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 . Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Arenal. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Barrio La California, April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content 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. The worst months are May through October because of. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. 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. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! | 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. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. This is partly the result of higher elevations. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. Always Pack a Raincoat. 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 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. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. Sunsets are just horrible. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. 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. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . 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. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. $10.5 billion. 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! Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Source . 2. With a booming tourism industry and tons of things for everyone to enjoy, anyone whos been to beautiful Costa Rica will tell you youve got to see it to believe it. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. . There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. The rainiest months are September and . 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. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. Its green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain inJuly in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. or less. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 12 days with rain, receiving about 5 inches of rain total, with rain decreasing throughout the month. 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.. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. 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. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. The annual rainfall in these regions ranges from 40 to 60 inches, while temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) almost all year long. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. 1. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. 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. 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. 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. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. 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. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. So, watch out. 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 shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Dry Seasons February, March, April, August (2nd half), September, October These months are the driest of the year with occasional rain usually occurring at night or early in the morning. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. 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 period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. 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. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. The trade winds come in off the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica during the dry season and the strong prevailing wind pattern creates a rain shadow on the Pacific . But times change. The dense jungles and protected rain forests in national parks here are ideal destinations for anyone who loves to get out and see wildlife in their natural habitat. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. 6. Book early. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. 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 rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. 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. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. 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. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Now for the monthly breakdown. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. If you are not a fan of the heavy rains, do not travel to the South Pacific because the rains here are heavy by the second week of May. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Some of them include. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Overall, the winter months (the driest months) and the summer months of July and August (which have a bit of a lull during the rainy season) are the best times to visit Costa Rica. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Central America which, in most countries, is January-March (or November-April in Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras). Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. Travel Tips. Knowing which months are dry or green seasons in the country is crucial as it will help you choose the best place and time to visit. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. 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. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. Cloudy skies predominate, and there are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. Nicaragua folklore dress code. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. In this article, I'll be talking about the worst time to visit Costa Rica, as well as providing some tips for making the most of your trip even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. 5. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. 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. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. If avoiding big crowds for a serene, peaceful getaway is your main goal, the best time to visit Costa Rica is anytime during October through mid-December. In addition, in November, beach activities are very low, crowds are still not picking up early, and this denies the chance to learn more about the culture of the Costa Ricans. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. April is a transitional month. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. 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. 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. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. 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. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature.
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