worst time to visit costa rica

July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. While theres more rainfall from September through mid-December than any other part of the year, you also benefit from cheaper prices and fewer crowds. 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. Otherwise, take any bus to Tilarn and . 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. The Best Time to Go to Costa Rica by Season and Month So, watch out. The highlands tend to be cooler, whereas the beaches tend to be warmer. Temperatures are much warmer than Limon with average daily highs reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit from January through August and dipping into the high 80s for the rest of the year. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has vastly different weather patterns, thanks a variety of microclimates. 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. As the heavy rainfall begins to wrap up in mid-December, its also one of the best times of year to spot wildlife on land and in the ocean. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 16 days with rain, receiving about 7 inches of rain total. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. $264. Theres something for everyone here youve just got to know the best time to visit Costa Rica to plan the ideal vacation! Always Pack a Raincoat. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season. Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. Knowing which months are dry or green seasons in the country is crucial as it will help you choose the best place and time to visit. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. . Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. Due to such expectations, we shall start by looking at when you should enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Best time to visit Bolivia - responsiblevacation.com July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures, Costa Rica Travel Information: Tips, Attractions, Weather, Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. What's The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? - TripTivy 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid - A complete guide [2023] On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. On a mission to witness the planet's beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. 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. 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. Whether youre looking for lively metro areas with tons of shopping, accommodations, and restaurant options or a tucked-away towns with vibrant and authentic Costa Rican culture, youll find it here. The dry season runs from December through April and the rainy season goes from May through November, which coincides with the Pacific hurricane season. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. 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. This guide will help you make an informed decision about how to plan your adventure and know what to expect during your trip to Costa Rica, whether youre doing activities in La Fortuna or hanging out at the beach in Tamarindo! DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. 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. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. 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. 1. April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the 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. Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip Best Times to Visit Jaco - Weather, Season, Temperature - TripHobo 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. The weather during this period is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. (avg. Have you been looking for a country to visit? Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. 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. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. 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. This is the mini summer of Costa Rica. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. 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. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! They can often reach into the mid-'30s during the dry season. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. 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. Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. This is partly the result of higher elevations. 1. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. There are 3 days with rain, receiving less than 1 inch of rain total. During General Election Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. Wildlife watching:Alaska/California humpback whales; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, A beautiful, clear day on the Nicoya Peninsula from Hotel Punta Islita. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. 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. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. 10. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. Costa Rica for solo travellers. Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. 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. April to June and September to November is the rainy season in Costa Rica. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? 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. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. 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. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. The Best Time to Visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Weather, Safety View our Costa Rica safaris Design your own trip. The rains can cause widespread flooding and mudslides making travel difficult and dangerous. 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. The most stable weather is between December and April. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. or less. Therefore, you may consider visiting Costa Ricas northern Pacific coast to enjoy the regions pleasant environment if youre looking for the countrys highest temperature. 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. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. 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. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; green, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - Caribeez.com It's easiest to reach the park by car or on a tour. So while we cant answer this question for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. Best time to visit Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica | Escapade Tours Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). Temperatures are not a factor in when to visit. Tie in a neighbour. 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. 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. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. The Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo are the most popular places to visit in May. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). The currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rica Colon, and according to Xe.com, the 633.75 Colones are trading to the equivalent of $1. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends a lot on what you want to do. . There are three key factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit: the weather, the crowds, and the cost. The temperatures in Costa Rica range between 20 - 30 C year-round. When Is the Worst Time to Travel to the Bahamas? | USA Today September can be a great month to travel or a washout, depending on where you are in Costa Rica. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Months, Rainy/Dry Seasons Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. February and March are the best months for the Limon cruise port while July is the worst. The weather is amazing with little rain to ruin your outdoor plans, crowds are moderate, and pricing for airfare, accommodations, and car rentals are lower than in the true high season. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. We understand that you are excited that you know when and where to visit when you are in Costa Rica but hold on. I spent the first half of this year living in Nosara, Costa . Costa Rica in January sees low rainfall across the country. Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Tamarindo are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below.