The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. 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. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. 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. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. 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 . Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. 1. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). 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. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet Surfing and rafting are fantastic. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. Rains typically pass quickly at this time of year, delivering much-needed hydration to the lush jungles and rain forests without sticking around long enough to make your beach trip a waste. 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. 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. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. The International Living gives a detailed report on the places you should avoid the most in November: Santa Rita de Alajuela, Leon XIIII, Tibas, San Jose, Limon City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, and the Puntarenas City, Puntarenas. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. April typically marks the end of the dry 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. 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. Hotels and businesses are dragging to reopen or reinvest after the business had slowed down during the rainy peaks of September and October. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. Flying. All rights reserved. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. 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. 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. What's The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? - Visitingly The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which is Worth Your Time? - Layer Culture Some of them include. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. 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. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2022 | Travellers (2023) This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. 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. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. But times change. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. 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. 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.. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. You can choose from among leisure activities. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - Caribeez.com Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. 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. Worst Weather 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. What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. . The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. You know the best time to visit Costa Rica, but making the most of your trip to Costa Rica means you need a little more info to plan your getaway. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. While theres considerably more rainfall during these months, the rains in Costa Rica move through quickly and will still leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor exploration. One of the advantages of visiting . The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. 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. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast inMarch; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: Costa Rica Spring Break Survival Guide. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. 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. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Turtle Watching Season You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. $10.5 billion. 15 Unpleasant Facts You Should Know About Costa Rica - theclever The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website The dry season is back! Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices.