. One of the advantages of visiting . 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. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. . The temperature in Costa Rica. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. 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.. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? pay for content, product research, guides, and more). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. Sunsets are just horrible. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. But times change. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 7. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. 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. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? 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. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. Costa Rica Climate Guide. 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. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. 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. 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. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. Some of them include. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. 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. Have you been looking for a country to visit? Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! 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. 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. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. 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. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . It is also essential to note that the coldest months in the country are typically from September through November, though this varies from region to region. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. While theres really not a bad time to go to Costa Rica, the worst time to plan your first visit is during late December through January. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is the driest month of the year, with an average of 1.3 inches of rainfall, and an average of 4 rainy days per month. 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. This is us in Tamarindo! As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. You'll find significant rain almost every day. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. 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. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. 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. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). 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. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Now for the monthly breakdown. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. 1. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. The rainiest months are September and . If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. 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. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. 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 Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons.