worst time to visit costa rica

The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. Next-door neighbours Nicaragua Dropdown content and Panama Dropdown content make the easiest and most obvious add-ons to a sojourn in Costa Rica. 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. Our personal favorite time to go to Costa Rica is July and August when there's a bit more rain but even fewer visitors and slightly lower prices and of course it's great to travel during the secret dry season on the Caribbean in September and October In fact there's no bad time to go. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. 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. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. . The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. Keep in mind that as you move through different altitudes and regions, the climate can change in minutes. 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. , March is still part of the dry season, and has slightly less sunny days than January and February, with about 50% of the days being sunny . 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. Costa Rica Climate Guide. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. Cloudy skies predominate, and there are 15 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Most elections are held in February. The best time to visit Turks and Caicos is between April through June. The best time to visit Costa Rica for surfing depends a little bit on what coast youre on. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. Flying. 1. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). 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 Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. 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. Limon gets hit hard with rain throughout most of the year, but the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast fares much better. Costa Rica for solo travellers. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! 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. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . Book early. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . 1. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. 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. There is generally a spike in tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it. Sunsets are just horrible. While theres considerably more rainfall during these months, the rains in Costa Rica move through quickly and will still leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor exploration. There are a lot of candidates for the most treacherous, risky, menacing peril awaiting visitors to Costa Rica - crocodiles in the estuaries, dengue mosquitoes in the swamps, deadly vipers in the rainforest, and psychos behind the wheel of cars, trucks and buses. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. 2. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. You can choose from among leisure activities. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. 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 . Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. The chart above shows that Limon gets rain about 18 days a month on a fairly consistent basis throughout the year. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023. In addition, in November, beach activities are very low, crowds are still not picking up early, and this denies the chance to learn more about the culture of the Costa Ricans. It experiences low rainfall from December through April and higher rainfall from June through November. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. 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. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. Multiple pools, Read More 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, MexicoContinue, Until not too long ago, Tampere was a slightly gritty town that was better known for its industry than its beauty. Some of them include. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? 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. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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 Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. The most stable weather is between December and April. Unless you have been fully guided, avoid the rivers of Costa Rica. All rights reserved. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally beginning of May to end of November. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. 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. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. Rainy Seasons May, June, July, November, December, January. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. 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. Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. 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. April typically marks the end of the dry season. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . 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. October is the rainiest month. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. If this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a 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. 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. 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. Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. They are more likely to experience an increase in total rainfall. 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. Plus, there are no crowds. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. The ideal weather means there will be large crowds, resulting in higher costs of tours, accommodation, and flights. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. The hottest month of the year is usually just about 3 degrees Celsius warmer than . If you want to see the world, go see it! 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. Not a day goes by for me without planning new adventures and looking for some scenic spots. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. 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. 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. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Expect it to be warm and humid. 7. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. 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 . If you want to experience the lush vegetation and smaller crowds, rainy season might be your best bet. Comparatively, if you have been to the state of West Virginia, then expect a country that is slightly smaller than it. The cheaper pricing is just a bonus! I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. 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. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. San Jos has weather that is more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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. In June, youll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. Plan ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend,Spring Break, and Easter. 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. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. But times change. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. . At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Lets have a look at them. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. It is best to keep a raincoat close at all times. 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. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. 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. During General Election . Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. Source . May through November is the green season. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the entire year. April is a transitional month. With that, hotel prices rise. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. There truly is never a bad bad time to visit Costa Rica; however, May is the worst month to visit, as the rain is fairly high, and you dont have the added benefits of good surfing conditions or turtle or whale watching season. The worst months are May through October because of. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. 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. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. 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. Mexico or Costa Rica? Were still in dry season,and the weather remains 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. Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. 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. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, day and night time temperatures and the . 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. Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. December through April is the dry season. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls about half of the days in November, and 6 inches falling during the course of the month. View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. 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. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Understanding the Costa Rica climate can be a huge help in determining the best time to visit Costa Rica. 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). Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. 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). 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. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . 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. 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. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. 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. Authentic specialties like casado, gallo pinto, sopa negra, and more await your taste buds when you dive into the real Costa Rica off the beaten path. If a rainy afternoon would ruin your vacation, visit in dry season. All Rights Reserved. 5. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak 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. 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. But if we had to single out the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it would be late December through January. 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. There is an easy solution though. 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. Barrio La California, If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time .

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worst time to visit costa rica

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