worst time to visit costa rica

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. He picks out April as one of the best months you should visit Costa Rica. Best time to visit Bolivia - responsiblevacation.com 1. However, the Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, actually enjoys its best . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida ("pure life"), was declared the most environmentally advanced and happiest place on earth in 2016. Many report that November and early December are the best times to go on a budget. 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. Costa Rica doesnt have the 4 traditional seasons. Many beaches are poorly lit, which creates a prime avenue for criminal activities. As seen above, the local communities in different attraction sites are very helpful. The next best time to visit Limon is during September and October, when the average rainfall is six and eight inches a month. In April, this beautiful area experiences morning sunshine and afternoon light rain. And its much less rainy at this time of year than during May and June (other popular times to visit). Home Travel Central America Costa Rica What is The Worst Time To Visit Costa Rica (And When To Go Instead). . If you want to surf, then it depends on the region. 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. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. Top 5 Most Active Volcanoes to Visit in Costa Rica & What To Know About The mountains in the middle of the country create a rain shadow for the Pacific coast throughout part of the year. 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. Check my honest comparison to figure out where to go on vacation. For anyone who appreciates exploring new countries off the beaten path, this is arguably the best time of year to go for authentic experiences. DID YOU KNOW: Its not uncommon for Costa Rica to run out of rental cars during the high season which is January. Flight from San Jos to Billings. 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. Here comes the part of our guide that many would flash by the headlines. Sunnier days and lower rainfall is evident throughout the country. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. On the Pacific Coast, the average high is 88 F and average low is 78 F. There are 12 days with rain, receiving about 5 inches of rain total, with rain decreasing throughout the month. Prices are slightly cheaper, crowds arent bad, and the weather is excellent because this is the veranillo or little summer in Costa Rica. The light rains during July and August are nothing compared to the deluges common in September through December. 'It's so expensive' were the words on fellow travellers lips. | 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. July through August the little high season is the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. A dry season runs from December through April, and a rainy season runs from May through the end of November. 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. Youve got the highly-developed Pacific coast on the western side and the more-affordable, culturally-driven Caribbean coast on the eastern side. That time period shifts slightly depending on your goals for the trip. 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 . Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Monthly Breakdown & Recommendations The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk. There are more than 500,000 animal species in the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Costa Rica for solo travellers. When the Nation faces two presidential rounds, this polarizes the tourism industry. The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica - The Ultimate Guide Hurricane season, from June 1 until Nov. 30, is a time many travelers avoid the Bahamas. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January through February and in July. 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 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. Its green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain inJuly in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. 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. In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. 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. The greenery is very lush and abundant, and waterfalls are at their maximum flow. When to go to Sweden in spring Visiting Sweden in March - May Truly, you can have a great time in this country any time of year. Its the best month to visit Costa Rica for the sunniest weather, with about of the days being sunny. 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! Source: Wikimedia (Creative Commons license), The Puntarenas monthly weather shows some important differences from Limon. One thing is for sure, though, your vacation in Costa Rica will be an incredible experience youll never forget! Animals are still hiding in the thick bushes, and you must travel for so long before seeing them. 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 . Turtle Watching Season Probably you have been planning on visiting Costa Rica, and you have shed to the internet, the chances are that you are given narrations of how this month is great in Costa Rica. Making the most of your tropical vacation means knowing the best time to visit Costa Rica. Japan has objectively no best time to visit as each season offers a different experience and spectacular beauty. 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. Beautiful water bodies surround it. $264. 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. There are beautiful coastlines and stunning landscapes to enjoy, along with many pretty coastal towns to visit. However, theres no getting around it rainy season is, well, rainy. Suppose you want to travel to any isolated or rural areas. I tried watching the sunset the other night, and it was just horrible. Its even cheaper if you visit during the low season, September through mid-December (especially November and early December). Limon temperatures are not a factor because they remain steady. 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. Caving, zip lining, aerial tours, and jungle exploration are all great ways to get out and explore the beauty of Costa Rica. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? The toughest areas are the mountains, where nighttime temperatures can fall below 50 Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). Always Pack a Raincoat. The wet season is also an ideal time to spot humpback whales in the Osa Peninsula. I feel compelled to state that I am not a weather girl, nor can I predict the future. However, at this time, you should avoid Drake Bay, Corcovado, because the rains arrive early. December is the most crowded month, as the holiday crowd usually rushes in during this period. 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. While weather is the primary factor, other considerations include an increase in crowded beaches and resorts as well as higher prices. 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! The worst time to visit Costa Rica is in September and October. On the other hand, there is frequently very little rain from December to April, and there may be no rain in some places. Early April and late November are still sunny and dry and are great for visiting. Find out the best time to visit Costa Rica with details on climate, seasons and events from Audley specialists. Best Time to Visit Costa Rica | Climate Guide | Audley Travel On the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rain lightens up in September and October, making it a great time to visit. Most of the businesses are available online, so compare prices. The coasts are generally warmer, and the highlands are generally cooler. Costa Rica is still in the rainy season, and it is one of the wettest months of the year. If youre looking for incredible natural wonders and sights to see, this is the place. And with fewer crowds, youll feel that youve got the beach, park, or town to yourself. Instead, it has a dry season and a rainy season. The Best time to Visit Costa Rica: A Full Guide | Selina 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. Most days remain sunny, and they receive afternoon showers which help keep the temperatures steady. 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. But you should know that this period is also the height of the Costa Rican rainy season. 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. It is also dry season in Costa Rica, when clear skies accommodate travelers. Therefore, the chance that you shall get competitive services is so low. Weather in February continues to be sunny and dry. If you plan to visit the country during this time, rent your car in Costa Rica ahead of time . Costa Rica rarely experiences the direct impact of a hurricane on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. December through April is the dry season. Flying is significantly more affordable from May to November than during the dry season since the demand is way lower. are many perks of traveling in rainy season, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. The Limon cruise port on the east coast has two windows of time when the rain lets up a bit. 1. The Nation has an estimated population of almost 5 million. (avg. . Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; Arenal Volcano: 28 . It really depends on what your travel goals and priorities are. Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful beaches, which you can relax on when the Winter is over. Oh, and before we forget, December gives you another opportunity to see the extraordinary decorations by the Costa Ricans. However, some, Read More The Top Five Ski Resorts in CaliforniaContinue, Many people who visit Cape Cod do so to enjoy the outdoors. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. According to Audley Travel, December is probably the best time for those who love outdoor 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. Nature is all around you, like this small frog spotted on our journey. Puntarenas is quiet during the summer. Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. Therefore, there are certain things you should keep in mind if you intend to travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season to stay secure and comfortable. At the end of April, rain begins to fall in the Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita), which regulates the temperatures there. You can see many animals in Costa Rica at any time of the year, including monkeys, coati, and sloths, crocodiles, and macaws. But there are certainly bonuses to traveling here during the low season. It is so bad that hotels and businesses are closed on the South Pacific coast. Arenal and its surroundings make a . The most interesting feature of the Costa Ricans is their happiness. Costa Rica is driest and sunniest late December-April, but clouds lift . The WORST Times to Visit Costa Rica Christmas is so busy you NEED to book everything well in advance! The shoulder or green season from May to mid-June and November has plenty of appeal. Although they're tightly packed into the waist of the Americas, each Central American nation boasts its own character, attractions and heritage. IMPORTANT NOTE: For each of these 3 regions, you will find representative averages for what you might expect.