Regardless of the climate in Costa Rica, the infectious pura vida (pure life) spirit permeates the nation year-round. You possibly can journey to Costa Rica at any time of 12 months, too. Regardless of the season, Costa Rica’s seashores are stunning, the rainforests are wealthy in wildlife, and the enchanting mountains await.
Whereas Costa Rica does have a wet season and a dry season, the general temperature doesn’t fluctuate that a lot. This nation is at all times heat, with a yearly common of 26°C (79°F). In the event you’re travelling on a funds or have particular actions you wish to do, it’s higher to go throughout some months than others. Whereas there’s no improper time to go to Costa Rica, you may discover that some instances are extra best for you. That will help you select while you go, right here’s a month-by-month information to Costa Rica’s climate.
Celebration underneath the Costa Rican solar in January
For Costa Rica climate in January, count on dry days, typically with no rainfall and a satisfying quantity of solar. The small city of Palmares throws Costa Rica’s largest competition over two weeks in January (Fiestas Palmares), with fireworks, dwell music, dancing, parades, and loads of beer. It is an unbelievable alternative to kick off your 12 months with a bang.
February is a time to chill out
In February, the Envision Competition within the small southern Costa Rican city of Uvita attracts individuals to Costa Rica from all around the world for per week of wellness, offering a chance to immerse your self absolutely in Costa Rica’s pura vida vibe. Costa Rica climate in February is a balmy 27°C (81°F) common, and the absence of rainfall makes this month ultimate for such constructive pursuits with the seaside because the backdrop.
Depart your wellbeing to us on: Wellness Costa Rica
Go to Costa Rica’s waterfalls in March
Costa Rica climate in March may need a whisper of rain, nevertheless it makes an important month to go to Costa Rica’s flourishing forests and thundering waterfalls. Like December, January, and February, March is likely one of the most fascinating instances to go to Costa Rica, so remember to ebook your G Adventures tour prematurely to keep away from disappointment.
Expertise it for your self on: Costa Rica Quest
Costa Rica cranks up the warmth in April
April is Costa Rica’s hottest month, with a mean temperature vary of 23°C to 36°C (73°F to 97°F). Nevertheless, San José and the Central Valley stick round a 25°C common, in order that they make nice bases presently of 12 months if you happen to don’t like the warmth. If heat Costa Rica climate in April is your factor, head to the nation’s hottest spot: Tamarindo on the Pacific coast.
Could means wet season
Could marks the beginning of Costa Rica’s wet season (additionally known as the “inexperienced season”), and the common temperature begins to slowly descend from April’s excessive to a mean of about 28°C (82°F). It does rain some, however often within the afternoon or night, so it is comparatively simple to plan your days round.
Surfers ought to go to in June
Like Could, June is simply exterior of peak season, so Costa Rica’s seashores are typically much less crowded, and the surf is nice. The typical temperature is about 27°C (81°F), however the Costa Rica climate in June is fairly wet. When the climate is especially moist, you may be restricted in what you are able to do as a result of some nationwide parks or water-based actions could also be thought of unsafe in wet situations.
Spot whales and turtles in July
Costa Rica climate in July has a mean temperature of 28°C (82°F) and a slight drop in rainfall in comparison with June. It is a good month for wildlife-watching. Head to Dominical in direction of the tip of the month to identify humpback whales on their migration route or to Tortuguero Nationwide Park to see inexperienced turtles nest on the seashores.
Expertise it for your self on: Tortuguero Nationwide Park Tour – 4-Day Unbiased Journey
August in Costa Rica stays heat and moist
The typical temperature stays about 28°C (82°F) for Costa Rica’s climate in August, however the common rainfall will increase dramatically. Wet season is a good time to see Costa Rica’s rainforests as a result of the vegetation is lush and waterfalls are at their most thunderous. This month can be a very good time for rafting and tubing, due to the elevated water ranges.
Expertise it for your self on: Costa Rica Journey
Have a good time within the rain showers in September
September climate in Costa Rica is usually humid and overcast, and it rains nearly every single day. It will probably rain sufficient to trigger street closures, so September and October are usually not dependable instances to journey round Costa Rica by street. Costa Rica’s Independence Day falls on September 15, when individuals come collectively to have fun with parades and performances, so it’s a good time to go to to expertise the nation in full swing regardless of the rain.
