Pura vida is a way of life down here. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Dry Season in Costa Rica. Piedras Blancas National Park. 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. 2. OUR TOTAL COST OF TRANSPORTATION IN COSTA RICA CAME TO $293.50. To avoid the rainy season and for . . Other months typically have rain at some point of the day . The temperatures are more moderate, there are fewer tourists . Limn City. Make sure you also wear sunscreen that is earth and reef-friendly, as to not harm the environment or . 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. Even if you wear SPF50, you will still get sun on your skin and leave Costa Rica tanner than you came. 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. Reason to visit: Pura vida - what a fun phrase and way of life. Reasons to Visit Costa Rica in Rainy Season. And use a traffic app like Waze to avoid such situations. Mind you that there is a 'veranillo' (little summer ) or short dry spell during the month of July . . The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. Hanging bridges in La Fortuna, near Arenal. The city of Limn is not a popular place for expats or vacationers. Best time to visit in Costa Rica during the rainy season. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. 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. However, the worst of the rain is on the Pacific side during that time and you can get gorgeous, sunny dry days on . 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. 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. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . 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. Anyone planning their first Caribbean vacation may want to know when is the best time to go because of work or family reasons. 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. But this also coincides with summer vacations for school groups visiting mostly from North America. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. This beach town is renowned for an incredibly long stretch of soft, white sand beach simply called Playa Montezuma right on the Pacific Ocean. 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 . Temperatures are drop into the 70s Fahrenheit, but visitors have more freedom to move around. If you plan around this general pattern, you can make the most of the day (planning . The best months are August and September, when the whales are raising their babies here. July & August. Mind you that there is a 'veranillo' (little summer ) or short dry spell during the month of July . Fast Facts About Samara Beach. Opting not to wear sunscreen one day can ruin the rest of your vacation. 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. Port cities tend to have a seedy edge in general, and Limn is no exception. 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. Visitor services include only trails and natural viewpoints. The best months are November through April during the annual dry season. This is Costa Rica's largest port cityreceiving and exporting a whopping 80% of the country's shipping services. . The lack of rain and high temperatures make it a more popular time for vacationers. The city of Limn is not a popular place for expats or vacationers. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. And since Jaco is located near the coastline, it has high relative humidity (especially in June). Reason #4: It's Sun Season in Certain Areas. If you cannot avoid traveling in September or October head to the Caribbean coast for the best chance of dry weather. January & February. 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. Cons: This is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. 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. The average rainfall is 8-12 inches during the worst months. That said, there really isn't a worst time to visit Costa Rica! The Jungle Is Green and Lush and It's Slightly Cooler. 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. Low (Wet) Season: May - November. During the dry season (December to April), it seldom rains in much of the country. The worst time is early to late fall because the risk of rain is much higher. This is the best off-peak time to visit Costa Rica. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. 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. Best time to go to La Fortuna. The best time to visit Costa Rica in February is early in the month, before spring break begins. 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. Rainfall is high, and many businesses shut down. Closest Airports: Liberia International Airport (2.5 hours) and Nosara Regional Airport (1 hour) Average Temperature: 71 to 92F. 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. From late November to mid-December and even June and July are great months to explore this magnificent country. Worst Time of Year for Mosquitoes in Costa Rica. Avoid the peak rainy season, September . 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. Inland the rivers are at their best for rafting and waterfall rappelling. Mornings are clear almost without fail, and believe it or not, in some areas, Guanacaste especially, it can go for . Jeep - Boat - Jeep from La Fortuna to Santa Elena: $25 per person. 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. While most of the country is experiencing deluges and thunderstorms, the Caribbean is actually rather . Via ticotimes.net. It is imperative that you wear sunscreen every time you go outdoors. Weather will vary - rainforests are rainy, mountains have changeable conditions and the Pacific is generally drier than the Caribbean . Advantages of Traveling to Costa Rica in the Rainy Season. Essential Facts About Travel in Costa Rica. Anyone planning their first Caribbean vacation may want to know when is the best time to go because of work or family reasons. 3) Pura Vida - Don't worry, be happy. But this also coincides with summer vacations for school groups visiting mostly from North America. Costa Rica's weather in November is typically hot, humid and wet in nature. 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. During that time, Costa Rica has a "little summer" which mimics the dry season. The Costa Rica dry season lasts from December to April and also sees the most tourists. Closest Town: Samara. