Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month 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. Turtle Watching Season What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. Costa Rica September - Weather, Holidays and How to Plan Overall, the winter months (the driest months) and the summer months of July and August (which have a bit of a lull during the rainy season) are the best times to visit Costa Rica. One other way of deciding which months are best for destinations in Costa Rica is by looking at the average number of days that it rains each month. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. Some of the worst times to visit are also the best in terms of weather, little rainfall, and wildlife spotting opportunities! But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. There are less tourists, particularly during the months of September-early November, and prices are thus also lower during these times. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. I'm happy that you landed on my page and hope to inspire your wanderlust and encourage you to get outside your comfort zone. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast inMarch; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, Related Article: Costa Rica Spring Break Survival Guide. The north Pacific is the driest part of the country and the south Pacific is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica. Have you been looking for a country to visit? The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. Hotel availability is limited over these populartravel dates, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel dates. Let's have a look at them. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Costa Rica Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. But, unsurprisingly, that's also the cheapest time to travel. 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. This is a mixed blessing as you wont burn as easily, but it can inhibit views sometimes. Click here to learn how to make the most out of your trip. The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 74 F. There are about 9 days of rain and 3 inches of rain falling during the month. Best Times to Visit Costa Rica | U.S. News Travel Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. price over the last 2 weeks) or less. First things first, there are two tropical seasons in Costa Rica: dry season and green season. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Weather in the popular capital of San Jos has more in common with Puntarenas than Limon. 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. Arguably, this is one of the worst months you should avoid if you are visiting Costa Rica. They attract fewer visitors from the Limon cruise port because of distance. July and August are popular travel times due to less rain, family summer vacations, and active green season wildlife. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. The Best (and Worst) Time to Visit Turks and Caicos - Travel The few available hotels are usually aware that in some parts, hotels have closed, so they take advantage of the situation and hike prices. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 88 F and average low is 72 F. This is one of the wettest months for the region, with about 13 days of rain and 6 inches of rain. Bolivia doesn't quite have the family appeal of Costa Rica or Cancun, say - but those thinking of traveling in Bolivia with kids shouldn't be deterred. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Top-notch wildlife and bird watching, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all great reasons to visit. They are more likely to experience an increase in total rainfall. Hello guys, My name is Daria, and I'm a true Discovery Nut! There are many perks of traveling in rainy season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and more active wildlife. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. The first window is during February and March when the city experiences an average of about eight to nine inches of rain each month, according to 30 years of data from the World Weather Organization. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. In Nicaragua the rainy season means an hour of rain in the afternoon, and it's gorgeous at this time of year. These numbers dont guarantee the best months to visit Costa Rica because the weather does vary some from year to 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. Your opportunities for spotting wildlife are best in green season. The trade winds come in off the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica during the dry season and the strong prevailing wind pattern creates a rain shadow on the Pacific . Its important to note when talking about the rainy season in Costa Rica that often rain will fall mostly in the afternoon, so the mornings will still be clear for your beach time or activities. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. In this article, I'll be talking about the worst time to visit Costa Rica, as well as providing some tips for making the most of your trip even during less-than-ideal weather conditions. If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. This is the low season in Costa Rica due to the heavy rainfall (its the peak and tail end of the rainy season). On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May. Brrr! In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. If you are not a fan of the heavy rains, do not travel to the South Pacific because the rains here are heavy by the second week of May. Facts about Weather in Costa Rica - Planning Your Vacation 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. The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. September and October These two months are by far the rainiest in Costa Rica. The BEST Time to visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Every of the Year You will notice that some are closer to the roads, and their health starts to pick up. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. Like Limon, Puntarenas has steady temperatures throughout the year. 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. It gives amazing green landscapes and lush. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. July is very similar to June, with about 16 rainy days and 7 inches of rainfall throughout the month. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Best time to visit Central America - Responsible Travel In July and August, Costa Rica is in the drier part of the rainy season Costa Ricans call it veranillo or little summer. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. James Kaiser has guided visitors on when they should visit different places. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica 2018 - Yahoo! October through December are the worst months to visit Aruba. The worst time to visit Costa Rica. The city reaches a high point for rain in September and October thanks to the Pacific hurricane season. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. 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. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between the months of December and April. 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. November and early December are traveler favorites for cheap prices and fewer tourists. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . Best Times to Visit Costa Rica - Rain, Cost, Events Decembers average rainfall of 18 inches equals the entire year of some islands such as the arid Aruba. The Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a short break in September and October. While the high season is the most popular travel time, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. Costa Rica is a place that almost everyone has on their list of places to visit. Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. This is the peak tourism season, so prices are steep and crowds are deep. 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. Most of the rain that falls in November comes towards the beginning of the month. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. Well show you the best time to visit Costa Rica no matter what your goal is the best overall trip, the cheapest, the least busy, and more. The worst months to visit Puntarenas are May through Octoberespecially September. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. Technically, July and August are part of the rainy season too, but is often considered mini summer because the rain is a little bit lower during these months, especially in the central parts of the country. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. Corcovado National Park is one of the largest lowland tropical rainforests in Central America and the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. However, there are many microclimates in Costa Rica. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. 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. Book early. Less favorable weather means fewer crowds hence cheaper costs. January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. Rain is not normally a factor in Aruba because the island is arid and averages only 16 inches a year. Source . However, it is good to note that this is a problem experienced in nations with the same economic strength as Costa Rica. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. The best time of year to travel to Costa Rica - Pickvisa Some of them include. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. Rain falls approximately every other day (on average), with about 7 inches of rainfall during the month.