Costa Rica is a tropical paradise known for its regular rainfall even during the dry season and its wildlife is a key attraction for the country. Hence, if you plan on visiting the tropical country, the best time to travel there is between December to April when the weather is bright and dry.
However, you can still visit the country during May, June, and November when the country is in its green season and the national parks are less crowded and noisy. In this article, we have put together the best times of the year to travel to Costa Rica based on the different weather conditions and activities for you to engage in while visiting.
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What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?
If you want to take advantage of all of the amazing weather and natural beauty that Costa Rica has to offer, then you'll want to plan your trip during the dry season. During this season Costa Rica will be cooler and less humid than other times of the year—and maybe even rainless. This makes it a great time to go hiking or biking around Monteverde near San Jose and Jaco Beach. Lastly, you can even catch some rays if you're lucky!
What is the cheapest month to go to Costa Rica?
If money is tight and you don't want to take a vacation from work or school, then January is probably going to be your best option because it's both cheap and warm (but not hot). Even though it doesn't have any beaches or waterfalls like its counterparts in February or March, January still has plenty of things to offer.
What is the hottest month in Costa Rica?
March and April are the hottest months in Costa Rica. This is the height of the dry season before the rains arrive in May. Daytime temperatures at during these months vary depending on elevation, but on the beach, they can reach 92°F.
What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica?
The rainiest month in Costa Rica lasts from May to mid-December, with a dramatic increase in precipitation from September to November.
Costa Rica In January
Costa Rica's peak travel season begins in early January, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year's holidays remain. This is during the dry season, when the skies are clear skies. The first months of the dry season are especially appealing because the landscape is still verdant from the previous green season, despite the reduced rainfall. The average daily high temperature is 33 degrees Celsius, and the average daily low temperature is 21 degrees Celsius. However, January is not only one of the best months to travel, but it is also one of the busiest. It's peak season for international visitors and the middle of the school year for Ticos, so activities and accommodations fill up quickly.
Costa Rica In February
February is a fantastic month. Not only is February right in the middle of Costa Rica's dry or summer season, but crowds and pricing are also generally favorable. The Central Valley, Pacific beaches, and Guanacaste are all in full swing in February. These Costa Rican areas will provide visitors with ideal and picturesque Costa Rican weather with little rain. What little rain does fall usually falls in the afternoon or evening, when the moisture is welcome to cool things down and replenish the moisture lost during the hot day. In addition, you should bring high-quality sunscreen and bug repellant, as these and other toiletries can be very expensive in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica In March
The dry season in Costa Rica begins in March. Costa Rica's western and central regions have sunny weather, little rain, and surprisingly low humidity. While early March is unquestionably a good time to visit Costa Rica. The most popular destinations have hot, dry weather, and many hotels and lodges have rooms available even a few weeks in advance. Spring Break travel later in March may have less availability and higher prices. But, If you're visiting Costa Rica in March, bring plenty of warm-weather clothing, such as t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts. Unless you're visiting Monteverde or the central mountainous region, you won't need much rain gear or sweaters. Even in areas where it rains in March, such as the Limon and Puntarenas provinces, it will be warm.
Costa Rica In April
The dry season in Costa Rica ends in April. Costa Rica's western and central regions have almost no rain and mostly sunny weather. If at all it rains it is little and usually fall in the afternoon or evening. However, because Easter is usually in April or at the end of March and the weather is usually nice at this time, makes April a very busy month in Costa Rica. Advance reservations are strongly advised, especially for reasonably priced accommodations. The better hotels are almost always booked solid 4-6 months in advance, but you'll have an amazing vacation regardless with a lot of other activities and events to attend.
Costa Rica In May
May is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica, but it also has the fewest visitors. Out of different months of the year to visit Costa Rica, May marks the start of the rainy season, also known as the green season. However, this does not imply that it rains continuously or even frequently. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon or overnight in the affected areas of the country. This means that the majority of the day will be rain-free and because of the extra moisture, everything becomes lush and green, making May one of the best months to visit for good weather, low prices, and lush flora and fauna. May is an excellent month to travel and save money.
Costa Rica In June
June is an excellent month to visit Costa Rica. Despite the fact that it is the second month of Costa Rica's seven-month rainy season, the rainy season begins softly and gradually builds. Most days in June begin clear and sunny. Any rain that does fall usually falls in the late afternoon. June is also an excellent month for fewer crowds, increased hotel availability, and low-season discounts. If you're going to Costa Rica in June, you should definitely bring a travel umbrella. If you're going on a hike in the woods and will be exposed to the elements for an extended period of time, raincoats or ponchos will be useful to have on hand. However, if you are going into town, think like a Tico and bring your umbrella. Lastly, there are lots of activities and events to enjoy.
Costa Rica In July
The month of July is the most popular for families visiting Costa Rica. Many families travel at the beginning of the month to take advantage of the US Independence Day holiday, but this is also a popular time for Europeans on extended vacation. Don't be fooled: while July is known as the Green Season, it is also one of the busiest and most booked months of the year. The weather in Costa Rica can be strange in July. Even though it is the Green Season, there is frequently a mini Dry Season, locally known as veranillo or little summer, from the beginning of July to the end of August. Temperatures are relatively consistent with other months because elevation has a greater impact than seasonal patterns. Generally, it is a good idea to carry rain gear with you during the month of July, particularly in Caribbean areas.
Costa Rica In August
Another popular month for families taking advantage of the summer school break is August. Many travelers postpone their trip until August simply due to a lack of quality accommodations during the month of July. The beginning of the month is one of the busiest travel times of the year, but things quickly return to normal by the end. Also, despite the fact that August is considered the green season, many families, couples go on summer vacation during this month. Reservations for quality accommodations should still be made in advance, especially during the first two weeks of the month. However, if you visit during the month, there are numerous events and activities to attend.
Costa Rica In September
Depending on where you are in Costa Rica, September can be either a great month to travel or a washout. The weather can range from partly cloudy to torrential downpours if you go far south along the Pacific coast. The Caribbean side and slope of Costa Rica, including Arenal Volcano, however, have the best weather during this less-traveled month. Also, September is one of the most affordable months to visit Costa Rica, with some of the year's best promotions. If you plan ahead of time, September can be an excellent month to visit Costa Rica.
Costa Rica In October
October is an unusual month in Costa Rica for weather, with the Pacific side experiencing the heaviest rains of the year and the Caribbean side experiencing the best weather of the year. The Temporales del Pacifico continue to wreak havoc on the South Pacific coastal region, bringing heavy rains that can last all day. The people of the southern Caribbean coastal region (less than 100 miles to the east), on the other hand, are enjoying the sun and dry weather. The month of October is ideal for exploring the Caribbean coast because it is the low season when prices will be low, and there will be fewer tourists.
Costa Rica In November
Costa Rica's rainy season officially runs from May to November. However, November is a month of transition. The exact timing of the rainy season varies greatly across the country. By mid-November, the dry season usually arrives in Northwest Costa Rica. However, in the much wetter South Pacific, the dry season may not arrive until mid-December.
However, November is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica. Although the rainy season continues into early November, the dry season usually arrives by the end of the month. Best of all, November in Costa Rica means fewer tourists and lower prices.
Costa Rica In December
Costa Rica is at its best during the Christmas season. Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: rainy and summer. If you visit Costa Rica in December, you will be there during the peak tourist season. This breathtaking Costa Rica attracts both Costa Ricans and foreign visitors. The month of December can provide pleasant weather. It is a beautiful season with lots of sunshine, rainforests, and sun-kissed beaches. In addition, Costa Rica in December not only has pleasant weather but also a plethora of events with music and lights. Locals dressed as cowboys can also be found, and horse parades are a must-see.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it, the best time of the year to travel to Costa Rica based on your preferred climate and events to attend. We hope you found a season for you to best enjoy the lush and beautiful tropical country. Did we miss something, or do you have something to add? Kindly, drop a comment below.