. 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. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. 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. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. The rainiest months are September and . If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 9 days of rain and 3 inches of rain falling during the month. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. 1. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. 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 hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. 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. 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! 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. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. . 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. 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. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. 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. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. 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. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. Barrio La California, In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. 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. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Now that you know the best time to visit Costa Rica and have a few seasoned traveler tips under your belt, youll be able to plan the perfect tropical vacation. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. 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. Theres no bad time to go to Costa Rica. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Yes, the answer depends on the individual. 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. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . 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. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. 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. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. 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. December through April is the dry season. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Travelers at this time of year will also find lively fiestas and festivals happening all around the nation, complete with bullfights, dancing, and live music. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. 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. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. 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. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. 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. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. July is very similar to June, with about 16 rainy days and 7 inches of rainfall throughout the month. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. 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 . Flying. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. 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. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. There are some places which, if you make the right decisions on when to visit them, will give you the most extraordinary experience you will ever have. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. 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. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. 7. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . So, watch out. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. 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. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog. 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. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. The currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rica Colon, and according to Xe.com, the 633.75 Colones are trading to the equivalent of $1. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. 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.. 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. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. 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. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. By the end of the month, you have 50% sunny days and 8 days of rain, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. One of the advantages of visiting . The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. You can see sea turtles at different times throughout the year, but the most famous spot to see them is in Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, and July-October is the best time to see them nesting here. This is us in Tamarindo! Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. Expect it to be warm and humid. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. 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. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. . Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. 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. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. About every other day will have rain (on average), with about 6 inches of rainfall during the month. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April.
March 11, 2023