worst time to visit costa rica worst time to visit costa rica

Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. And the only tradeoff is a little short-lived rainfall during your stay! July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. 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. I have to say, it's true. The tradeoff is that there are higher numbers of tourists, and prices on hotels are higher (and they also fill up faster). There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Therefore, different regions in the country have very different scenery and weather. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . It is the home of 400 varieties of birds and 2500 plant species and has more than 100 mammals. In October, the rains are heavy, making some parts of the country mildly inaccessible. It is a democratic republic which is located in Central America. 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! October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. 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. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit La Fortuna, the hottest months are April, March, and then February. 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. Get your camera because here you can take one of your best photos. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. The best advice is that you should wait until the political temperatures cool. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 39% drop in price. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. You can travel to the Central Pacific Coat if you are still interested in the sunny weather of April, though slightly lower. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. . Another reason the wet season is not ideal is that some of the vital attractions sites in the country, such as national parks and beaches, may be closed or their operating hours shortened due to the wet weather; hence it limits the activities and time one gets to enjoy. Therefore, knowing the ideal time and place to visit is essential for making the most of your tropical trip. 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. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. May is sometimes referred to as the magical month. Here the Gringos are enjoying summer and escaping Winter at the same time. Since Costa Rica is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, different regions climates and typical temperatures are impacted by the difference in elevation. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. November is the transition month from rainy to dry season. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). 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. 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. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. Costa Rica is known for its national parks and vast protected areas. The San Jos, Costa Rica weather is wonderful, staying in the mid-'20s throughout the entire year. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. The temperature in Costa Rica is basically the same all year round. Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. The good thing with Costa Rica rains is that they start softly before gradually picking. Source . On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Most Pacific Coast and the Central Mountains receive a lot of sunshine during these warmer months. Sunsets are just horrible. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. There is a very slight dip in August in the amount of rain compared to July, with about 6 inches of rain falling during the month. 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. Peak season is the busiest, most popular, and, thus, the most expensive time to visit Costa Rica. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Thankfully, generally rain is isolated to afternoon and you can still find good, clear times during the morning to enjoy your activities. The mountain regions are yet to dry, the road in them is clogged with mad, and you can still experience rainfalls at any given time. At this time, the weather is dry and bright. The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). April marks the last month of the dry season, although it can last a couple weeks longer in the arid northwest region of Guanacaste. Its terrain includes the Mojave Desert, Central Valley farmland, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, redwood forest, and cliff-lined beaches. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. As you move south along the Pacific coast, humidity levels rise. All rights reserved. Let's have a look at them. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. 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. The warmest time of year is generally late March where highs are regularly around 88F (31.1C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 65F (18.3C) at night. If a warm and sunny tropical vacation is what youre looking for, its hard to beat Costa Ricas pleasant climate. Discover Costa Rica's cloud forests, coral reefs and volcanos in new and exciting ways on these four amazing tours; The 50 most attractive nationalities revealed: India is No.1, USA comes second . Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. . The worst time to visit overall is late December through January. South Pacific | Visit Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tourism Official website Skip to main content Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. 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. Expect that if you leave valuable items in plain sight and unattended, such as on the beach or in the car, that they will be taken. You'll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica - and the worst time to plan your visit - in this quick travel guide. To sail in Tahiti means to enjoy not only the beauty of the islands, but also the, Read More The Top 5 Places to Sail in TahitiContinue, California is mostly synonymous with the Hollywood entertainment industry, sunny beaches, and a temperate weather. December through April is the dry season. The dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to November. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023. 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. Costa Rica September. Plus, there may still bespring break travelers, so youll want to book your vacation well in advance. Travel Tips. May through November is the green season. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. When referencing Pacific weather in the following sections, weve highlighted what you will experience when staying in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area, which is the middle of the Pacific Coast. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. The average highs stay in the mid 80s Fahrenheit or upper 20s Celsius. Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. If you love sunny weather, this is your time, especially for those who want to visit the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountains. 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. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. In such a scenario, local conservative members may discriminate against you if you are from a country that supports a topic they are not comfortable with. 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. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rainfall increases during October, with of the days seeing some rainfall. Costa Rica has a tropical climate. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. For those who love waterfall hiking, then here is your solution. Even the driest parts of Costa Rica, such as the North Pacific, still experience high rainfall. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! Rainy days and cloudy skies continue throughout the country. Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. Read on to find out the best time to visit Costa Rica by season and region. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. It is in the nation's northern region and towers above the lush surroundings, where the best coffee globally is grown on plantations. Flying. Learn how your comment data is processed. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. Youll learn the best time to visit Costa Rica and the worst time to plan your visit in this quick travel guide. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Rainfall is a possibility, especially around the beginning of November, but light rain showers, are enjoyable, especially while swimming in waterfalls. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. The rainy season starts and cloud cover increases dramatically as the month goes on. Costa Rica is a dream destination, with epic surfing, misty cloud forests, and wilderness and wildlife that will take your breath away.Costa Rica is known for adventure travel, but it is also making strides in sustainable and accessible travel initiatives.This Central American country's small size means that travelers can enjoy a wide variety of experiences in a short trip. The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. Costa Rica Climate Guide. The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. $264. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. But Costa Ricas two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best 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. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. Around 75% of the country's 6,000,000 people live on less than $2 per day, well below the poverty line of most countries. So youll also save a lot of money if you plan your visit during this time of year! Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. You may even find you have the beach all to yourself. Even dry seasons can have unexpected rain, so visitors should always be prepared in advance. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The humidity increases as you travel south along the Pacific coast. 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. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. 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. Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. 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 Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. Some of them include. To the North, the Nation borders Nicaragua, and to the South, it has Panama. 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 . 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. All Rights Reserved. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. In fact, you're likely to encounter snow here until well into May and temperatures can fall to -30C, though Norrland 's summer months are typically a comfortable 15 degrees. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls about half of the days in November, and 6 inches falling during the course of the month. The rainy season ends in October, which is the beginning of the shoulder season. April typically marks the end of the dry season. July is during mini-summer, where there is rain, but its less than other months. This coincides with cheaper rates and prices, so think of it as a bonus! Nicaragua's total GDP is approx. Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Top tips for travelling in Costa Rica. 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. But if beach crowds are more the issue, then the low tourist season of June . Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. 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 With a booming tourism industry and tons of things for everyone to enjoy, anyone whos been to beautiful Costa Rica will tell you youve got to see it to believe it. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 87 F and average low is 73 F. By the end of the month, you have 50% sunny days and 8 days of rain, but the rainy days decrease as the month goes on.