Costa Rica weather overview. Please tell us how we can help you plan a trip to Costa Rica. *** The Caribbean coast is rainy all year round, but you can find more sun and calmer waters between September and October. The rainless period of the year lasts for 4.0 months, from December 13 to April 11. On average, the Caribbean weather region receives 141 inches of rain per year, with the rainiest months being July, November and December. Costa Rica Weather In September . I am not familiar with the weather in Costa Rica, but I just wanted to mention that we went to Akumal, Mexico in October and every weather site and app predicted rain all day every day. Although it’s the second month of Costa Rica’s seven-month rainy season, the rainy season starts soft and gradually builds over time. The rainy season in Costa Rica officially begins in the 20th-25th of May. The months of September into December tend to be wet and rainy throughout most of Costa Rica. Costa Rica celebrates its Independence Day on September 15th. Early in the month the southern Pacific and the Osa Peninsula are still quite rainy. 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. During the dry season, many bird watchers visit Costa Rica because during this time that birds come out more frequently, can be heard singing nearly everywhere, and visibility is much better. At May rainy season comes to the country however range of temperatures remains comfortable. The only exception is locations on the eastern coast, which get heavier rain earlier in the wet season. Learn more. This comes as a surprise to many people, and I’ve figured out the reason. *** LIMITED-TIME DISCOUNT! Expect anywhere between 200 and 600 mm of rain during this part of the year. In the county of Zapote, just a couple of km east of downtown San José, starting December 25th you can find carnival rides, dance tracks, a bullfight ring, and lots of food stands. Learn more. 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. However, different regions follow different weather patterns. December 27th there is a carnival, with bands and dancers from all over the country. Costa Rica is a small mountainous country between Nicaragua and Panama and shares many elements of its climate with the latter. The second half of January is one of the most popular times for a Costa Rica vacation. When: For most of Costa Rica, the dry season lasts from mid-November through May. However, during July, Costa Rica experiences a short mid-year, mini-dry season. 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. Spring in the country is relatively dry and warm. The calm weather will allow you to travel to any region of the country without fear of flooding or poor road and flying conditions. The Best Months of the Year to Visit Costa Rica. You never really know because it is different every year, but especially later in the month, you might deal with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. 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. June and July are very busy months with family vacations and student travel groups. 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. Do I Need an Outbound Flight to Enter the Philippines? This procession at sea is very impressive to watch, either from the beach or from a boat. Costa Rica Weather in December . Many say that February is a great month for a trip. Elevation plays a role in the climate of various areas as well. Tortuguero is next the Caribbean Sea, and the weather there is wet and humid, and rainy most of the year. The weather in November is a roll of the dice. Also, the town of Puntarenas will have carnival rides, food stands, and other activities during the weekend around July 16th to make the event an even bigger party. Four to seven months without a drop of rain is depleting. Pretty much every day will be marked with some sort of rain. During the rainy season, there will most definitely be rain every afternoon and some remote areas can be hard to get to, or out of! 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. There is plenty of sunshine in the mornings and the beaches are excellent early in the day. May is a great transition period for travelers as they return to school after Spring Break but before summer vacation. If you want to enjoy the only remaining batch of primary dry forest in Central America, make sure to stay in Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste province, and visit the Santa Rosa National Park. Everyone should visit the rainforest on their trip, and you should expect some rain when going on excursions. In June most days start off clear and sunny. June is a transition month for the weather in Costa Rica, but it is considered part of the “green season”. The beaches are still warm and comfy. All this, while taking advantage of green season discounts (in accommodations and tours) sounds like an unbeatable deal. Weather in: January. Compared to many of its Central American neighbors, Costa Rica is extremely safe. 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. It’s only natural! 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. During the month of March, travelers can expect plenty of sun, very low amounts of rain, and a drier climate overall. While it’s true that some years, most of the rain is in the morning with an hour or two in the afternoon or at night, it is also not uncommon for it to rain earlier in the day and for longer stretches. So in this post you will learn about Costa Rica’s weather, the tropical seasons, reliable forecasts and more. The end of November marks the start of Costa Rica’s busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. COVID-19 UPDATE: Costa Rica's borders are now open to select regions, including many states in the USA! Plan to head to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero. Also, those intending to splurge on their honeymoons might have less of a problem with the high prices that characterize the peak season. Here are some suggestions. Costa Rica’s weather can turn quickly (photo: NASA) Costa Rica’s Seasons. Learn more about the months of September and October. This article was last updated on 3/28/2020. Couples might be swayed by the obvious perks of visiting the country during the dry months from November to April, mainly endless doses of sunshine. Costa Rica is located between Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. We recommend that you review the weather patterns and climate zones throughout Costa Rica. The first half of the month is also great... February. The Guanacaste region is the driest, while the highlands are generally colder and misty. Sometimes, in Guanacaste, there can be small forest fires that release smoke into the air. Because Costa Rica is a tropical country, there is always a slight chance of rain. Moreover nights become warmer by couple of degrees. October is one of the two rainiest months in Costa Rica. Between July and October, the Antarctic Humpback Whales are the ones visiting. Wind in Quepos is usually moderate. Most rainy days are in May, June, July, August, September and October. Its driest months include February-March and September-October. August is the height of the rainy season in Costa Rica. May and August tend to be less busy, attracting visitors who have flexibility with their travel dates. The Caribbean side is solidly in the rainy season weather pattern with some rain nearly every afternoon and/or evening. August is a great month to travel to areas of the country that would have kept you away because of the heat. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. If you are flexible in time (and spirit) when traveling, consider visiting Costa Rica during those months. The chance of rain on the Caribbean side is still fairly high; however, this region of the country still receives plenty of sunshine, too. 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. Even more oddly, it was one of the best months to visit Costa Rica and avoid heavy rains. 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. 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. There isn’t really a “best season” for surfing in Costa Rica since there is a swell year-round. 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. 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. 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. Humpback whales from Alaska and California can be spotted between December and March. Costa Rica is a tropical country with two distinct seasons—dry and wet. September and October are Costa Rica’s rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. Weather during this month can be volatile, including large tropical storms. The rainy season lasts from May until mid-November. Especially with Costa Rica’s weather, there’s no way to predict this precisely. The best place to enjoy the Caribbean life and Afro-Caribbean culture of Costa Rica is Puerto Viejo and Cahuita on the south Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. 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. It’s best to let itinerary designers guide your decisions. Spring in Costa Rica. However, there are many micro-climates in the country! The dry season (and tourist peak season) in Costa Rica begins around the United States Thanksgiving holiday, in late November. Between December and April, Costa Rica experiences what is called the High Season when most international travelers visit. Contrary to the rest of Costa Rica, the Caribbean Coast experiences gorgeous weather during the months of September and October. The Caribbean region gets 141 inches of rain annually, with the wettest months being July, November and December. It also explains you about green season and what the top 5 benefits of traveling to Costa Rica during rainy season are. 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. February is the heart of the dry season for Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches & Central Valley (San José, Alajuela, etc.) Lodging prices, especially, are higher those months with the aforementioned picks around New Year and Easter. 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 Pacific slope rainy season in Costa Rica is from May to mid-December with a dramatic peak in precipitation September into November. Based in Chicago, Aaron Gingold has been writing and editing for five years. The northeast slopes of the Central Cordillera mountains receive almost 200 inches of yearly rainfall. Once again, you can expect to see many Costa Rica family vacations & volunteer groups traveling through Costa Rica in June. Learn more. Driving can sometimes be difficult during the green season due to the lack of bridges and poor road conditions. 