What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. Simply opting to travel a few days before or after peak times can make a difference in crowd size and cost. September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. 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. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Lets have a look at them. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. May through November is the green season. 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. 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. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. 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. Scarcely populated, Norrland winter's sub-zero temperatures last for several months. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. Sitting at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Arenal is one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes. Crowds are thin, so the pricing for airfare, accommodations, and rentals is much lower at this time of year. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. 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. 1. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. 7. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. So, watch out. Many of the roads in Costa Rica have potholes, lack guard rails, and high speeding youths under the influence of drugs. You have an added advantage if you speak English and Spanish because those are the official and dominant languages. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. Though dusty, the roads are passable, wild animals can easily be identified, and tour guides charge the least. Cloudy skies are here to stay across the country for the next several months, and rainfall continues to increase. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. 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. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. 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. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. 10. 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 . These first few months of the dry season are particularly pleasant since the weather condition is warm and the skies are clear. 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. January and February are smack dab in the dry season, with plenty of sunny days and low rain. 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. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. But they do give some guidelines on how to reduce the chance of running into bad weather. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. San Jos has an average high temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit. 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 average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. They're also most crowded. In this article, I'll be talking about the worst time to visit Costa Rica, as well as providing some tips for making the most of your trip even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. Which side of Costa Rica is Better? The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. 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. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. 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. Source . From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. 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. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. May, June and July are the rainiest. Yes, the answer depends on the individual. The end of November marks the start of Costa Ricas busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. 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 is located in a village with rainforests which have covered the beach. Please note we recommend a budget of from 7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination. See average monthly temperatures below. However, if you prefer enjoying your vacation/trip when there are fewer crowds, then the ideal time of year to visit Costa Rica is either May or November. The best time to visit Costa Rica overall is July through August you get the best, most balanced experience during this time, called the little high season.. 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. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. Dry and Rainy Seasons Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. Costa Rica boasts 800 miles of pristine coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. 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 . 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. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor activities. Where to Stay in Cancun | Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Costa Ricain 2023, Where to Stay in Costa Rica | Best Areas & Hotels, 19 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in 2023. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. 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. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. Prices are more affordable than in the high season from December to April . So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. 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. Costa Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. May through November is the green season. The mountain areas are constantly receiving rains and unpredictable weather changes this month, and you are highly discouraged from having outdoor camping this month. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. Best Rainy Season Activities. 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, Historical Sites and Legends of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. But for cruise visitors, the best and worst times also depend on whether they are visiting the Puntarenas cruise port on the Pacific coast or the Limon cruise port on the Caribbean coast. The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 78 F. There are 17 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. Costa Rica Climate Guide. Although Costa Rica is frequently considered a warm country, there are a few locations where it could become a bit cold or freezing by Costa Rican standards. 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. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. Cruise activity in the Caribbean declines as a result, so September and October are months when people are more likely to visit the eastern coast of Costa Rica for longer stays. This is partly the result of higher elevations. Brrr! The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This is when temperatures peak between 84 degrees Fahrenheit to 87 degrees Fahrenheit and rain stays to a minimum. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). They are usually much cooler throughout the year than either Puntarenas or Limon. 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. 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. The rest . In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. Puntarenas and San Jos get rain more than 20 days a month from May through October and peak at 25-26 days in September and October. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). Always Pack a Raincoat. 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. 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 If Easter falls in April, you can expect a spike in tourist traffic over the holiday. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. 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 . . Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. This a tough topic. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica.