worst time to visit costa rica

These months have little to no rain in most of the country. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! The Ostional Wildlife Refuge in the Guanacaste Province of Nicoya Peninsula is among the best locations to witness this phenomenon. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. 10. 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. The Southern Pacific Region of Costa Rica is an incredible area that delights and surprises tourists with memories of Costa Rica that they'll have for life. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). 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. 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. The worst months are May through October because of. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. . Thats great, because youre definitely going to want to try some of the famous dishes this country is known for. 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. I have to say, it's true. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Hurricane Season. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. Also, when it isnt rainy, it will still usually be cloudy. . Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. Monteverde is a famous moist and cloudy forest and ranks high among the best natural tourist destinations in the world. 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. 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. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. Mexico or Costa Rica? Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. 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. It is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. The hottest weather, however, can be found a little further south along the coast, particularly on the Nicoya peninsulas Southeast and Northwest edges. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Surfing season on the Caribbean Coast is December to March. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. It is unusual for Limon weather to get a break in September and October. The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. 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. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . Its simple with our helpful travel tips! Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. Many visitors spend an average of 7 days in Costa Rica. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. In such a scenario, local conservative members may discriminate against you if you are from a country that supports a topic they are not comfortable with. 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. 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 coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. During February and March, tourism also booms around Easter and the start of Spring Break. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. 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 a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. The forest has the great Sky Trek zip line, which you can take advantage of. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. However, it is important to note that there still may be a rainy day or two a month. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Costa Rica Experts 2023. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Flight from San Jos to Billings. As stated in our introduction, Costa Rica is a democratic country whose president and two deputies are elected through a popular initiative. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. The mountain regions are yet to dry, the road in them is clogged with mad, and you can still experience rainfalls at any given time. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. Most elections are held in February. Were still in dry season,and the weather remains fantastic. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. October is the rainiest month. Now for the monthly breakdown. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. You should also plan ahead when booking accommodation facilities and activities to get a fair deal before the prices hike. 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. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. You can choose from among leisure activities. Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! 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! In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 73 F. There are about 11 days of rain and 4 inches of rain falling during the month. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. 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 event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. 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. So, watch out. 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. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy 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. 7. Best Rainy Season Activities. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 9 days of rain and 3 inches of rain falling during the month. 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. 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. One destination on most everyones must-see travel list is tropical Costa Rica. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. 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. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. In December, the temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. 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. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. Today, Tamperes old cotton mills have been turned into chic malls,, Read More The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, FinlandContinue, Tahiti is one of those places where the nautical conditions are pretty much near perfect all year long. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. In contrast to Limon, these destinations average about one to two inches a month in February and March. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. 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 month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. 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 . If you are visiting the country, take note of the times we have given you and avoid the places we have warned you. December through April is the dry season. The month is also characterized by some slight drizzles in the evening, which welcome the mild temperatures of the night. 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. April typically marks the end of the dry season. 1. Overall, October is the coolest month of the year. But look out for the rest of the year. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). Surfing and rafting are fantastic. . When To Go Instead (Best Time To Visit Costa Rica), Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Them. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. are many perks of traveling in rainy season, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. 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. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . December through April is the dry season. All Rights Reserved. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. Always Pack a Raincoat. Source . pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. 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. Due to the high numbers of tourists present, accommodation facilities and most leisure activities/amenities are usually fully booked while the available ones are overpriced. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Plus, there are no crowds. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. 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. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. 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. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. 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. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. 1. If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. 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. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Best time to visit Costa Rica Happily, the best weather coincides with Christmas, new Year, spring half term and the worst of the northern winters. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. 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 . Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. or less. Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. 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. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 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. Costa Rica September. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. 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). , We visited in July and experienced several days of completely clear weather, and some days when there was an hour or two of afternoon rain not bad at all, especially when a lot of the tours in La Fortuna happen in the morning! San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Travel Tips. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. Tie in a neighbour. 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. There are several things you should avoid doing when you are in Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. This Central American nation located between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is endowed with wild rainforests, spectacular national parks, roaring waterfalls, and other natural wonders. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. 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. The dry season is back! Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. 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. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. 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. 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. 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. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Passports, electronics, money, and even sunglasses and shoes are easy targets and highly sought after by thieves. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Copyright 2023 The Discovery Nut | Privacy Policy, Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid A complete guide [2023], 7 Days In Costa Rica: How To Plan Your Itinerary, 22 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica in 2023. 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. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. With that, hotel prices rise. Latino U.S.A reported that during elections, there are economic tensions during the election month in Costa Rica. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . Running from November through May, this is the best time to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the rugged landscapes, especially in the Highlands. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. 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. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. 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. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. The main park entrance is on the road to El Castillo (turn off the main road 13km west of town). The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. 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. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. 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. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. April is a transitional month. May through November is the green season. 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. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . There is an easy solution though. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. With annual tourism at its lowest point, the prices for airfare, hotels, and rentals plummet and you can score the cheapest Costa Rican vacation. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect.

Bonnie Langford Mother, What Causes Low Amylase Levels In Dogs, Fbg Brick Death Video, Articles W