Costa Rica is, hands down, a fun vacation destination You have volcanoes rainforests gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches exciting wildlife encounters and adventure activities. The above weather chart shows that Limon maintains a steady high temperature throughout the year. In order to keep dry and avoid getting muddy whenever possible, make sure you pack the proper clothing and footwear. 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. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). Sunsets are just horrible. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Expect it to be warm and humid. If you must travel during this time be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your route accordingly. 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. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). All rights reserved. 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. May through November is the green season. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. In that case, it is essential to confirm the destinations condition with the local authorities to see if any advisories are in place. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. 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 . Costa Rica is a lot more expensive than it's neighbouring countries. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. 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. 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. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. April typically marks the end of the dry season. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. In light of this, the ideal season to visit Costa Rica truly depends on which of these three considerations is most important to you. You'll find significant rain almost every day. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. 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. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. Temperatures begin to drop as the hotel prices and number of tourists do. 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. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 72 F,, with about 14 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. 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. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. 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. It emerged into the Caribbean Sea to the East and the West, Pacific waters. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. (avg. Some are harmful to your health, while others risk your security. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. Its simple with our helpful travel tips! The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. 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 the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). . This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but dont let the rain keep you away. May through November is the green season. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com 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. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). 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. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. 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. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. You can see sea turtles at different times throughout the year, but the most famous spot to see them is in Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, and July-October is the best time to see them nesting here. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . 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. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. 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. The park is over 163 square miles, covering nearly half of the Osa Peninsula, yet remains one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Nicaragua folklore dress code. However, the weather changes all year round due to the countrys two distinct seasons. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. 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. 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. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. Stunningly blue water and sandy shores of all different colors even a famous black sand beach draw tons of tourists here each year. , 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 . Here is your chance if you have never seen the green sea turtle nesting sites. Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. . 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 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. 10. 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. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. Costa Rica Experts 2023. There are direct flights from San Jose to Tamarindo that take about 1 hour, but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in time for checking in and going through security at the airport. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts should also consider visiting during the dry season. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. Costa Rica is best visited between mid-December and April. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. 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.