worst time to visit costa rica

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worst time to visit costa rica

Since these months fall between peak seasons, there are fewer visitors and lower accommodation prices. 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. Whereas the Nation is one of the most attractive in Central America, there are times you should avoid it as much as you can. Tie in a neighbour. In May, the rains had started to pick up in most parts of the country, roads were still passable, and hotels were still within the price ranges of April. This was probably the advice I was given the most before heading to Costa Rica, forget mozzie spray. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Pacific Coast or Caribbean Coast? 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. But be aware that your trip will be more expensive and a little less serene! The best months during this dry season are November through April because of a lower risk of rain. 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. Crocodiles occupy many, and some have bull sharks. 15 Unpleasant Facts You Should Know About Costa Rica - theclever 2020 Scott S. Bateman, Heavy rains produce Costa Ricas famous rainforests. 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. Costa Rica ranks top among the nations with the happiest people in the world. At elevations above sea level, often referred to as the lowlands, the temperature is typically approximately 79 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), whereas, in the so-called highlands, it is typically 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius). April typically marks the end of the dry season. This is probably the quickest and most convenient option, but it's also pretty expensive individually. 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 . 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. You must also be aware that some locations are susceptible to flooding and landslides. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. During General Election 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 this is the only time you can visit, be sure to plan at least a year in advance since hotels fill up fast. In this section, were breaking down the climate in Costa Rica through all the months of the year. For instance, due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Tortuguero experiences hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall. Because of its location close to the equator, the climate in Costa Rica is tropical. 10. You shall witness unmatched street parades, bull runs, dancing, and rodeos. 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 Ricas warm, tropical climate is one reason tourists flock to the country during the peak season. 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. Due to its relatively cheap currency against the U.S dollar, services are cheaper here. Expect it to be warm and humid. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect. 4 Best (And Worst) Ways To Travel From San Jos To Tamarindo, Costa Rica In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. It allows you to swap your heavy winter clothing with admirable carnival costumes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead) Budget-wise, peak weeks that occur around Christmas and Easter are the worst times to visit Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula and the mountainous area around Rincon de la Vieja National Park have slight rainfalls compared to other places. Puntarenas and San Jos get rain more than 20 days a month from May through October and peak at 25-26 days in September and October. I only hope to bring you information to help you choose your travel dates. Costa Rica Climate Guide. However, if you prefer enjoying your vacation/trip when there are fewer crowds, then the ideal time of year to visit Costa Rica is either May or November. This Central American country is home to wild jungles, incredible national parks, cascading waterfalls, and more. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 89 F and average low is 79 F. There are 13 days with rain, receiving about 6 inches of rain total. Over 7 inches of rain (on average) will fall in October. On the Pacific Coast, the month with the highest amount of rain. 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. The three worst months of the year to visit Limon are July, November and especially December. Still, its a great time to visit Costa Rica for a sunny tropical getaway . Temperature averages throughout the country range from 75F to 90F year-round. Check my guide to visiting Irazu Volcano a perfect place to visit during Costa Ricas dry season. You get it all when you visit at this time of year! October through early December is the least busy time of year to visit Costa Rica. But Costa Rica's two seasons (dry and rainy) mean the weather there swings wildly throughout the year. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal. 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. Tortuguero is the home of those who love turtles. Because Costa Rica has many different climate regions, well discuss the areas on the Caribbean Coast, the Pacific Coast, and the middle of the country. Prices and crowds are at their peak, making this the most expensive and crowded time to visit. Though not common, there are reported cases of rapes, assaults, and robberies at different beaches. The Overmarine group is a shipyard and company that has always produced the Mangusta range of Yachts. The Caribbean Coast experiences a brief respite in September and October but is otherwise hot, humid, and wet all year. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. In conclusion, the best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your preferences. San Jos and the interior has one big difference with the cruise ports on either coast of the country. Costa Rica September. They are not telling you that the rainy seasons are not over in Costa Rica now. 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. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. or less. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Complete Guide And Tips - Travelila The country is, without a doubt, among the best Central American countries to visit. Start Here Caribbean Costa Rica The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2023, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. 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. Best time to visit Costa Rica - Responsible Travel If you want to enjoy your vacation in the ideal weather, then December and January are the best time to visit Costa Rica. