Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. May through November is the green season. 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. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. (avg. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. 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.. I have to say, it's true. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. 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. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. Best time to visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica | Escapade Tours Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. 11 tips for travelling in Costa Rica | Rough Guides Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. 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. Hurricane Season. 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. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. December through April is the dry season. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. 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 April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. The weather in Costa Rica is pretty temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. 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. Flying. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. 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. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? At this time, the weather is dry and bright. 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. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. 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. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. The rest . This Central American nation located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is endowed with wild rainforests, spectacular national parks, roaring waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. 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. 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. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. 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. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica - Two Weeks 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 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. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. 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. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. 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. However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid 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. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (Factual Data, Pros & Cons) - Eco Lodges All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). or less. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Cheap Flights from Costa Rica to Montana from $1,038 - KAYAK There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. 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. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. 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. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. 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? The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. This a tough topic. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. 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 . . It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. 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. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Best time to visit Central America - Responsible Travel So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 91 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. 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. 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. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content 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 park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Mid-March to early May and mid-October to early December are the best months to visit Japan due to its stunning colors and mild weather. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The dry season has plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for wildlife watching, beach lounging, and indulging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Book early. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic.