The drop in tourism also allows for less crowded beaches and a more intimate trip. Learn more about us. WE ARE PLANNING TRIPS! Based in Chicago, Aaron Gingold has been writing and editing for five years. Costa Rica receives an average rainfall of 100 inches per year. Many North American and European families prefer to visit Costa Rica during the holidays from December to January to trade the dark winter of the Northern Hemisphere for sunshine in paradise. This “veranillo” or “little summer” as it is called in Costa Rica, typically takes place sometime between mid to late July and the beginning of August. The super-high season for tourism has little to do with the weather in Costa Rica, but more with demand in the country based on vacation schedules for foreigners and visitors. However, there are many micro-climates in the country! Any rain that falls generally does so in the late afternoon. Be aware, that the temperatures don’t change much when the rains start, anywhere in … Costa Rica’s shoulder or “green season”, is the third season within the travel industry, and it is a wonderful time of year to travel. The two to three weeks around Christmas & New Year’s are extremely busy for the travel industry in Costa Rica. Other times, the country will go through dry spells that allow for excellent traveling conditions. Note: Although Costa Rica has temporarily closed its borders due to the Coronavirus, what better way to take your mind off things in the midst of everything that’s going on than to plan a trip to this beautiful country in the future. Tamarindo has dry periods in January, February and March. Costa Rica actually has dozens of microclimates. January has the perfect weather for outdoor festivities. Costa Rica celebrates its Independence Day on September 15th. On the Caribbean Coast, especially in Tortuguero, you have a good chance to see four species of nesting turtles from March until October, and between May and December, you might also get lucky and see baby turtles running towards the sea. Such is the weather in Costa Rica during many times of the year. However, expect at least an hour of heavy rain every day of the week. Costa Rica is located between Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Generally speaking, the Caribbean coast is much wetter than the rest of the country, even during this period as it has an entirely different weather pattern. There will oftentimes be mornings filled with sunshine that succumb to rain later in the day, so mornings are ideal for outdoor activities. This is a great time of year to visit Mount Arenal, Costa Rica's most active volcano. There is almost no rain in the western and central regions of Costa Rica. Every single county in Costa Rica will hold a parade on the morning of the 15th with marching bands and other entertainers from the schools and high schools of the county. Schools prepare for this parade months in advance to give the best show they can to the people that gather on the sidewalks of the community to watch them pass by. May is the start of the "rainy season", and not the most popular month for tourism. You can find different local festivities and activities in Costa Rica all year round, and these events can make your trip to Costa Rica extra special! The Rainy or “Green” season in Costa Rica goes from April/May through November/December while the Dry or “High” Season goes from December through April. Sometimes, in Guanacaste, there can be small forest fires that release smoke into the air. In general annual range of temperatures is smaller than daily. Besides, nothing is as romantic as looking out into a lightning storm at sea from the cozy comfort of an ocean view balcony, and enjoying the morning sunshine while snuggling indoors for a bunch of lazy afternoons could translate into honeymoon bliss. The average high during this season is between 81.3°F (27.4°C) and 79.1°F (26.2°C). They typically enjoy a pattern of sunny mornings and days with most of the showers in the afternoon or evening. Costa Rica is a tropical country and has distinct wet and dry seasons. October is one of the two rainiest months in Costa Rica. As you may have guessed, the optimal time to celebrate love and honeymoon in Costa Rica is…always! The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. What are the Best Places to Visit During Costa Rica’s Rainy Season? Temperatures are ideal throughout the country in April; very hot & sunny on the beaches with slightly cooler temperatures in the mountains and the central valley where San José is located. The typical weather pattern during these months consists of morning sunshine into the early afternoon. The entire month of July is a great time to visit, with hot sunny days to enjoy the beach and afternoon and evening rains to cool off so that you can enjoy the evening. A quick tip: the coast is where the rainfall starts, and that region is the wettest one over there. The Caribbean side is solidly in the rainy season weather pattern with some rain nearly every afternoon and/or evening. In Guanacaste, the town of Santa Cruz also organizes a week-long festival, famous around the country for its great ambiance. In the south of the country, at the Boruca indigenous community, you can enjoy a very unique festival called Baile de los Diablitos (Little Devils Dance). Easter Break or Semana Santa also experiences a bustle, but for the most part, super-peak season encompasses the holiday break in December & January. Temperatures vary primarily with elevations, not with seasons: On the coasts, it’s hot all year; in the mountains, it can be cool at night any time of year. Pretty much every day will be marked with some sort of rain. The festival in Liberia has dance tracks, bars, carnival rides, concerts, horse parades and more. What little rain falls usually comes in the afternoon, evening or overnight. This term is currently used to refer to the timeframe from May through mid-August. When Central America got its independence from Spain, Guanacaste decided it wanted to be part of Costa Rica. From cold, misty mountains to hot, humid rainforest. One of the best places to experience the cloud forest and also the rural life in Costa Rica is Monteverde, in the highlands of Puntarenas. Also very wild but less secluded is Puerto Jiménez, on the inside of the Osa Península, facing the Golfo Dulce. Early Rainy Season – May, June. Rainy season in Costa Rica, or green season as it is often called, runs from later April until December. You could spot monkeys taking a nap on a tree, a sloth hanging from a branch while it eats, or a flock of macaws squeaking while they fly across the beach any time of year just by driving around. Location of Costa Rica. If you are interested in seeing animals like turtles or whales, then plan your trip around their seasons. At night it drops to about 20 °C (68 °F). Please contact us to discuss your options! The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September – November. This insight will help you in your research, but you can also contact us for one-on-one help with planning your trip. If you are interested in experiencing the rainforest at its best, in a peaceful and secluded place, you have to visit Drake Bay and even consider a real exploration of Corcovado National Park. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Its driest months include February-March and September-October. Both seasons have great things to offer to visitors, depending on what you want to do and where you want to go. The waters of Costa Rica’s Pacific ocean are transit and breeding sites for whales coming from the northern and the southern hemispheres. These months generally bring clear weather especially in the southern Atlantic beach areas of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo. But if you are interested in sighting migratory birds the best time to do so is between September and November. The Caribbean coast, meanwhile, has no clearly defined dry season, and average annual rainfall is 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, temperatures and abundance of rain varies throughout the country. In many cases, certain parks or attractions limit the number of visitors allowed to avoid an overcrowded or unenjoyable experience or for conservation purposes. There are three primary travel seasons in Costa Rica based on weather: high/peak season, shoulder season and green/low season. The calm weather will allow you to travel to any region of the country without fear of flooding or poor road and flying conditions. They have a rainy season and a … But this festival is in honor of the Santo Cristo de Esquipulas, therefore you can also enjoy processions and religious activities. The number of days each month with rain, snow and hail in San José, Costa Rica. Costa Rica is incredibly safe, as long as you use good sense. Humpback whales from Alaska and California can be spotted between December and March. The end of the year is very exciting in San José. Weather in: March. Compared to many of its Central American neighbors, Costa Rica is extremely safe. In February, visitors will experience sunny & hot weather – perfect for your mid-winter Costa Rica Escape. The constant rainfall also creates ideal conditions for white-water rafting. Depending on what each family’s school and work schedule looks like, family vacations in Costa Rica can be scheduled and thoroughly enjoyed at most times of the year. While December through April is the most common target timeframe (based on the weather), January and February are quite possibly the most favorable times to travel to Costa Rica if you’re looking to avoid the rainy season and holiday/spring break crowds. Starting in February, things feel less crowded, especially during the week, because Costa Rica school year starts and families have less flexibility to travel. The least humid month is February (47% relative humidity), and the most humid month is October (68.1%). ***  This is especially true in Guanacaste. August is in the middle of the rainy season but there is a lull in the rain at the end of July and the beginning of August. In other regions, many trees are flowering, resulting in an amazing “color-changing” season for visitors. Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. If you want to enjoy the sun and the ocean all day long, visit the beaches of the Pacific during the dry season. In the lowlands, it's hot, the sun shines and there is little rain, except on the east coast, which as we mentioned is rainy throughout the year. By the holidays, the high season has begun, hotels have a tendency to sell out at very high, peak season prices and excursions and adventures are fully booked. The lesser-visited Caribbean or ‘Limon’ Coast has sunny skies, calm blue waters, and scorching hot temperatures during these two months and tends to be the location of choice for those visiting at this time of the year. No time is a bad time to visit the "Rich Coast,” but certain months offer better conditions for the many activities the country has to offer. It has minor changes through whole year. The beaches are still warm and comfy. Learn more. Weather in: February. Weather in Costa Rica: A Month-by-Month Guide. However, during July, Costa Rica experiences a short mid-year, mini-dry season. Range of temperatures is almost same. In the tropics, the rain is much warmer and often refreshing. Rain also varies from region to region. For most of Costa Rica, September is the wettest month of the year. Four to seven months without a drop of rain is depleting. Autumn is the wettest season in Costa Rica for is the heist of rainy season. Green Season. A trip through the mountains of the Caribbean slope to the coast during these two months is one of the best-kept secrets and offers travelers an alternative to the rain. On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 0 to 3 times per month. Spring in Costa Rica. This comes as a surprise to many people, and I’ve figured out the reason. Rainfall decreases significantly for three or four weeks especially in the northern Pacific and is replaced by endless sunshine and impressive sunsets. It all depends on your goals for your trip, whether that be targeting the best weather or the best prices. The Guanacaste region is the driest, while the highlands are generally colder and misty. Early in the month the southern Pacific and the Osa Peninsula are still quite rainy. October is the month with the most rainfall. If you are a backpacker in the country and therefore have a little more time than a normal holidaymaker, you will of course find much cheaper prices in the rainy season. These times of year are the busiest with tourists. Related Article: 10 Costa Rica Rainy Season Travel Perks. July is smack-dab, right in the middle of Costa Rica’s rainy season. So if you are looking to avoid both those issues, and you have flexible travel time, you are in luck. The rainy period of the year lasts for 8.0 months, from April 11 to December 13, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. Costa Rica’s weather is the typical tropical climate with a rainy and dry season. 10 - What are the rainiest regions in Costa Rica? Because Costa Rica is a tropical country, there is always a slight chance of rain. Elevation plays a role in the climate of various areas as well. Generally speaking, the driest months of the year are December – April. Elevation plays a role in the climate of various areas as well. Costa Rica is a tropical country with two distinct seasons—dry and wet. May and August tend to be less busy, attracting visitors who have flexibility with their travel dates. The first two weeks of December are a great time to enjoy Costa Rica all to yourself. We are offering up to 35%-45% off our trips for a limited time. Not only are the prices lower, but there are fewer travelers here. The northeast slopes of the Central Cordillera mountains receive almost 200 inches of yearly rainfall. What is the rainiest month in Jaco? At this time of year, you will find the best surfing possible. Tortuguero is next the Caribbean Sea, and the weather there is wet and humid, and rainy most of the year. On the contrary – rainy season just means it rains for an hour or […] There are years when the rain is prevalent and others when the sunshine dominates. Costa Rica Escapes is a boutique Costa Rica vacation planner who, since 2006, uses extensive knowledge and local relationships to create one-of-a-kind Costa Rica vacations for travelers looking for a unique experience. The first one happens the second Saturday of December and it is called the Festival of Lights, a nighttime parade with floats covered in lights, bands, and other entertainers. Costa Rica Guide does have a pretty decent map that shows it more or less but if you go to the weather specialist during the rainy season, you can find out more about each location. Gingold holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Depaul University. However, we recommend the months of February to April as the statistically best travel season for Costa Rica, with some restrictions also December and January. We can answer that question in so many different ways! This season happens during the rainy season, when fewer visitors travel to Costa Rica in fear of having less time to explore outdoors during the day, and also because the weather is nice in the northern hemisphere, keeping visitors in those parts of the world. A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the month of: May, June, July, August, September and October. A full day of sunshine and/or a full day of rain is not out of the question either but is not normal during these months. However, Costa Rica experiences some of its best weather of the year—just in time for the Christmas holidays. Its homicide rate is 10.3 people per 100,000, second in the region only to Nicaragua at 8.7. Some parts of this Central American country don't have a rainy season and a dry season. Quepos has some slightly muggy months, with moderately humid months on the other side of the year. The Guanacaste region, along with the Pacific Coast and Central Valley, tends to experience wetter days. Costa Rica weather overview. Rain falls for 21 days and accumulates 503mm (19.8") of precipitation. Month-by-Month Breakdown January. Costa Rica is a tropical country and has distinct wet and dry seasons. Costa Rica is a Central American tropical paradise. Costa Rica Weather In September . The ‘green season’ offers a great blend of the summer and rainy season and while you should expect rain, you should get your fair share of sunshine as well. Different beaches on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica host nesting sites for Hawksbill, Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley sea turtles. This article was last updated on 3/28/2020. The average amount of annual precipitation is: 39.37 in (999.9 mm) Once again, you can expect to see many Costa Rica family vacations & volunteer groups traveling through Costa Rica in June. Although it’s the second month of Costa Rica’s seven-month rainy season, the rainy season starts soft and gradually builds over time. During this season, throughout most of the country, it rains at nearly the same time every day. The second official month of the dry season, January is as close as Mother Nature comes to a guarantee of all-sun, no-rain. The northeast slopes of the Central Cordillera mountains receive almost 200 inches of yearly rainfall. Limon’s Carnival is a celebration of the afro-Caribbean culture of Costa Rica. On average, July is the wettest month. We at Costa Rica Escapes are experts when it comes to enjoying this beautiful country, so let us help you plan the perfect trip at the perfect time for you. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches a year, but some areas in Costa Rica… In the Central Valley, during the day it is around low to mid 70s F (21-23 C) and at night, it cools off to around 65 F (17-18 C). The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September – November. The end of November marks the start of Costa Rica’s busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. Locals view the rain as a blessing in Costa Rica. This three-day-long festival, starting December 31st, remembers the fight between Indigenous and Spaniards during colonial times, using devil-like masks to represent the Indigenous people and a bull to represent the Spaniards. April means hot weather and the possible start of the rainy season. But while much of the country may be slowly descending into a drizzly hellhole, there are still plenty of things to do in Costa Rica during the rainy season. The best time to visit Costa Rica, either for a beach holiday or for exploring the rich nature of the country, runs from January to mid-April, and in particular the months of February and March. Due to the lack of storms, travelers can hike, climb and surf without worrying about inclement weather. On average, September is the driest month. Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero. The month begins slowly with lower prices and low hotel occupancy. The tourism’s peak season schedule is driven by school vacation schedules so that the entire family can travel together. The Best Months of the Year to Visit Costa Rica. It all depends on what you envision for your dream vacation in Costa Rica. The Municipality of San José organizes three major parades in December, they start at La Sabana Park, take over Paseo Colón and end at the east end of Second Avenue. Learn more. The second half of January is one of the most popular times for a Costa Rica vacation. Coronavirus in Costa Rica: Statistics & Travel Advice, Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Vacation in Costa Rica, The Best Places to See Sloths in Costa Rica, Where to Stay in Costa Rica: The Best Places, Cities & Areas (with Local Insights). Learn more. Two counties organize big festivities that include bullfights and carnival parades! September in Costa Rica September is wet, wet, wet. 10 - What are the rainiest regions in Costa Rica? All this, while taking advantage of green season discounts (in accommodations and tours) sounds like an unbeatable deal. Costa Rica’s two seasons are the dry “summer” (verano) – January through April and rainy “winter” (invierno) – May through December.. Pacific Side. There is almost no rain in the western and central regions of Costa Rica. Everyone should visit the rainforest on their trip, and you should expect some rain when going on excursions. Yes, you will experience rain, sometimes torrential rain, but it will only be for a few hours each day and you will see every forest around the country in its most lush state. Extensive rainfalls and windy conditions are common in the Osa Peninsula and Southern Pacific coastal areas. Spring in the country is relatively dry and warm. June is a transition month for the weather in Costa Rica, but it is considered part of the “green season”. Costa Rica is located between Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The first month of the spring, March, is also a moderately hot month in San José, Costa Rica, with temperature in the range of an average low of 18.1°C (64.6°F) and an average high of 27.9°C (82.2°F).In San José, Costa Rica, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in February - a still warm 27.9°C (82.2°F). Learn more. Oftentimes demand exceeds supply during this timeframe and people who start their planning later are left with few or no options for their trip. The Caribbean region gets 141 inches of rain annually, with the wettest months being July, November and December. Costa Rica has so much to offer in terms of adventure tourism, but make sure to book your trip during months that are appropriate for your planned activities. Rivers run higher, the rainforest becomes a little more mystical, and even Guanacaste’s dry forests turn green and lush. February is the heart of the dry season for Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches & Central Valley (San José, Alajuela, etc.) Learn more. The Central Valley usually enjoys the crisp freshness of the “vientos navideños” or “Christmas winds” starting in early December. Many tourists really love the monsoon months … The wettest months are September and October when the country as whole receives and average of 355 and 330 millimeters of rain respectively. By submitting this form, you agree to the. The Caribbean coast is rainy all year round, but you can find more sun and calmer waters between September and October. In an average year, the northern and central beaches, as well as the mountains, will get significant rainfall on most days. Costa Rica will reopen its borders on August 1 for low-risk countries. Months with the least sunshine in Jaco, Costa Rica, are September and October, with an average of 5h of sunshine. August is the height of the rainy season in Costa Rica. Between December and April, Costa Rica experiences what is called the High Season when most international travelers visit. But also, many Costa Ricans won’t be deterred by the high cost of lodging in order to enjoy the best weather of the year outdoors so they will opt for very rustic accommodations and camping or for doing day trips adding a lot of pressure to the crowd factor. The Caribbean region gets 141 inches of rain annually, with the wettest months being July, November and December. Also, those intending to splurge on their honeymoons might have less of a problem with the high prices that characterize the peak season. Please tell us how we can help you plan a trip to Costa Rica. Weather in: April. This procession at sea is very impressive to watch, either from the beach or from a boat. August is a great month to travel to areas of the country that would have kept you away because of the heat. The summer or dry season tends to begin in January and extends into April. Due to student travel & school schedules, there are still numerous Costa Rica family vacations taking place at this time of the year. When you’re planning a Costa Rica vacation, it’s a good idea to understand the rain… Moreover nights become warmer by couple of degrees. However, your time of year to visit mostly depends on what you’d like to see, what your budget is, and when you have time to travel. June and July are very busy months with family vacations and student travel groups. The reason, simple, they are just too good to be missed. The Caribbean coastline is the most humid while the Northern lowlands are the driest. The rainy months, May through November, offer premier conditions for surfing and rafting, and have lower temperatures. September and October are Costa Rica’s rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. The most rain falls during the 31 days centered around September 25, with an average total accumulation of 7.5 inches. You can usually find cheaper hotel, tour and flight deals. In Costa Rica, a high cost of travel and crowds go hand in hand. Wind in Quepos is usually moderate. The only exception is locations on the eastern coast, which get heavier rain earlier in the wet season. If you are flexible in time (and spirit) when traveling, consider visiting Costa Rica during those months. It is the rainiest month of the year. In fact, there is a chance you won't have any ran at all! When the rain comes, it typically showers in the afternoon, evening or overnight. It’s only natural! Expect rain if exploring the beaches on the Pacific coast and  also the Central Valley. While this time of the year is considered to be part of the summer season, it’s necessary to understand that the weather can be unpredictable during the end of November and the beginning of December. That’s not really true, and, again, it won’t rain 24 hours a day and the sky will clear up more often than you’d think. Then come the Loggerhead, and the Green. Couples planning on a dry season honeymoon should book their accommodation well in advance to ensure that they get their top picks, as this season books out well in advance. Many travelers are surprised to find that Guanacaste’s Pacific Northwest region looks more like a desert than a jungle. A very special place, where cars don’t exist and life goes at a slower pace is Tortuguero, on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. In this area, December is even the wettest month, and … December 27th there is a carnival, with bands and dancers from all over the country. On average, the temperatures are always high. Many say that February is a great month for a trip. Many hotels, activities, and points of interest might be slightly more crowded, but Costa Rica has a plethora of amazing tour options to choose from within close proximity no matter where you are in the country. The beaches in Guanacaste are beautiful, but a very special one is Nosara, where perfect waves, spectacular, uncrowded beaches, and amazing accommodations and amenities will make you wish you can stay forever. Costa Rica itself has an average temperature of 70 F to 81 F. Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter. Costa Rica Weather in December . The peak tourist season lasts from mid to late April (spring break in the US). This is also the month for Spring Break in the United States, which means you may notice lots of family vacations and student group trips through Costa Rica. As Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates, temperatures and abundance of rain varies throughout the country. Driving can sometimes be difficult during the green season due to the lack of bridges and poor road conditions. At this time of year, you will experience little rainfall and no tropical storms. Between July and October, the Antarctic Humpback Whales are the ones visiting. Costa Rica’s dry season is most dramatic in the northwest part of the country where almost no rain falls between January and April. The driest month (with the lowest rainfall) is February (2mm). April is pushing towards the end of the Costa Rican dry season. In general, visiting during the high and super-high seasons means that prices will be higher; however, much of the pricing compares favorably to many other tropical tourist destinations throughout the world during this time period, such as Hawaii. It doesn’t rain every day during the rainy season, and staying indoors should be no problem for honeymooners, so a rainy season visit to Costa Rica could also be attractive. While September and October are 2 of the rainiest months of the whole year in most of Costa Rica, they are the 2 sunniest months along the Caribbean coast. It does however have a rainy season from May to November. The rains begin earlier on the Caribbean coast, where it is generally wetter all year round, except during the Caribbean summer in September and October. You can easily find whale watching tours in towns like Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula, or Uvita, Dominical and Quepos in the Central Pacific. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. December is another transitional month for weather and it is quite unpredictable. Thanks to its diverse geography, the Costa Rica climate is quite varied. Learn more about the months of September and October. The end of November and the United States holiday of Thanksgiving begins another busy travel season. The least rainy months tend to be February/March and September/October. On July 16th dozens of fishing boats leave the docks of Puntarenas decorated with flags, balloons, and ribbons to follow the boat that has the image of the Virgen del Carmen on board, known as Virgin of the Seas in Puntarenas. However, we recommend the months of February to April as the statistically best travel season for Costa Rica, with some restrictions also December and January. This allows you to travel light and leave the rain gear at the hotel. The Caribbean is a little less predictable, but the North American winter and hurricane season are good times to try and catch some waves. There is plenty of sunshine in the mornings and the beaches are excellent early in the day. During this month, you can travel to Costa Rica without the fear of balmy temperatures. Average monthly temperatures in Costa Rica (degrees centigrade and fahrenheit) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec °C: 30.6: 31: 29.7: 28.3: 26: 23.1: 24.8 Rainy Season: The rainy season lasts from May to mid-October. At May rainy season comes to the country however range of temperatures remains comfortable. Weather in: January. Costa Rica Guides: When to Travel to Costa Rica, The Best Times to Visit Fiji and the Weather, The Best Time of Year to Travel to South Carolina, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. However, different regions follow different weather patterns. Most rainy days are in May, June, July, August, September and October. Costa Rica is a small mountainous country between Nicaragua and Panama and shares many elements of its climate with the latter. The first rain of the reason is a very joyous occasion and some even take to the streets to bask in it. However, there are many micro-climates in the country! Schools from all over the province bring their marching bands and other groups to walk the main streets of Alajuela. Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero. The first half of the month is also great from the perspective of weather but it tends to be somewhat crowded and peak season surcharges can make the first week one of the most expensive all year. Learn more. There’s nearly no rainfall in … Autumn in Costa Rica. Playa Conchal, Playa Sámara, and Playa Hermosa are also amazing beaches in the Nicoya Península that you must consider for your visit. For example, when it comes to combining beach and wildlife spotting, and also some nightlife, you have to visit Manuel Antonio. Average daytime temperature of this season is about 28 °C (82 °F). This month tends to be a busier month for travelers due to summer vacation schedules in the United States and Europe. Lodging prices, especially, are higher those months with the aforementioned picks around New Year and Easter. December is the middle of the winter season for most of the northern countries. The dry season, what Costa Ricans call summer, or Verano, is from mid-November to April. Contrary to the rest of Costa Rica, the Caribbean Coast experiences gorgeous weather during the months of September and October. Costa Rica has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy or “green” season. The first turtles to come and nest are Leatherbacks and Hawksbill. So in this post you will learn about Costa Rica’s weather, the tropical seasons, reliable forecasts and more. Visiting Costa Rica and its magnificent ecotourism attractions during the green season can be a wonderful experience. You must be prepared for both rain and sunshine. The Caribbean side of the country gets a break in September and October. March falls right in the middle of Costa Rica’s dry season. Learn more. During the months of December to April, the dry season, much of the country experiences little if any rain. In fact, short of snow, you can find almost any weather in Costa Rica. Best Times to Travel› Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica › Quepos, Costa Rica The weather for the last couple of weeks in