At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. The most stable weather is between December and April. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Lonely Planet The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. 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. Arenal and its surroundings make a . 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. Whether youre looking for lively metro areas with tons of shopping, accommodations, and restaurant options or a tucked-away towns with vibrant and authentic Costa Rican culture, youll find it here. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The Best time to Visit Costa Rica: A Full Guide | Selina Flight from San Jos to Billings. 7. There is an easy solution though. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. What to Know About Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season - MytanFeet On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. 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 capital city of San Jos and many interior locations attract visitors from Puntarenas for the citys nightlife and natural attractions of the surrounding area. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. However, if you prefer enjoying your vacation/trip when there are fewer crowds, then the ideal time of year to visit Costa Rica is either May or November. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. Now for the monthly breakdown. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. Costa Rica September. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. 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. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. With a booming tourism industry and tons of things for everyone to enjoy, anyone whos been to beautiful Costa Rica will tell you youve got to see it to believe it. Good deal one-way. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. Expect it to be warm and humid. 30 Tips Before Travelling In Costa Rica | 2021 Travel Guide Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. This is us in Tamarindo! A Guide to Visiting Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. Turtle Watching Season The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. According to Christa from Pura Vida Moms, the worst place to go if you want to avoid mosquitoes in Costa Rica is the Caribbean Coast (around Tortuguero National Park), Osa Penninsula . The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. 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. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). 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. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . 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. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! 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. The 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. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. 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. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. 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. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - Caribeez.com You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. 5. Sunsets are just horrible. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Calle 15, San Jos, 133391-1000, Costa Rica, Phone: +5-06-22-57-72-02 Top rated last minute places for couples: Getaways from DC, OK resorts, From Seattle, SD resorts, Bahamas, Casinos near NYC, Lava Tubes Flagstaff, Pueblo, November 7. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. 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. Tie in a neighbour. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. The beautiful flowering trees that flourish during this period, such as the Corteza Amarilla, which exhibits an amazing blaze of yellow blossoms under the scorching sun, will stand out among the dried leaves. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. 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. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! No wonder July and August are highly regarded as the best time to visit Costa Rica by travel agencies and experienced travelers in the know! Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. 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. . Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! 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. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel 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. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Barrio La California, 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. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. 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. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. 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. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. 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. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? 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. Taking the last general elections, for example, there were serious concerns among the conservatives that there would be a gay deputy president in the country. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. The dry season is generally the best time to visit Central America which, in most countries, is January-March (or November-April in Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras). Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic.