Most readily useful time and energy to see Costa Rica: what to anticipate Month by Month
This a topic that is tough. Issue ought to be: whenever could be the most readily useful time for me personally to check out Costa Rica? Yes, the solution depends upon the person. Therefore for you, we can give you some information to help you make your decision while we cant answer this question.
Dry Season vs Green Season
First things first, there are two main tropical periods in Costa Rica: dry period and green period. December through April may be the dry period. Might through November could be the season that is green. The season that is dry additionally the high period as much snowfall wild birds make their escape towards the tropics, and there’s less rainfall. The green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica Experts while the high season is the most popular travel time. The green period typically experiences sunny mornings (perfect for early early morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (ideal for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). There are lots of perks of traveling in green period like reduced resort rates, less crowds, and much more wildlife that is active.
Varying Climates
Remember that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica differ significantly by area. The coasts are usually warmer, and also the highlands are usually cooler. As you move south across the Pacific shore, humidity levels increase. The Caribbean Coast is normally hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with a quick break in September and October. Please consult a Costa Rica Professional in the basic environment of the locations of interest over your travel dates.
What to anticipate by Month Month
The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods for a general idea of monthly weather conditions. Now when it comes to month-to-month breakdown
January
The start of January is just a travel that is peak in Costa Rica, as crowds through the xmas and New season holiday breaks linger. Its season that is also dry Costa Rica, whenever clear skies take care of tourists. The start months of dry period are especially attractive whilst the landscape continues to be verdant through the present green season, despite paid off rainfall.
Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles from the Pacific coastline
February & March
An attractive, clear day regarding the Nicoya Peninsula from resort Punta Islita
Were still in dry period, together with climate stays great. There is certainly generally speaking a surge in tourist traffic over Easter and also the week prior to it. Arrange ahead for travel over Presidents Day weekend, Spring Break, and Easter. Resort access is bound during these popular travel times, plus some accommodations enhance prices over top travel times. Book early.
Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill ocean turtles regarding the coast that is caribbean March; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles from the Pacific shore
April
April marks the final month of this dry period, even though it will last a few weeks longer when you look at the arid northwest area of Guanacaste. Tourists can certainly still enjoy clear skies, even though vegetation, specially regarding the North Pacific Coast, has lost several of its vibrant sparkle that is green months of small rainfall. April can be historically one of many hottest months of the season. If Easter falls in April, you could expect an increase in tourist traffic within the getaway. Plus, there may be break that is spring, therefore youll wish to book your getaway well ahead of time.
Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles in the Caribbean shore; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles in the Pacific shore
May
The beginning of green period in might is a necessary cool down through the intense temperature of this season that is dry. Conditions commence to drop since the resort rates and amount of tourists do. Might is a little of a transition month, where the rainfall sees, not quite during the price of later on green season months.
Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill ocean turtles from the Caribbean coastline; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles in the Pacific coastline
June
The rain brings forth the greatest in Costa Ricas flora.
In June, youll view a surge that is small tourists whilst the young ones get let away from college and family members holidays begin. Every thing starts to look significantly more green due to the fact rainforest is brought by the rain your.
Wildlife watching: loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill ocean turtles regarding the Caribbean shore; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles regarding the Pacific coast
July & August
Its green period in Costa Rica, but a short pocket of sunlight breaks within the rainfall in July with what locals call veranillo, or small summer time. Precise veranillo times and length range from year to 12 months, and could even carry on to the beginning of August. Afternoons are rainy with typically clear mornings (ideal for early early morning trips). The elements is usually good, and resort rates low. July and August are popular travel times because of less rainfall, household summer time getaways, and active green period wildlife. Some accommodations increase their costs during these months.
Wildlife watching: Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill ocean turtles from the Caribbean coastline; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles regarding the Pacific coast
September & October
This is actually the top of green season regarding the Pacific Coast, but dont allow rainfall help keep you away. Your opportunities for recognizing wildlife would be best in green period. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. Resort access , costs, and solution have reached their utmost. Plus, there are not any crowds. You may also find you’ve got the coastline all to yourself.
Rain typically clears through to the Caribbean Coast in& October september.
Regarding the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast, the rainfall lightens up in September and October, which makes it a lot of fun to consult with. Talk to a Costa Rica Professional in regards to the most readily useful locations to consult with during this period of the year.
Wildlife watching: Antarctic humpback whales; green, & hawksbill ocean turtles in the Caribbean coastline; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles from the Pacific coastline
November
The termination of November marks the beginning of Costa Ricas busy period, as vacations and cold temperatures are a good reason to flee. November is a little of the bridge month, if the rainfall has slowed up, therefore the crowds start to trickle in.
Wildlife watching: hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley ocean turtles from the Pacific coastline
December
The beginning of December is less-crowded, with hard to anticipate climate. Typically, the sky clears up because the rains commence to taper off for dry period, and you will experience beach that is beautiful regarding the Pacific Coast. The foliage begins to turn golden in Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country. We enter top period for travel at the conclusion of around the holidays december. With less rainfall, there was more pool time that is uninterrupted. With that, resort rates increase. Our advice is always to book your getaway getaways well ahead of time to reserve the hotel rooms that are best and make the most of any very very early bird deals.