In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is one of the wettest months for the region, with about 13 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. 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. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. December through April is the dry season. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. 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. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. Beautiful water bodies surround it. 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. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. The rest . These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. | 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. 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 September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. 1. 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. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. 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 rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. 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. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! 10. Let's have a look at them. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. The worst months are May through October because of. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. The Most Dangerous Thing in Costa Rica While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. Temperatures are much warmer than Limon with average daily highs reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit from January through August and dipping into the high 80s for the rest of the year. For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Vacation? Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. 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 Central American nation located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is endowed with wild rainforests, spectacular national parks, roaring waterfalls, and other natural wonders. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! 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. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. 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. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. April is a transitional month. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. 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. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons Our personal favorite time to go to Costa Rica is July and August when there's a bit more rain but even fewer visitors and slightly lower prices and of course it's great to travel during the secret dry season on the Caribbean in September and October In fact there's no bad time to go. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. Best Rainy Season Activities. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. Discover Costa Rica's cloud forests, coral reefs and volcanos in new and exciting ways on these four amazing tours; The 50 most attractive nationalities revealed: India is No.1, USA comes second . San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. If you want to see the world, go see it! However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. In such a scenario, local conservative members may discriminate against you if you are from a country that supports a topic they are not comfortable with. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. 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. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Liberia (Guanacaste) are January, February, March, April, November and December. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. 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. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. Even if you go during the height of the rainy season or peak tourism times, youre going to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of this country. 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 weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. It is the perfect time to explore Costa Ricas magnificent rainforests, view the wild animals in their natural habitat, and relax on the sandy beaches. They include: According to the Culture Trip, theft is a common type of crime in Costa Rica, so the chances of you losing your values to this are so high. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. 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. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. 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. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet 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 Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. One of the advantages of visiting . April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. Brrr! May through November is the green season. What's the Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica - Plus 7 Top Tips