If you cannot avoid traveling in September or October head to the Caribbean coast for the best chance of dry weather. The Costa Rica dry season lasts from December to April and also sees the most tourists. Montezuma - One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica. A word of warning - We were told that October is the worst time to visit Costa Rica. Visitor services include only trails and natural viewpoints. Planning according to these patterns can result in a successful vacation. Best time to go to La Fortuna. One of the advantages of visiting . Even if you wear SPF50, you will still get sun on your skin and leave Costa Rica tanner than you came. Shuttle from La Pavona to La Fortuna: $50 per person. However, prices will also be higher and the vegetation will be much less beautiful . During veranillo you can enjoy sunny and warm weather with lush green surroundings. . It seems to me that the surf season is all year around, but waves tend to be largest and best for surfing between December to March. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Inland the rivers are at their best for rafting and waterfall rappelling. Piedras Blancas National Park. Temperatures are drop into the 70s Fahrenheit, but visitors have more freedom to move around. From late November to mid-December and even June and July are great months to explore this magnificent country. The best months are November through April during the annual dry season. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging . But surprisingly, it can still be a good time to visit Costa Rica, or at least to visit the Caribbean Coast. The Costa Rica rainy season is not really all that rainy here though, with more afternoon showers than days-long deluges. You can expect some days of full . Very safe in fact if you're using your common sense. We won't dive into all the exceptions - despite its diminutive size, Costa Rica is a vast country of many microclimates - but there are some big exceptions to Costa Rica's weather rules. Reason #4: It's Sun Season in Certain Areas. The Jungle Is Green and Lush and It's Slightly Cooler. Bright, warm, and rain-free, the first two months of the year are some of the best times to visit Costa Rica, particularly the Pacific side. October is known for having the worst weather in the country. 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. The average temperature is 27C with highs of something like 33C throughout the month. Source . Unfortunately streets in Costa Rica do not have good drainage and when it rains, drains get clogged. But this also coincides with summer vacations for school groups visiting mostly from North America. If you're more flexible, visit during the hedge months of late November to mid December and May through August to save some money and avoid the crowds. Sustainable Destinations in Costa Rica: Arenal and Monteverde. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 82 . 3) Pura Vida - Don't worry, be happy. Most of the time in Costa Rica in January, the days will be filled with sun (66% of them to be exact) - perfect for lounging around on the beach. But don't let that put you off booking flights and planning a great adventure. Make sure you also wear sunscreen that is earth and reef-friendly, as to not harm the environment or . Mexico & Central America - first time in Costa Rica - Hubby, I, and our 10-year old son have just picked a destination for this year's vacation: Costa Rica!!! Make sure you also wear sunscreen that is earth and reef-friendly, as to not harm the environment or . The best time to visit the Caribbean is early to late spring. Best time to travel is during our 'green season' when there are less tourists and prices are usually discounted between the months of May-August. Costa Rica Climate Guide. The city of Limn is not a popular place for expats or vacationers. The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022 Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2022. Weather. Advantages of Traveling to Costa Rica in the Rainy Season. What is the best time to visit Central America? Reason to visit: Pura vida - what a fun phrase and way of life. Costa Rica's weather in November is typically hot, humid and wet in nature. If you plan around this general pattern, you can make the most of the day (planning . I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. A wealth of history, crazy good food, and literally amazing nature make it perfect for many different people. Puerto Viejo is famous for surfing and it has been home to some of Costa Rica's most legendary surf competitions, held at famous Salsa Brava. 3. Source: Wikimedia. From late November to mid-December and even June and July are great months to explore this magnificent country. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. . Essential Facts About Travel in Costa Rica. Best time to visit Costa Rica. The worst time is early to late fall because the risk of rain is much higher. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds aren't bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or "little summer" in Costa Rica. One of the best times to visit Costa Rica is in mid-July during what is referred to as "veranillo.". . Read more below about how to time your visit to see turtles, whales, avoid the rainfall on one coast and catch sunshine on the other. But at night, it stays around 24C to 26C. Even the normally dry tropical scrub on the Guanacaste coast is lush and green. If all you want is sun and beach, the best time to visit is January - April or October on the Caribbean coast. However in order to make the most of your visit, it can be crucial to make sure you pick the best time to visit Central America. The average temperature for the month is 81 Fahrenheit or 27 Celsius and can range between 75 and 90 Fahrenheit or 24 to 32 Celsius. Carnival food and other festive activities accompany . In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Sunsets are just horrible. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. One Final Note: I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. Dry and hot. Weather will vary - rainforests are rainy, mountains have changeable conditions and the Pacific is generally drier than the Caribbean . This makes it an okay time to visit Costa Rica. There will be light showers through the day and heavy rains in the late afternoon, but . November is in the spring in Costa Rica and is typically the 2nd warmest month of the year. Sunsets are just horrible. The worst time is early to late fall because the risk of rain is much higher. Along with Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce Forest Preserve, Piedras Blancas forms an important biological corridor that, aside from being rich in itself, protects the great diversity of plant and wildlife species inhabiting Golfo Dulce. During this time, it is typical for mornings to be sunny and clear and for rains to hit in the late afternoon or in the evening. This beach town is renowned for an incredibly long stretch of soft, white sand beach simply called Playa Montezuma right on the Pacific Ocean. January & February. July & August. While it literally translates to "pure life", the more practical definition would be don't worry, it will be alright. Montezuma sits on the southern shore of Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. Worst Time of Year for Mosquitoes in Costa Rica. February is a great month to visit the Osa Peninsula . OUR TOTAL COST OF TRANSPORTATION IN COSTA RICA CAME TO $293.50. It is imperative that you wear sunscreen every time you go outdoors. This is also the "high" season and it is . The best time to visit Costa Rica is a little bit different if you're talking about the Caribbean side of the country. High (Dry) Season: Mid-December - April. However, the worst of the rain is on the Pacific side during that time and you can get gorgeous, sunny dry days on . Max Day Temperature: 22 - 30C [ remove] Hours of Sunshine: 10 hours or more [ remove] The best time to go to La Fortuna is January, February, June, July, August, November and December. Via ticotimes.net. Avoid the peak rainy season, September . The Caribbean coast beaches are at their best in the fall - August through November, unless you are a surfer as it is generally calmer at that time of year. Shuttle from Santa Elena to Tamarindo: $55 per person. Belize and Costa Rica are two of the most popular vacation destinations for Americans who want to travel to Central America -- and understandably so. It's popular opinion that the best time to visit Costa Rica is during the country's dry season, which extends from mid-December to April. 6. Rainfall is high, and many businesses shut down. It Does Not Rain All the Time. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . As for temperatures, you can expect it to be a few degrees cooler . Best time to visit in Costa Rica during the rainy season. During that time, Costa Rica has a "little summer" which mimics the dry season. Region: Nicoya Peninsula. To avoid the rainy season and for . And since Jaco is located near the coastline, it has high relative humidity (especially in June). The months of May and June and September through November are the cheapest months to visit as most of the country is in the middle of the rain season. Also known as: Playa Samara or Samara Beach. For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through Aprilwinter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable crowds. Weather. The rainy (or"green") season is great for travelers heading to the perennially sunny Caribbean Coastor to . Mornings are clear almost without fail, and believe it or not, in some areas, Guanacaste especially, it can go for . Rainfall is high, and many businesses shut down. This is Costa Rica's largest port cityreceiving and exporting a whopping 80% of the country's shipping services. For stretches of weeks, or even months, it might not rain a single drop. The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. The worst areas are on the coast and worst time of year for mosquitoes is during rainy season. That said, there really isn't a worst time to visit Costa Rica! On August 30, the lovely town of San Ramon located between San Jose and Arenal holds a huge parade where statues of 30 saints are processed through the streets. But it also depends on the destination. Costa Rica is a great escape from the snow but it's also a fantastic summer beach destination and the rains typically let up a bit this time of year. Fast Facts About Samara Beach. Weather in Costa Rica in January. These months have little to no rain in most of the country. February is a terrific month to visit Costa Rica, thanks to it being dry season. March and April are still relatively dry months but getting into May and June you'll . After all, both countries cater to nature-loving tourists and boast gorgeous beaches, rain forests, boutique hotels, incredible wildlife, water sports, diverse food scenes, stable governments, and pleasant weather. Mind you that there is a 'veranillo' (little summer ) or short dry spell during the month of July . The best time to visit Costa Rica will depend on the type of vacation you want. Central america is a huge region of spectacular scenic diversity. People with children in school may be . It is going to rain if you're in Costa Rica in June because it's the rainy season. December - March. And use a traffic app like Waze to avoid such situations. Avenue de las Americas, Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica, Phone: 506-2549-0700. St. Ramon Day / Da de San Ramn (August 30) Each county in Costa Rica finds the opportunity to celebrate its heritage. Anyone planning their first Caribbean vacation may want to know when is the best time to go because of work or family reasons. 1. But it also depends on the destination. Port cities tend to have a seedy edge in general, and Limn is no exception. The start of the year, in January and February, is considered one of the best times to go to Costa Rica, however be aware that the lack of rain will attract more crowds and higher prices so don't think that you're going to get things all your own way. Head to the Pacific Coast to see them on a whale-watching tour. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. If you are flexible with your dates, the rainy season might prove to be the best time of year to visit Costa Rica. So, I recommend you visit Jaco in the dry season as the best time to visit there. If you cannot avoid traveling in September or October head to the Caribbean coast for the best chance of dry weather. Here are some takeaways about the best time to visit Costa Rica: Visit during the dry season (December through April) if you're worried about the rain. If you are flexible with your dates, the rainy season might prove to be the best time of year to visit Costa Rica. January is dry. 1. Closest Town: Samara. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher . Low (Wet) Season: May - November. People with children in school may be . Where to visit: Costa Rica has many unique climate zones which factor into weather patterns. Rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May to November. Some of the landmark sites to visit in the Parque La Sabana include the Costa Rican Art Museum and the National Stadium. July. Pura vida is a way of life down here. