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 . The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. 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. 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. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. 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. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. 7. 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. 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. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. 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. 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. 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. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. 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. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. 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. October is the rainiest month. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. Multiple pools, Read More 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, MexicoContinue, Until not too long ago, Tampere was a slightly gritty town that was better known for its industry than its beauty. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. The worst months are May through October because of. December through April is the dry season. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. 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. 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. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. 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! The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. 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. Therefore, there are certain things you should keep in mind if you intend to travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season to stay secure and comfortable. 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. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As the month goes on, the drier and sunnier it will become, with about 40-50% of the days in November being sunny by the end of the month. Good deal one-way. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. If you want to see the world, go see it! As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. The first window is during February and March when the city experiences an average of about eight to nine inches of rain each month, according to 30 years of data from the World Weather Organization. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. I have to say, it's true. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). 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. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. 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. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. . 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. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. Source . Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Clearly, the best time of year to visit Puntarenas is during the winter and early spring and the worst times to visit are during the summer and fall. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . 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. At this time, you also have several festive celebrations, such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose, which is held in the second week of the month. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is about 2.5 inches of rainfall rain with an average of 5 rainy days per month. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. Its important to note when talking about the rainy season in Costa Rica that often rain will fall mostly in the afternoon, so the mornings will still be clear for your beach time or activities. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. The chart again shows that it is wise to avoid Limon in June and July, but take advantage of September and October. . Costa Rica ranks 16th on U.S. News & World Report's list of the world's best places to visit, and according to data collected from more than 1.6 million users worldwide on the travel app . That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. 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. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. Let's have a look at them. All Rights Reserved. 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. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . Expect it to be warm and humid. 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. Always Pack a Raincoat. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. 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. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Arenal. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. 1. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. 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. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. 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. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. 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 . This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. Tie in a neighbour. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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 end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. Well show you the best time to visit Costa Rica no matter what your goal is the best overall trip, the cheapest, the least busy, and more. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. The dry season is back! What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots.