worst time to visit costa rica

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. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The annual rainfall in these regions ranges from 40 to 60 inches, while temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) almost all year long. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. One other way of deciding which months are best for destinations in Costa Rica is by looking at the average number of days that it rains each month. 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. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. 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. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. 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. 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. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. Natural wildlife and beauty aside, Costa Ricas bustling cities are another great reason to visit. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. Bolivia doesn't quite have the family appeal of Costa Rica or Cancun, say - but those thinking of traveling in Bolivia with kids shouldn't be deterred. If you decide to go during July or August, youll get the best of both worlds with sunny, warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and cheaper pricing than the peak season. 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. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. 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. Barrio La California, Travelers at this time of year will also find lively fiestas and festivals happening all around the nation, complete with bullfights, dancing, and live music. Have you been looking for a country to visit? They have an amazing way of doing flowers. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 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. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. 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. 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. April is a transitional month. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. 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. 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. Arenal and its surroundings make a . 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. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). View our Costa Rica safaris, or talk to one of our specialists for more details on travelling to Costa Rica. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. 1. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. 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. At the end of the month, the big crowds which had turned up to celebrate the Easter holiday start to go low, and the hotels charge the cheapest. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. Youll have an easier time booking a last-minute vacation at this time of year with fewer crowds and less tourists choosing to visit. When you visit at this time of year, youll only get glimpses of the ideal Costa Rican weather because theres so much rainfall. 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.. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. 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. 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. 6. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . For the daring and the experienced, the biggest waves can be found during the rainier months of September and October. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4.5 inches of rain falling during the month. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. In May, the rains had started to pick up in most parts of the country, roads were still passable, and hotels were still within the price ranges of April. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. 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. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. Tie in a neighbour. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). 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 conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. You can see sea turtles at different times throughout the year, but the most famous spot to see them is in Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, and July-October is the best time to see them nesting here. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). 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. 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. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. Arenal, at 1,670 meters above sea level, is undoubtedly the most well-known of Costa Rica's volcanic giants since it is one of the world's top ten most active volcanoes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Although Costa Rica is frequently considered a warm country, there are a few locations where it could become a bit cold or freezing by Costa Rican standards. 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. So, watch out. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. Dont think your trip is doomed to heavy rains all day, every day if you visit from October through early December. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. 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. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Costa Rica for solo travellers. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. April, Enjoy the Sunshine, the Wildlife, and the Samantha Week, May, Witness the Transition to Rainy Seasons, December, Take Advantage of the Holiday Celebrations, October, the Terrible Roads in Parks and Low Hotel Season, November, The Month with the Highest Number of Places You Should Avoid, The Best Places You Can Visit at Any Time in Costa Rica, Things to Avoid When You are in Costa Rica, The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-Time, 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, Mexico, The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, Finland, How Ali Wong Achieved a Net Worth of $3 Million, Eight Reasons to go to French Polynesias Marquesas Islands, How Lisa Rinna Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, 20 Cities with The Worst Weather in Europe. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. If you are not a fan of the heavy rains, do not travel to the South Pacific because the rains here are heavy by the second week of May. With that, hotel prices rise. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 78 F. There are 17 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. Shoulder season in Costa Rica is April and November, when the weather shifts between being sunny and fairly dry to being overcast and rainy as the month goes on in April, and then turns from rainy to dry and sunny by the end of November. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. With less rain, there ismore uninterrupted pool time. Flight from San Jos to Billings. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. Let's have a look at them. The rainiest months are September and . The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. Always Pack a Raincoat. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. 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 . The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). Thinking of planning your trip somewhere tropical and not quite settled on Costa Rica? Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. 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. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. 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). But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. 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 Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. Lets have a look at them. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. 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. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . 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 . Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. $10.5 billion. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 7 days with rain, receiving about 2 inches of rain total. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. May through November is the green season. 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. December through April is the dry season. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Most elections are held in February. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. But times change. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is categorized as a tropical country without a definite winter season. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. 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. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. 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. 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. . Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. Source . Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. . 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). 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. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. They're also most crowded. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. 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! On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 90 F and average low is 80 F. There are about 3 days with rain, receiving about 1 inch of rain total. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. The International Living gives a detailed report on the places you should avoid the most in November: Santa Rita de Alajuela, Leon XIIII, Tibas, San Jose, Limon City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, and the Puntarenas City, Puntarenas.

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worst time to visit costa rica