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. With the popularity comes expense, so consider traveling in the shoulder months . The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Perched high atop the plateaus and peaks of the Cordillera de Tilarn, little Monteverde makes its home right in the midst of the misty montane woods. This time period is also known more optimistically as the "green" season due to the fact that everything is blooming. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Although outside the main holiday season, there is still plenty of relatively acceptable weather around this time of year. This means that prices are high and everything books out fast. Opting not to wear sunscreen one day can ruin the rest of your vacation. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. Coastal panoramas, rare ecosystems, volcanoes to climbCosta Rica is all of this, and more. The average rainfall is 8-12 inches during the worst months. Opting not to wear sunscreen one day can ruin the rest of your vacation. This mini summer usually lasts for two to three weeks and is a period of dry weather right in the middle of the rainy season. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . . 9. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. Much of Costa Rica experiences a "little summer" ( veranillo ), meaning a dry spell, around the last two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July. Mind you that there is a 'veranillo' (little summer ) or short dry spell during the month of July . There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. 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.". In San Jos and the Central Valley the average temperature in August is 62 - 77 degrees . This is the best off-peak time to visit Costa Rica. Best time to visit in Costa Rica during the rainy season. Caribbean Costa Rica Has Different Weather. . Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. September is when the rain hits Costa Rica hard, and this is one of the worst months of the wet season with high levels of rainfall. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. You can travel to Costa Rica at pretty much any time, but the best time to visit Costa Rica tends to be in the winter and early spring, when the sun is out and the rain is rarer. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. The best time for family travel in Costa Rica definitely combines well with school vacations. Even the temperature is also high and varies between 24C to 32C in the day time. While most of the country is experiencing deluges and thunderstorms, the Caribbean is actually rather . Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. We'll go over the best (and worst) times to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more in this article. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica (in 2022) While most places experience spring, summer, fall, and winter, Costa Rica operates on a two-season cycle - dry and rainy. 1. Hanging bridges in La Fortuna, near Arenal. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. But this also coincides with summer vacations for school groups visiting mostly from North America. Jeep - Boat - Jeep from La Fortuna to Santa Elena: $25 per person. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. Yes, travelling to Costa Rica is safe. Monteverde. No matter what you decide, just keep your calm and be polite! During the dry season (December to April), it seldom rains in much of the country. Wildlife is thriving, with sea turtles nesting along the Pacific coast and humpback whales frequenting the south Pacific coast. The temperatures are more moderate, there are fewer tourists . On the Caribbean coast the average temperature in August is 71 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit (22 - 30 degrees Celcius). The best months are August and September, when the whales are raising their babies here. But this also coincides with summer vacations for school groups visiting mostly from North America. The city of Limn is not a popular place for expats or vacationers. Since the rainy season can hinder outdoor activities, the best time to visit Costa Rica is during the drier months between November and early May. Driving May Lead to Death. The temperatures are more moderate, there are fewer tourists . Closest Airports: Liberia International Airport (2.5 hours) and Nosara Regional Airport (1 hour) Average Temperature: 71 to 92F. The domain of the revered cloud forests is an absolute must for any first-time travelers making their way through Costa Rica. One of the advantages of visiting . 3.5. A word of warning - We were told that October is the worst time to visit Costa Rica. In fact, in some regions like northern Guanacaste Province, forests . Driving in Costa Rica can be intimidating for first-time visitors, but the roads also give you a certain freedom you can't really get elsewhere. The rainiest months are September and . Even if you wear SPF50, you will still get sun on your skin and leave Costa Rica tanner than you came. 1. July to November in Costa Rica is the best time to see Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales as they migrate from Antarctica to Costa Rica. Schoolchildren also get a two-week mid-year vacation in the first two weeks of June, known as the "Veranillo de San Juan.". 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). Mind you that there is a 'veranillo' (little summer ) or short dry spell during the month of July . 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. Mosquitoes are present all year long in Costa Rica. 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. This is Costa Rica's largest port cityreceiving and exporting a whopping 80% of the country's shipping services. Over the last few years, the small Central American nation of Costa Rica has earned a reputation for its easy going, pura vida sensibility.It's a place with something for everyone though the . Cons: This is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. The rain in June is still minimal in most destinations, especially further north. Best time to travel is during our 'green season' when there are less tourists and prices are usually discounted between the months of May-August. The best time to visit the Caribbean is early to late spring. Famously dubbed "the most biologically intense place on . This spurs some national tourism. Should I Be Worried About Snakes or Spiders in Costa Rica? Monteverde. It is imperative that you wear sunscreen every time you go outdoors.