Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. But look out for the rest of the year. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Its simple with our helpful travel tips! While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. 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. On the Pacific Coast, April to August has the best surfing waves for experienced surfers, while beginners will appreciate the somewhat smaller waves on the Pacific Coast from December to April. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? 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. The Nation values family as the basic social unit, with children staying with their families until they get married. One of the advantages of visiting . In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 13 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. Always Pack a Raincoat. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. 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. . 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 . This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. We'll go over the best (and worst) times to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more in this article. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . While theres really not a bad time to go to Costa Rica, the worst time to plan your first visit is during late December through January. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. Total rainfall averages less than one inch from January through March, a little more than one inch in May and December and eight inches or more from May through October. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. Puntarenas and San Jos get rain more than 20 days a month from May through October and peak at 25-26 days in September and October. 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. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! These months have little to no rain in most of the country. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Because Costa Rica has many different climate regions, well discuss the areas on the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the middle of the country. They are more likely to experience an increase in total rainfall. May through November is the green season. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. 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. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. The rest . 1. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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. The UNESCO world heritage listed the island as among the best-inhabited places for those who love nature. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. Around 75% of the country's 6,000,000 people live on less than $2 per day, well below the poverty line of most countries. Arenal. Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. It is also essential to note that the coldest months in the country are typically from September through November, though this varies from region to region. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. Costa Rica is beautifully warm all year, with an average annual temperature of 80-90 Fahrenheit on the coasts and 75-80 in the countryside and on the mountainsides. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. Least crowded months in Costa Rica: May-October Dry Season in Costa Rica For most of the country, dry season means picture-perfect sunny days, fewer rain showers, and slightly warmer temperatures. 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 April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Barrio La California, While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Nicaragua folklore dress code. Sunsets are just horrible. Flying. The rainiest months are September and . While theres more rainfall from September through mid-December than any other part of the year, you also benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. See average monthly temperatures below. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. The Costa Rica market is flooded with hard drugs such as cocaine, and there are instances where even medicinal drugs are stuffed with them to recruit new drug customers. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls about half of the days in November, and 6 inches falling during the course of the month. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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 79 F. There are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain total. 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. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Brrr! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. December through April is the dry season. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. 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. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . 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. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. October through early December is the least busy time of year 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. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. 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. Good deal one-way. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! 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. Although the dry season offers the best weather for you to take advantage of the majority of outdoor activities, it is also the busiest travel period which may also turn out to be the worst time to visit Costa Rica. The weather is amazing with little rain to ruin your outdoor plans, crowds are moderate, and pricing for airfare, accommodations, and car rentals are lower than in the true high season. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. 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 . The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. 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.. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. 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. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. They're also most crowded. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. 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. 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. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. 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. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. October is the rainiest month. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. 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. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. 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. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. 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, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to year. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. Costa Rica Experts 2023. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon.
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