If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. or less. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rainfall increases during October, with of the days seeing some rainfall. With that, hotel prices rise. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. 17 Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - VacationIdea Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. Learn how your comment data is processed. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. 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. Knowing when to go can make a difference for cruise visitors who want to explore one of the most popular and wettest ecotourism destinations in the Western Hemisphere. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. 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. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. By the end of the month, you have 50% sunny days and 8 days of rain, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Plus, there are no crowds. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. 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. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. The capital city of San Jos and many interior locations attract visitors from Puntarenas for the citys nightlife and natural attractions of the surrounding area. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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. These first few months of the dry season are particularly pleasant since the weather condition is warm and the skies are clear. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. 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. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. 2. Best Times to Visit Jaco - Weather, Season, Temperature - TripHobo Another reason the wet season is not ideal is that some of the vital attractions sites in the country, such as national parks and beaches, may be closed or their operating hours shortened due to the wet weather; hence it limits the activities and time one gets to enjoy. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023 | Travellers During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. . Best Times to Visit Costa Rica | U.S. News Travel Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. Not all is gone for those who want to compare the green and the dry weather. 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. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. From deserted beaches to fantastic fly-fishing: The joys of the island April typically marks the end of the dry season. 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 Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is still squarely in the rainy season, with approximately half the days seeing rain and 6 inches of rain falling throughout the month. . If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. Nicaragua folklore dress code. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! 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. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2022 | Travellers (2023) September to early December are the cheapest times to go to Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season throughout the country. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. 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. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Best time to visit Central America - Responsible Travel IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. It was founded in 1985 as a family passion and today, it is among worlds leading producers of, Read More The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-TimeContinue, There is something for everyone at sprawling 222-room Hacienda Encantada in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. 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. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Flying. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls approximately every other day (on average), with about 7 inches of rainfall during the month. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. At elevations above sea level, often referred to as the lowlands, the temperature is typically approximately 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), whereas, in the so-called highlands, it is typically 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius). A Guide to Visiting Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica The average annual rainfall in the country is about 100 inches; however, mountainous regions can have an annual rainfall of up to 25 feet or 300 inches. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. 1. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. The best time of year to travel to Costa Rica - Pickvisa Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 72 F,, with about 14 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. But what sets this resort apart is the stunning location with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. The Best time to Visit Costa Rica: A Full Guide | Selina 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. Fortunately, this travel guide provides vital information on the best as well as the worst time to visit Costa Rica to enable you to plan an ideal travel itinerary. 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 greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Expect it to be warm and humid. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. All Rights Reserved. As the heavy rainfall begins to wrap up in mid-December, its also one of the best times of year to spot wildlife on land and in the ocean. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. Turtle Watching Season October is the rainiest month. But look out for the rest of the year. Some of them include. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Flight from San Jos to Billings. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. Therefore, to be on the safe side, you can opt to visit at the end of January or the start of February to avoid such inconveniences while still enjoying the great weather. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. Best time to visit Bolivia - responsiblevacation.com The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. You can choose from among leisure activities. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. 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. Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for 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.. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. 15 Unpleasant Facts You Should Know About Costa Rica - theclever When To Visit Japan: Best and Worst Times - Sightsee & Sushi Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. 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. 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. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Naturally, human beings wish to hear the good side of the story before the bad one. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica - Two Weeks in Costa Rica The warmest time of year is generally late March where highs are regularly around 88F (31.1C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 65F (18.3C) at night.