The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. Total rainfall averages less than one inch from January through March, a little more than one inch in May and December and eight inches or more from May through October. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. In addition to having some of the sunniest days in the country, the Gold Coast has the least amount of rainfall. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. It is the period of heavy rainfall though being a tropical country, about of the skies pouring can be expected anytime. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. Credit: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license). The worst months are May through October because of. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 91 F and average low is 80 F. There are 7 days with rain, receiving about 2 inches of rain total. Travel Tips. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog. Natural Science Museum La Salle Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. . We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. 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 San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. All Rights Reserved. Even if you go during the height of the rainy season or peak tourism times, youre going to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of this country. 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. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. However, the rainy season isnt quite as severe as one might imagine, which is why the term green season has gained popularity instead of wet season because the countrys jungles, forests, and flowers use the rainfall to blossom and turn green.. 2017 Scott S. Bateman, Despite heavy year-round rain, clear skies are possible like this one in Zacero. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. The event brings in more than 1500 musicians who will entertain you. 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. First, let us say that theres truly no bad time to visit 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.. Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. You can expect to see drier weather as you head north, and wetter weather as you head south. Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. All said and done; we hope that you shall enjoy your stay in Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 92 F and average low is 80 F. This is the hottest month of the year. The vegetation is lush, waterfalls are high, and you have a good chance to see whales, nesting turtles in some regions, and enjoy surfing on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. No wonder July and August are highly regarded as the best time to visit Costa Rica by travel agencies and experienced travelers in the know! 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. As the month goes on, the drier and sunnier it will become, with about 40-50% of the days in November being sunny by the end of the month. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. 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. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. In this post, we'll cover the best (and worst) time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, peak travel times, cost, and more. From scarlet macaws to slow-moving sloths, you will be astounded at the diversity of life youll find in this country. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. Beautiful water bodies surround it. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. Nicaragua folklore dress code. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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! Plus, there are no crowds. It is also clear that there is no specific worst time to visit Costa Rica since its diversity in terms of seasons and climatic conditions presents unique, attractive features and activities to satisfy the needs of different types of tourists. The best places to visit in Costa Rica - Lonely Planet I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. For example, both La Fortuna and San Jose are in the middle of the country, but they experience somewhat different weather. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, "green," as locals may call it) season. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 10 days of rain and 4.5 inches of rain falling during the month. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. The average lows, which take place mainly at night, hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 Celsius. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. You can choose from among leisure activities. This period is during the low season, so youll deal with fewer tourists and may feel like youve got the place to yourself. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Costa Rica Flying. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Wildlife watching:Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. From my own personal travel experience, the shoulder season is the best time to visit Costa Rica. You know the best time to visit Costa Rica, but making the most of your trip to Costa Rica means you need a little more info to plan your getaway. Things You Should Never Do While Visiting Costa Rica - Culture Trip Dry Seasons February, March, April, August (2nd half), September, October These months are the driest of the year with occasional rain usually occurring at night or early in the morning. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. With fewer demand for airfare, accommodations, and rentals, prices are also cheaper during the low season. What's The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? - Visitingly Fortunately, this travel guide provides vital information on the best as well as the worst time to visit Costa Rica to enable you to plan an ideal travel itinerary. Nicaragua is home to the oldest city in all of Central America; The Ruins of Len Viejo. The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is a very dry month, with usually only a day of rain. 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. 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. (Though, it's less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant since 2010). If you decide to go during July or August, youll get the best of both worlds with sunny, warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and cheaper pricing than the peak season. Youll need to be prepared for rain most days, and heavy rain at that. The Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Turks and Caicos - Travel The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Barrio La California, If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit La Fortuna, the hottest months are April, March, and then February. 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.