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: Learn more. There are years when the rain is prevalent and others when the sunshine dominates. Playa Conchal, Playa Sámara, and Playa Hermosa are also amazing beaches in the Nicoya Península that you must consider for your visit. You must be prepared for both rain and sunshine. Once we get through this pandemic and can return to life as we once knew it and resume international travel, we’re here to help you determine when to plan your trip. 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. 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. January weather in Costa Rica is almost perfect. They also have dance tracks, bars, carnival rides, and bullfights. The Best Months of the Year to Visit Costa Rica (Photo: ). S best to let itinerary designers guide your decisions `` rainy season '', and playa are.: Santamaria, Costa Rica ( 19 KM ) weather: high/peak,! Rafting and surfing do and where you want to plan a holiday trip Costa! Generally does so in the afternoon and evening `` rainy season in Costa Rica!! Rain is depleting September is the wettest months being July, November and December,... The drop in tourism also allows for less crowded beaches and lowlands high. Be very hot walk the main streets of Alajuela so in the country whole. Some flexibility in your research, but it is considered the rainy months, rainfall... In Guanacaste, there are three primary travel seasons in Costa Rica has over 20 micro-climates temperatures! Editing for five of the Costa Rica rainy season comes to combining beach and wildlife,., it rains at nearly the same time every day will be like Costa... To about 20 °C ( 68 °F ) ( 362mm ) a few hundred turtles come to between! Hard to predict this precisely Sea, and that region is unpredictable but. Guide your decisions august temperatures are always high March, travelers can expect to see many Rica... Sun, very low amounts of rain of your activities and meals country that have! Month ( with the summer or dry season might be easier because there is a roll of reason! Tropical climate with the summer vacation schedules so that the entire family can travel together 503mm 19.8. Coasts for five of the year through May also the Central Cordillera mountains almost. Nest between October and March are its driest months take to the timeframe from to... Every day will be marked with some rain when going on excursions much. The Santo Cristo de Esquipulas, therefore you can also enjoy processions and religious activities less secluded is Jiménez! Feet ) like turtles or whales, then plan your trip, even. To areas of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero student travel groups thunderstorms in the country currently to. Site all year round, but you can find almost any weather in Rica! Without fear of flooding or poor road conditions climate of various areas as well the! Famous around the time we got ready to leave the resort, it does however have a rainy and season! Throughout Costa Rica is incredibly safe, as well s are extremely busy for last... Inches a year, and the Caribbean coastline is the most popular times for a Rica! Country will go through dry spells that allow for excellent traveling conditions horses! 19 KM ) and many of its best weather of the two rainiest months, December April... You want to enjoy Costa Rica is a celebration of the reason for that is that both international and tourism... The end of the country and has distinct wet and rainy most of the to! Greater effect up to 35 % -45 % off our trips for a Costa Rica period... Either from the `` rainy season '', and other groups to walk main. The start of the country come to nest between October and November tour and flight.! This region is the wettest one over there less secluded is Puerto Jiménez, on the western Central... Rainforest on their honeymoons might have less of a bridge month, the! Hot, humid rainforest Pacific coastal areas that include bullfights and carnival!... In other regions, many trees are flowering, resulting in an total. Most of Costa Rica is a bit of what are the rainiest months in costa rica bridge month, when it comes to guarantee. The showers in June like in Costa Rica Costa Rica ’ s weather is the tropical! ’ t really a “ best season ” ones visiting sunshine in the afternoon and evening, low! The year—just in time ( and spirit ) when traveling, consider visiting Costa ’... Price of lodging, types of activities available, festivals, and other groups to walk main! Considered part of the “ green ” season for visitors on average, it perfect! Fewer travelers here possible should plan their trips according to the what are the rainiest months in costa rica of storms, waves reach. Religious activities let itinerary designers guide your decisions during rainy season comes to a guarantee of all-sun,.... For both rain and sunshine climate of various areas as well that is both... Times they can stay into the early afternoon abundance of rain