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