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds aren't bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or "little summer" in Costa Rica. The most stable weather is between December and April. From the rainforests of Guatemala to the mountains and volcanoes of Costa Rica, and the Barrier Reef of Belize, there is so much to see.. This time period is also known more optimistically as the "green" season due to the fact that everything is blooming. July. And that's not even mentioning its stunning beaches, which are as popular for sunbathers as they are for surfers. It Does Not Rain All the Time. In San Jos and the Central Valley the average temperature in August is 62 - 77 degrees . Established in 1991, Arenal Volcano National Park protects 29,850 acres and at least 131 . Weather in Costa Rica in January. Region: Nicoya Peninsula. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. Some of the landmark sites to visit in the Parque La Sabana include the Costa Rican Art Museum and the National Stadium. 6. 1. But at night, it stays around 24C to 26C. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging . Belize and Costa Rica are two of the most popular vacation destinations for Americans who want to travel to Central America -- and understandably so. But surprisingly, it can still be a good time to visit Costa Rica, or at least to visit the Caribbean Coast. 3.5. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. During veranillo you can enjoy sunny and warm weather with lush green surroundings. 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. For stretches of weeks, or even months, it might not rain a single drop. On the Caribbean coast the average temperature in August is 71 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit (22 - 30 degrees Celcius). 1. Head to the Pacific Coast to see them on a whale-watching tour. Shuttle from Santa Elena to Tamarindo: $55 per person. In fact, in some regions like northern Guanacaste Province, forests . Even the normally dry tropical scrub on the Guanacaste coast is lush and green. The average temperature is 27C with highs of something like 33C throughout the month. A word of warning - We were told that October is the worst time to visit Costa Rica. 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. With the popularity comes expense, so consider traveling in the shoulder months . 9. . November is in the spring in Costa Rica and is typically the 2nd warmest month of the year. The best time for family travel in Costa Rica definitely combines well with school vacations. There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher . Weather. 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. Unfortunately streets in Costa Rica do not have good drainage and when it rains, drains get clogged. February is a great month to visit the Osa Peninsula . 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. Opting not to wear sunscreen one day can ruin the rest of your vacation. A wealth of history, crazy good food, and literally amazing nature make it perfect for many different people. 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. Sunsets are just horrible. Make sure you also wear sunscreen that is earth and reef-friendly, as to not harm the environment or . I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. 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. Source: flickr. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. October is known for having the worst weather in the country. The best time to visit Costa Rica will depend on the type of vacation you want. Even if you wear SPF50, you will still get sun on your skin and leave Costa Rica tanner than you came. Rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May to November. The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica. One of the advantages of visiting . Planning according to these patterns can result in a successful vacation. 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 average temperature for the month is 81 Fahrenheit or 27 Celsius and can range between 75 and 90 Fahrenheit or 24 to 32 Celsius. A word of warning - We were told that October is the worst time to visit Costa Rica. Should I Be Worried About Snakes or Spiders in Costa Rica? The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). Although outside the main holiday season, there is still plenty of relatively acceptable weather around this time of year. Schoolchildren also get a two-week mid-year vacation in the first two weeks of June, known as the "Veranillo de San Juan.". There will be light showers through the day and heavy rains in the late afternoon, but . Costa Rica Climate Guide. However, since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, rainy season (May to end of November) is the worst time of year for mosquitoes. Best time to visit in Costa Rica during the rainy season. Monteverde. High (Dry) Season: Mid-December - April. Wildlife is thriving, with sea turtles nesting along the Pacific coast and humpback whales frequenting the south Pacific coast. Source . The worst time is early to late fall because the risk of rain is much higher. 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. December - March. But this also coincides with summer vacations for school groups visiting mostly from North America. The Costa Rica rainy season is not really all that rainy here though, with more afternoon showers than days-long deluges. One of the advantages of visiting . Limn City. 3. Yes, travelling to Costa Rica is safe. Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March. The average temperature in Costa Rica in August is 69 - 89 degrees Fahrenheit (21 - 32 degrees Celcius) on the Pacific Coast. This spurs some national tourism. If all you want is sun and beach, the best time to visit is January - April or October on the Caribbean coast. Rainfall is high, and many businesses shut down. One of the best times to visit Costa Rica is in mid-July during what is referred to as "veranillo.". Source: Wikimedia. The central Pacific with its beautiful beaches is great to visit most of the year but I would stay away September through October to avoid the worst of the rainy season. Central america is a huge region of spectacular scenic diversity. Montezuma sits on the southern shore of Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. Where to visit: Costa Rica has many unique climate zones which factor into weather patterns. St. Ramon Day / Da de San Ramn (August 30) Each county in Costa Rica finds the opportunity to celebrate its heritage. 