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: When to Go & When to Avoid 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. Please consult a Costa Rica Expert on the general climate of your destinations of interest over your travel dates. January-February and July-September are the best months to see whales on the Pacific coast. . When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May 6. 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. Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June and August. Travelers can still enjoy clear skies, although the vegetation, particularly on the North Pacific Coast, has lost some of its vibrant green sparkle after months of little rain. 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. The hottest months of the year in Costa Rica are from February to April, with March or April typically having the highest daily temperatures. The choices of the animal parks you can visit are limited to places such as the Punta Uva and Cahuita National Parks. All Rights Reserved. The rainy season does not mean that it rains nonstop . Most popular time to fly with an average 27% increase in price. The International Living gives a detailed report on the places you should avoid the most in November: Santa Rita de Alajuela, Leon XIIII, Tibas, San Jose, Limon City, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, and the Puntarenas City, Puntarenas. At this time, you also have several festive celebrations, such as the Festival de la Luz in San Jose, which is held in the second week of the month. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. As Costa Rica is only 10 degrees above the equator, the temperature doesnt fluctuate very much throughout the year. If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. with some heavy rain still to be expected until the end of November, but by mid-December the worst will certainly be over. This tropical Central American country is nestled between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). January through March is typically the worst time to visit Costa Rica. This is us in Tamarindo! Both Limon and Puntarenas lie far enough south that they usually avoid either Pacific or Caribbean hurricanes. In the tropical dry forests, the beginning of the dry season will still have plenty of green scenery to display. On the Pacific Coast, April to August has the best surfing waves for experienced surfers, while beginners will appreciate the somewhat smaller waves on the Pacific Coast from December to April. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Ask the locals or your tour guide if you do not understand what to do. 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. The two seasons are so different that knowing when to go to Puntarenas is an easy choiceany month from December through April. Costa Rica is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. The rain brings out the best in Costa Ricas flora. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. 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. . The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Beautiful Weather The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. 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. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. 7. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. In April, the dry season in Costa Rica is coming to an end. Copyright 2023 The Discovery Nut | Privacy Policy, Best time to visit Costa Rica + When to Avoid A complete guide [2023], 7 Days In Costa Rica: How To Plan Your Itinerary, 22 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica in 2023. Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Which is Worth Your Time? - Layer Culture She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Its simple with our helpful travel tips! The month also gives a chance to visit the parks to see how animals transition their behavioral patterns. At the same time, the central valley of San Jos experiences cool breezes and average temperatures of about 72 Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). See average monthly temperatures below. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. The beautiful flowering trees that flourish during this period, such as the Corteza Amarilla, which exhibits an amazing blaze of yellow blossoms under the scorching sun, will stand out among the dried leaves. I have to say, it's true. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The average annual rainfall in the country is about 100 inches; however, mountainous regions can have an annual rainfall of up to 25 feet or 300 inches. 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. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. The worst time to visit Costa Rica is during the rainy season which runs from May to November. These are home to millions of different wildlife and plant species some you cant find anywhere else. Costa Rica has a very diverse and changeable climate. The best times to visit Costa Rica are late fall to early spring months when heavy rains ease. What Is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica? The worst time to visit Costa Rica. Those same two months are the worst months of the year for visiting the rest of the Caribbean because of the annual hurricane season. Unlike Limon, Puntarenas has much more distinct dry and rainy seasons. Sometimes, political statements fly across the political scene, discouraging investment in the hotel industry. Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal is approximately 17km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Some of them include. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About Be sure to plan your stay before mid-December, because prices (and crowds) pick back up for Christmas break near the end of December. Check out this guide next: Best Time to Visit Hawaii | When to Go & Travel Tips. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. Traveling during the rainy season also presents a chance to witness the thousands of turtles that come to deposit their eggs on the sandy beaches of Costa Rica. That being said, March and April have the highest temperatures. Despite its skimpy scale, Costa Rica's mountains, rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific and Caribbean coasts mean that temperatures and rainfall vary wildly. While the days are still warm, nighttime temperatures can drop to -20C, and some tours have pre-dawn starts. Youll see amazing volcanoes, dense tropical jungles, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and rivers full of life winding throughout the country. , We visited in July and experienced several days of completely clear weather, and some days when there was an hour or two of afternoon rain not bad at all, especially when a lot of the tours in La Fortuna happen in the morning! Source . Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Then worry no more because Costa Rica has everything it takes to make a good tourist destination. In this article, we shall guide you to know the best and the worst times you should visit Costa Rica. May is a bit of a transitionmonth, in which the rain picks up, but not quiteat the rate oflater greenseason months. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. If you enjoy the snow, low crowds, and value season pricing, January and February are the best . It was founded in 1985 as a family passion and today, it is among worlds leading producers of, Read More The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-TimeContinue, There is something for everyone at sprawling 222-room Hacienda Encantada in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Best and Worst Times to Visit Costa Rica - moneyinc.com Located along the Pacific Coast, the park has light sand beaches, ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and clear water. The average rainfall jumps to eight inches or more from May through October and reaches a high point of about 12 inches in September. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season,despite reducedrainfall. 11 tips for travelling in Costa Rica | Rough Guides 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). So, watch out. This is a good time to travel - as long as you have packed well. 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. 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. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. See average Costa Rica temperatures, seasonal weather patterns, pricing differences between the two seasons, and the least crowded time of year to visit below. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. Puntarenas has a distinct dry season from December through April. 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. 5. Best Times to Visit Jaco - Weather, Season, Temperature - TripHobo Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a place you should never visit. 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. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. In Central Costa Rica, the average high is 92 F and average low is 72 F, and there is usually only a day of rain. This a tough topic. Avoid Puntarenas and San Jos during the summer and fall, but plan to visit during the winter and early spring. Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. Always Pack a Raincoat. Best and Worst Times to Visit Aruba - Caribeez.com Costa Rica during the dry season is lovely warm weather, sunny days, clear skies, and infrequent rain. $10.5 billion. At the Nicoya Peninsula, plants are starting to flower, and you can take one of the best photos you have ever had. Rains typically pass quickly at this time of year, delivering much-needed hydration to the lush jungles and rain forests without sticking around long enough to make your beach trip a waste. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel There is an easy solution though. The most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer, or Futbol, as they call it. Like in the United States, the months of August, September and October present the . Source: Wikimedia, Total cruise visitors by month. Heavy rain, mostly in the afternoons, and sporadic showers are likely from May to November, with September and October having the heaviest rainfall. The weather along the Pacific coast is anywhere from somewhat rainy to extreme downpours depending on how far south you go. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. What's the Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica - Plus 7 Top Tips Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Bookmundi Rainfall reaches more than three inches in October through December, but the totals are still low compared to the rest of the Caribbean. The Best Time to Go to Costa Rica by Season and Month Average rainfall is less than one inch from January through March and only a little more than an inch in April and December. The most stable weather is between December and April. If you want to spend time on the beach, the dry season is likely the best time for you. Wildlife watching:loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. What To Do in Costa Rica When It Rains? 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 . April, Enjoy the Sunshine, the Wildlife, and the Samantha Week, May, Witness the Transition to Rainy Seasons, December, Take Advantage of the Holiday Celebrations, October, the Terrible Roads in Parks and Low Hotel Season, November, The Month with the Highest Number of Places You Should Avoid, The Best Places You Can Visit at Any Time in Costa Rica, Things to Avoid When You are in Costa Rica, The Five Finest Mangusta Yachts of All-Time, 10 Reasons Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences is the Perfect Group Getaway in Cabo, Mexico, The 20 Best Things to do in Tampere, Finland, How Ali Wong Achieved a Net Worth of $3 Million, Eight Reasons to go to French Polynesias Marquesas Islands, How Lisa Rinna Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, 20 Cities with The Worst Weather in Europe. If budget is your main concern, youll want to visit Costa Rica sometime between September and mid-December (the low season). Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. Packing insect repellent is also vital because rainy weather increases mosquito infestations. You wont run into frigid temperatures when you visit here, no matter what time of year you go. Costa Rica is bubbling over with life and energy. Here are the top five reasons why: Spectacular sunset at Mansita Beach, Hacienda Pinilla. 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. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. They're also most crowded. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . On the Caribbean coast, the average high is 85 F, and average low is 77 F. rainfall increases to almost 3 inches, and an average of 7 rainy days per month. Palmeros Festival in Costa Rica takes place in January and draws in a ton of visitors (about 1 hour from San Jose) and includes concerts, dancing, and food sampling. What Species of Monkeys Are in Costa Rica and Where to See Them? The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October when lashing rains and floods wash out bridges and roads. September to November sees the lowest crowds in Costa Rica, as this is the height of the rainy season.