In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Costa Rica Climate Guide. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com Best Rainy Season Activities. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. May, June and July are the rainiest. Despite its average economy, there is plenty you can enjoy. 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. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. 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. They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. 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. Cruise activity in the Caribbean declines as a result, so September and October are months when people are more likely to visit the eastern coast of Costa Rica for longer stays. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of 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. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. 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. They have an amazing way of doing flowers. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. Costa Rica for solo travellers. Hurricane Season. However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. 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. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. 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. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. 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 . Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. Arenal. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. April typically marks the end of the dry season. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Here you can do diving, mountain climbing, and snorkeling, among other activities. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. This is the driest month of the year, with an average of 1.3 inches of rainfall, and an average of 4 rainy days per month. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. 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. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Nicaragua folklore dress code. Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The Pacific Coast is noteworthy, as the north Pacific and the south Pacific coasts see marked differences in weather patterns. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). 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. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. 1. It is surrounded by very welcoming locals who guide through the waters and the hiking trails. Source . or less. 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. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. You'll pay more, deal with bigger crowds, and less availability for rooms, flights, and rentals, but hey - it's peak season for a reason. 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. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. 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. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. 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. All Rights Reserved. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. 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. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. 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. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Liberia (Guanacaste) are January, February, March, April, November and December. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. From the central capital city of San Jose to smaller towns that dot the dreamy coastlines (we especially love Quepos for its natural beauty and immersive cultural experience), Costa Rica is so alive with culture, tradition, and amazing foods. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. Expect it to be warm and humid. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Travelers can still enjoy clear skies, although the vegetation, particularly on the North Pacific Coast, has lost some of its vibrant green sparkle after months of little rain. 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. 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. 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. 10. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. 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 dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. 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. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. 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. 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. 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. 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 . Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 90 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. Start Here Caribbean Costa Rica The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. This guide will help you make an informed decision about how to plan your adventure and know what to expect during your trip to Costa Rica, whether youre doing activities in La Fortuna or hanging out at the beach in Tamarindo! Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Learn how your comment data is processed. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. Have you been looking for a country to visit? In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the 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. 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 this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. $264. Lets have a look at them. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. 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. 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 humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. 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. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. On a mission to witness the planet's beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours. 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. Caribeez.com, The Limon monthly weather shows the best and worst times to visit the port. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. Afternoons are rainy with typicallyclear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. Mid-March to early May and mid-October to early December are the best months to visit Japan due to its stunning colors and mild weather. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. You can choose from among leisure activities. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. 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. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. The rainy season in Costa Rica, which lasts from May to November, is usually considered the worst time to travel there since the rains frequently cause widespread flooding and mudslides, making travel activities hazardous and difficult. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. Its green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain inJuly in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. 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. Rains typically pass quickly at this time of year, delivering much-needed hydration to the lush jungles and rain forests without sticking around long enough to make your beach trip a waste. 1. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. 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. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. 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. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. 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. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. So, watch out. 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. 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. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . 6. The dry season is back!