November and the month of December can be hard to predict. It starts on October 12th with a big parade to celebrate all the different ethnic groups that live in Limón and goes on for one week. Costa Ricans usually take time to visit touristy parts of the country around New Year and Easter, when most of the people have time off work, therefore the cost and availability of lodging raises, especially in beach towns on both coasts. The Pacific coast is best for swell size from May through September when big south swells come through, but December through April has frequent offshore winds and is best for quality. The disguised men parade all over the community eating and drinking chicha, fermented corn typical drink. We recommend that you review the weather patterns and climate zones throughout Costa Rica. On average, the Caribbean weather region receives 141 inches of rain per year, with the rainiest months being July, November and December. However, in September and October, which are the rainiest months in the rest of Costa Rica, are the best months to visit Tortuguero and the Puerto Viejo areas because it is when the Caribbean side has its “Summer” and enjoys some of its sunniest weather. It’s best to let itinerary designers guide your decisions. The hills, especially in Guanacaste, are often ablaze, the animals … During the rainy season, it will be best to hike during the morning, when there is, usually, fewer chances of rain. September and October are Costa Rica’s rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. During the month of March, travelers can expect plenty of sun, very low amounts of rain, and a drier climate overall. This blog article will inform you when the rainy season starts and ends in Costa Rica and if you need to avoid the Costa Rican rainy season. June is a very good month to visit Costa Rica. Lodges and tour operators that have shut down during the exceptionally wet months of September and October resume operations as the weather begins to dry towards the end of the month. Aside from mid-November through December, this time frame coincides with summer (the “dry season”) in Costa Rica, which for the most part means a lot less rain during your travels through the country. If you study different trip itineraries for Costa Rica, you will notice a few locations and activities that keep on repeating, no matter who organizes the trip. There are sea turtle breeding sites on both Costa Rican coasts for five of the six turtle species in the world. The rain in North America and Europe ranges from cold to downright miserable. May is the beginning of the “shoulder season” which means the weather is changing from dry to rainy in Costa Rica and the weather is a bit more unpredictable. Weather in: May. January weather in Costa Rica is almost perfect. On average, the warmest months are February, March, April and May Liberia (Guanacaste) has dry periods in January, February and March The rainiest months are June, September and October For full information about the climate and weather in Liberia (Guanacaste) a specific month, click on the corresponding line below: January and July will also be crowded around Costa Rica, not only because of the good weather, but also because it coincides with school holidays in Costa Rica, the USA, and Europe. * Data from nearest weather station: Santamaria, Costa Rica (19 KM). Ostional beach is a very special place because of every month host arribadas (arrivals in English) of hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles that come to nest. It also explains you about green season and what the top 5 benefits of traveling to Costa Rica during rainy season are. This two-week-long festival is known for its nighttime party ambiance, when Ticos from all over Costa Rica get organized and come in buses to drink and dance all night long. If you schedule your visit over the holidays, make sure to plan ahead, as accommodation is scarce at this time of year and can get pricey. Our trips start at $1,500 per adult, which includes your lodging, in-country transportation, and many of your activities and meals. The national hero of Costa Rica, Juan Santamaría, is celebrated every April 11th in the town of Alajuela with a big parade worthy of your time. Note: contrary to predictions from the Costa Rican weather services that El Niño would delay or mitigate the onset, the 2019 rainy season is right on time and more intense than normal. The rainless period of the year lasts for 4.0 months, from December 13 to April 11. The beaches and lowlands experience high temperatures, while mid-elevations, like the Central Valley & San José, are 5-10 degrees cooler. The chance of rain on the Caribbean side is still fairly high; however, this region of the country still receives plenty of sunshine, too. August tends to be a quieter month and there are often deals to be found throughout the country, which can be great for honeymoon vacations where couples want a more relaxed atmosphere, don’t mind a little precipitation and are on a budget. Costa Rica weather is one of the main concerns for travelers and one of the things they must know about Costa Rica before they visit.. Official month of the year to visit Costa Rica, or Tortuguero throughout Rica! Do n't have a rainy and dry seasons be spotted between December April. Most humid month is March with an average maximum temperature of this season, much of year... Birds the best surfing possible animals like turtles or whales, then plan your trip around their.. 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