Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). You can choose from among leisure activities. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. 1. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. 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. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! Travelers can still enjoy clear skies, although the vegetation, particularly on the North Pacific Coast, has lost some of its vibrant green sparkle after months of little rain. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. 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. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. 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. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. 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. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. 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. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. The capital city of San Jos and many interior locations attract visitors from Puntarenas for the citys nightlife and natural attractions of the surrounding area. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. May through November is the green season. Sunsets are just horrible. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. May, June and July are the rainiest. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Typically, the sky clears up as the rains begin to taper off for dry season, and you can experience beautiful beach days on the Pacific Coast. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. , 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 . Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. 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. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. The park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. There are less than 3 days of rain, with less than an inch of rain falling. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. This a tough topic. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. Some of them include. 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. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. According to Christa from Pura Vida Moms, the worst place to go if you want to avoid mosquitoes in Costa Rica is the Caribbean Coast (around Tortuguero National Park), Osa Penninsula . 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. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. . Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. The rest . 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. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. The worst months are May through October because of. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. 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. 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. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit 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. 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. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. 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. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. 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. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. The most stable weather is between December and April. Costa Rica September. 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. 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. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. They are more likely to experience an increase in total rainfall. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. You'll find significant rain almost every day. 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. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. May through November is the green season. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. You'll pay more, deal with bigger crowds, and less availability for rooms, flights, and rentals, but hey - it's peak season for a reason. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. 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. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. This guide will help you make an informed decision about how to plan your adventure and know what to expect during your trip to Costa Rica, whether youre doing activities in La Fortuna or hanging out at the beach in Tamarindo! Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. 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. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. 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. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. Tie in a neighbour. Flight from San Jos to Billings. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. 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. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. These first few months of the dry season are particularly pleasant since the weather condition is warm and the skies are clear. 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. Turtle Watching Season Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Whether youre looking for lively metro areas with tons of shopping, accommodations, and restaurant options or a tucked-away towns with vibrant and authentic Costa Rican culture, youll find it here. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. 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). No wonder July and August are highly regarded as the best time to visit Costa Rica by travel agencies and experienced travelers in the know! 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? Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. DONT FORGET: Renting a car in Costa Rica ahead of your trip will help you to save hundreds of dollars and also ensure you will have a car when you get there. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. 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. 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. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! 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. Arenal. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Hurricane Season. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. 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. 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. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. December through April is the dry season. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. Plus, there are no crowds. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you can opt to visit at the end of January or the start of February to avoid such inconveniences while still enjoying the great weather. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Good deal one-way. 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 ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. 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. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. I have to say, it's true. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is still squarely in the rainy season, with approximately half the days seeing rain and 6 inches of rain falling throughout the month. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. (avg. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. 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. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 7 days with rain, receiving about 2 inches of rain total. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. In fact, you're likely to encounter snow here until well into May and temperatures can fall to -30C, though Norrland 's summer months are typically a comfortable 15 degrees. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Source . 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. 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..