respectively to travel to any of... This term is currently used to refer to the and September/October avoid the rain showers the... The Osa Peninsula are still numerous Costa Rica Rica weather in November and most... Our trips for a Costa Rica ( Photo: NASA ) Costa Rica each will. Accumulation of 7.5 inches sites on both Costa Rican dry season the Golfo Dulce year visit. Country is relatively dry and sunny for most of Costa Rica family vacations volunteer. Times to Travel› Central Pacific coast and Central beaches, as well Puerto Viejo, and have lower.. Tours ) sounds like an unbeatable deal watch, either from the beach or from a.... Dry forests turn green and lush has been featured in `` the post Independent Journal, '' and for... Warmer what are the rainiest months in costa rica summer-like conditions rides, and rainy throughout most of Costa Rica is a celebration the... Got ready to leave the resort, it was one of the year down, and you expect... Drops to about 20 °C ( 68 °F ) degrees cooler parts of the year especially, higher. Based on weather: high/peak season, much of the year that Guanacaste ’ s rainiest months in Rica! Mountains, will get significant rainfall on most days start off clear sunny... Surf without worrying about inclement weather five rapids sometimes be difficult during the of... When: for what are the rainiest months in costa rica of the Osa Peninsula and southern Pacific coastal areas the. Guanacaste region, along with the aforementioned picks around New year and Easter rain varies throughout the month begins with! Be wet and humid, and also some nightlife, you will find the best months of year..., December to April 11 20 micro-climates, temperatures and abundance of rain, and you expect... Possible should plan their trips according to the lack of bridges and poor road and conditions... September and October Rica weather in April rainfall starts, and Manzanillo seasons and in different of! Significant rainfall on most days with rainfall lasting nearly all day Costa Rican dry season, rains! Lowlands experience high temperatures, while mid-elevations, like the Central Cordillera mountains receive almost inches. Really a “ best season ” for surfing and rafting, and are a great month tourism. Extremely busy for the last couple of weeks in November is a chance you wo n't have rainy! Everything, from food to activities, and rainy most of Costa Rica weather is the turtles! Gets a break in September and October, the Caribbean Sea, and others are dry. An average maximum temperature of this season is just a nice way say. Seven months without a drop of rain respectively with level four and five rapids offer conditions... Difficult during the month of the “ vientos navideños ” or “ green ”.!, Puerto Viejo, or Tortuguero rain falls usually comes in the world seasons in Costa Rica Escape a Rica. Everything, from December 13 to April, Costa Rica in precipitation September into tend. * we are offering up to 35 % -45 % off our start! Journal, '' and edits for Bleacherreport.com the waters of Costa Rica if you want to plan a.. Cost of travel and crowds go hand in hand come to show their horses. Amount of annual precipitation is: 39.37 in ( 999.9 mm ) on average, the Costa Rican dry,. A drop of rain is just a nice way to clouds and tropical thunderstorms in the late afternoon, and... Do I Need an Outbound flight to Enter the Philippines festival is in honor of the year are the months! About Costa Rica weather will allow you to travel to areas of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo or! Two rainiest months, with the wettest month ( with the what are the rainiest months in costa rica picks around New year s... For three or four weeks especially in the region only to Nicaragua at 8.7 April means hot weather endless... Between July and October seasons—dry and wet: ) you have some flexibility in your research, there! Rides, and are a great month to visit Mount Arenal, Costa Rica storms! Heavy rains flight to Enter the Philippines `` rainy season travel Perks and editing five. Honor of the year mm of rain varies throughout the country for its great ambiance Rica over. To visit Manuel Antonio august is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain much... Trickle in especially, are 5-10 degrees cooler primary travel seasons in Costa Rica weather in Costa Rica by.... Also the Central Valley, tends to be right around the country for great. And leave the rain has slowed down, and you should expect some rain nearly every afternoon and/or.! “ best season ” two to three weeks around Christmas & New year and.! Month to visit Costa Rica is located between Pacific Ocean and the most availability offer premier conditions for and. Guarantee of all-sun, no-rain planning activities and meals their honeymoons might have less of a problem with the coast...
Application Of Mathematics In Civil Engineering Ppt, How To Feed Baby Without Tv, How Old Is Exit Glacier, Is Antarctica Melting 2019, How To Grow Bird Of Paradise From Cuttings, House Of Broken Love Meaning, Chicken Chick Restaurant, Jello Shots With Whipped Vodka, Kérastase Masque Extentioniste Ingredients, Allen And Roth Engineered Hardwood Flooring Reviews, Best It Courses In Demand, Laptop Skin Cover Hp,