Heavy rain arrives in October
For Costa Rica climate in October, count on rainfall at its peak, however this month nonetheless guarantees attracts for travellers regardless of a mean of 125mm (5 in) of rain per day. The inexperienced season is good for browsing as a result of the storms create large swells, plus the temperature remains to be heat, and the seashores are comparatively empty. Limón Carnaval additionally retains October on the Costa Rica occasions calendar. This port metropolis’s 12-day avenue occasion is the Costa Rican equal of Rio de Janeiro’s well-known fiesta. And if all else fails, get on a horse to keep away from muddy trails!
November is finest for funds travellers
The rain begins to sluggish come November, however this month remains to be thought of off-season. Costa Rica climate in November is sweet for funds travellers and for escaping the crowds as a result of flights and lodging are cheaper. The climate is unpredictable, so if you happen to can hold your journey plans free and flow, November may very well be the proper time to go to Costa Rica.
December brings again dry season
December marks the beginning of Costa Rica’s dry — and excessive — season, when temperatures common 27°C (81°F) and rainfall drops from November’s 50mm (2 in) to a extra manageable 15mm (0.6 in). As a result of December is a trip month for a lot of, the nation is usually busy and costlier to go to, however due to the attractive Costa Rica climate in December, you are extra more likely to get pleasure from beach-friendly climate and drier days for hikes, leisurely kayaking, and wildlife walks.
Expertise it for your self on: Costa Rica Lively Journey
Costa Rica climate FAQs
When is off-season in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s climate determines the off-season, which runs from Could to November. Though it’s heat, these months deliver loads of rain, which will be unpredictable and unrelenting, notably in October. The moist climate means it is cheaper to journey as a result of the worth of flights and lodging goes down, however you may need to be extra versatile in your plans to accommodate wet days.
When is Costa Rica’s wet season?
Costa Rica’s wet season coincides with off-season. Costa Rica’s rainiest months are Could, June, August, September, and October. Rainfall peaks in October, however Could and June typically see days that begin sunny after which cloud over, with downpours within the afternoons. In Could and June, you may plan across the day’s moist patches considerably, however remember to pack wet-weather gear.
When is Costa Rica’s dry season?
Costa Rica’s dry season is from December to April, making it a good time to return for a seaside trip or a mountain climbing vacation. As such, it’s additionally Costa Rica’s peak season, so journey and lodging are costlier, and actions and excursions can get booked up. It’s price planning and reserving forward if in case you have particular locations in Costa Rica you wish to see or high issues to do in your record.
When is the very best time to see turtles in Costa Rica?
You possibly can see turtles nesting in Costa Rica year-round, however if in case you have your sights set on a particular species, it is advisable know the place to go and when. Leatherbacks nest in Guanacaste from October by means of March. Black sea turtles and leatherbacks nest on the Nicoya Peninsula from June by means of December, whereas hawksbills and olive ridleys nest on the Nicoya Peninsula year-round. April by means of October is peak nesting season for leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles on the South Caribbean coast, however they are often seen year-round.
Essentially the most iconic sea turtle nesting space in Costa Rica is the north Caribbean coast, the place leatherbacks begin to nest from March. Loggerheads and inexperienced sea turtles comply with, making it one of many world’s most vital nesting websites for inexperienced turtles.
Spot them for your self on: Journeys: Discover Costa Rica
When are you able to go whale watching in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale watching season on the earth, so it is an important place to see humpback whales after they come to the world to breed and feed. Northern humpbacks migrate by means of from December to April, with California humpbacks passing on Costa Rica’s Pacific aspect and Atlantic humpbacks on the Caribbean aspect. Humpback whale sightings are much less possible in Could and June, however from July to November, southern humpbacks will be seen on the Pacific aspect.
Blue whales and orcas have been noticed in Costa Rica’s waters now and again, however they’re uncommon as a result of they like colder water. Dolphins, nonetheless, will be seen right here year-round.
Spot them for your self on: Trek Hidden Costa Rica