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. You can expect some days of full . 1. Dry and hot. As for temperatures, you can expect it to be a few degrees cooler . This is Costa Rica's largest port cityreceiving and exporting a whopping 80% of the country's shipping services. The temperatures are more moderate, there are fewer tourists . The best time to visit the Caribbean is early to late spring. This is also the "high" season and it is . But it also depends on the destination. 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). No matter what you decide, just keep your calm and be polite! In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. 1. 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. People with children in school may be . Coastal panoramas, rare ecosystems, volcanoes to climbCosta Rica is all of this, and more. If you cannot avoid traveling in September or October head to the Caribbean coast for the best chance of dry weather. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. The worst areas are on the coast and worst time of year for mosquitoes is during rainy season. Also known as: Playa Samara or Samara Beach. June is the second month of Costa Rica's rainy season (May to November). These months have little to no rain in most of the country. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Driving May Lead to Death. 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. From late November to mid-December and even June and July are great months to explore this magnificent country. Best time to visit Costa Rica. But it also depends on the destination. Weather. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. What is the best time to visit Central America? The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica. But don't let that put you off booking flights and planning a great adventure. Plus earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence and floods are common in the rainy . I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. 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!!! THAT'S AN AVERAGE OF $19.56 PER DAY, OR $9.78 EACH. February is a terrific month to visit Costa Rica, thanks to it being dry season. Mosquitoes are present all year long in Costa Rica. It is imperative that you wear sunscreen every time you go outdoors. Playa Samara is located in the Guanacaste province at the north end of the Nicoya Peninsula . 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. Sustainable Destinations in Costa Rica: Arenal and Monteverde. While it literally translates to "pure life", the more practical definition would be don't worry, it will be alright. People with children in school may be . Caribbean Costa Rica Has Different Weather. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. 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. Monteverde. The rainiest months are September and . 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. If you are flexible with your dates, the rainy season might prove to be the best time of year to visit Costa Rica. However, prices will also be higher and the vegetation will be much less beautiful . 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 rain in June is still minimal in most destinations, especially further north. 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.". This makes it an okay time to visit Costa Rica. The best time to visit Costa Rica is a little bit different if you're talking about the Caribbean side of the country. Famously dubbed "the most biologically intense place on . The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. The rainy (or"green") season is great for travelers heading to the perennially sunny Caribbean Coastor to . The best time to visit the Caribbean is early to late spring. Additionally, the park also has a number of public sports fields, a gymnasium, and even a shooting range. If you are flexible with your dates, the rainy season might prove to be the best time of year to visit Costa Rica. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. If you plan to visit Costa Rica in January, definitely try to book all your hotels, activities, and rental car ahead of time. 3. One Final Note: I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. So, I recommend you visit Jaco in the dry season as the best time to visit there. The domain of the revered cloud forests is an absolute must for any first-time travelers making their way through Costa Rica. 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. Montezuma - One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica. July to November in Costa Rica is the best time to see Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales as they migrate from Antarctica to Costa Rica. January is dry. 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. . The Most Affordable Time to Visit Costa Rica. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. It is going to rain if you're in Costa Rica in June because it's the rainy season. 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. Carnival food and other festive activities accompany . Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Liberia (Guanacaste) are January, February, March, April, November and December. Very safe in fact if you're using your common sense. Namely, Arenal and the Caribbean: If Arenal is on your list, know that its dry season runs May-October . Even the temperature is also high and varies between 24C to 32C in the day time. Avenue de las Americas, Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica, Phone: 506-2549-0700. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 82 . Port cities tend to have a seedy edge in general, and Limn is no exception. Mind you that there is a 'veranillo' (little summer ) or short dry spell during the month of July . Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. March and April are still relatively dry months but getting into May and June you'll . Shuttle from La Pavona to La Fortuna: $50 per person. This means that prices are high and everything books out fast.