worst time to visit costa rica worst time to visit costa rica

The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Knowing which months are dry or green seasons in the country is crucial as it will help you choose the best place and time to visit. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. 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. See average monthly temperatures below. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. Study up and see how you can optimize your Costa Rican getaway without breaking the bank: If you want an unforgettable tropical vacation, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. 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! November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Best Rainy Season Activities. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. 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 weather is phenomenal and rainfall tapers off considerably, so there are still reasons to go during this time. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. . This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit 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. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. DONT FORGET: Renting a car in Costa Rica ahead of your trip will help you to save hundreds of dollars and also ensure you will have a car when you get there. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. 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. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. 1. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. The rest . As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . 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. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. 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. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. Travel Tips. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. October is the rainiest month. 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 . This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. The vegetation is lush, waterfalls are high, and you have a good chance to see whales, nesting turtles in some regions, and enjoy surfing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. You'll find significant rain almost every day. 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. 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. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. 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. 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. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . . The start of green season in May is a much needed cool off from the intense heat of the dry season. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. 6. 7. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. Considered a very peaceful country, it hasn't had an army since 1949 and is one of the safest countries in Central America. Mexico or Costa Rica? 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. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. 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. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. 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. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit La Fortuna, the hottest months are April, March, and then February. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. 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. May through November is the green season. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down . In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. There are less than 3 days of rain, with less than an inch of rain falling. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. Visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season Costa Rica during the rainy season is still a beautiful time to visit. 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. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. The worst months are May through October because of. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. The question should really be: When is the best time for ME to visit Costa Rica? On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 80 F. More than half the days are sunny, with 7 days of rain and 2 inches of rain falling. 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? Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of 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. Best Times To Visit Costa Rica The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). 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. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Tie in a neighbour. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. Costa Rica September. Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). 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. Lets have a look at them. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. November is a transition between the rainy season and the start of the dry season. Monthly Rainfall & Temperature Averagesfor 1960-1990, For a general idea of monthly weather conditions, The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. You know the best time to visit Costa Rica, but making the most of your trip to Costa Rica means you need a little more info to plan your getaway. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast inMarch; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: Costa Rica Spring Break Survival Guide. 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. 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! . The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Flight from San Jos to Billings. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit Costa Rica. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. 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. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. 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. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. 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. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! Source . The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. 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. The dense jungles and protected rain forests in national parks here are ideal destinations for anyone who loves to get out and see wildlife in their natural habitat. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. 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. Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. 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). These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. There is an easy solution though. 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. 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. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Now that you know the best time to visit Costa Rica and have a few seasoned traveler tips under your belt, youll be able to plan the perfect tropical vacation. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. Undoubtedly, the best weather is in January and February, when Costa Rica is still early in the dry season, and the skies are clear and rain is very low. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 2 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. 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. 1. 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. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. This is us in Tamarindo! If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. In contrast to Limon, these destinations average about one to two inches a month in February and March. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. Youll see sloths, monkeys, humpback whales, sea turtles, and migratory birds in abundance in November and December sounds like an ideal vacation! Check my complete guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica for any type of traveler. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. One of the best ways of, Read More A Travelers Guide to Hiking in Cape CodContinue. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. 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. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. 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. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. or less. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica.