Planning When to Go: Understanding the Weather in Costa Rica

In terms of the country’s location which is near the equator, Costa Rica enjoys tropical climate throughout the year. Temperature depends on the elevation of certain areas. It is important to remember that Costa Rica has no real summer or winter and the usual temperature ranges from 21 to 27 degrees Celsius. 

Best Time to Go

Preferably, the best time for tourists to go over Costa Rica is during the summer season from December through April which the locals commonly call verano. Dry season means lesser rain than other times of the year. Everyone can take advantage of the low season rates during this time. 

The winter season or green season, locally known as invierno, runs from May to mid-November. The starting months are really good for travelers where they can enjoy lesser number of other tourists and hotel rates are usually lower. However, travelling either by land or water can be a lot more challenging due to muddy roads. Two of the rainiest months are November and December.

Best Seasons for Animal Sight-seers

For turtle enthusiasts, the best time for you to go is from February to October.  April and May are the months for leatherbacks while on the Caribbean coast, October to March are the peak months.

Fishing can be done anytime of the month but of course, it is important for fishers to know the season’s best each time. September to November is the time for snook while the best time for catching sailfish is from November through May. 

Bird watching can also be done almost every month of the year but resplendent quetzal is seen most during November and April. Migratory flocks cruise over Costa Rica during March through May or September to November.

The Central Valley has the most beautiful weather in the country due to cool coastal breeze. On the other hand, the Caribbean is said to have its own climate. It has no distinct wet and dry season which the other parts of Costa Rica have. Generally, it has a humid climate but not always sunny.

December and January are great times of the tear for weather when it is generally sunny and the countryside remained green from the rainy season. The vast differences among Costa Rica’s climate give it the most varied and awesome ecosystems.

At the end of the day, each person’s preference is still the main basis in choosing what time to visit Costa Rica. Just be wise enough in making your choices and always remember anytime you plan to go, Costa Rica has always something to offer. 

The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica may seem to be a small country but it houses lots of beautiful places than when discovered by your own eyes can make you mesmerize. It gives its visitors; local and foreign alike its quiet beaches, forests and wildlife. 

In a previous article we mention about the sights you also need to see when traveling Costa Rica, this is a part of some sort in that list. You will never ran out of places to visit when you explore this country that is why I am giving you another set of places you might want to check out. 

Whether you travel in Costa Rica for food, adventure, serene place or relaxation, they got a place for you to go.

Best Place to go for Food: 

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Costa Rica’s cuisine is a mix of Central American with added local island spice. A must try and a popular dish in the country is the steamy soup rondon,  a mix of coconut milk with green bananas, cassava, shrimp and fish with Scott bonnet chili peppers added on the dish. If you want a taste of the freshest seafoods, then better head on to Puerto Viejo. Eat while enjoying the seaside view from the place. 

Best Place for Adventure:

La Fortuna

La Fortuna has a volcano resting in the town that is a haven for those seeking adventure.  If there are no clouds covering the summit, you’ll be able to see lava flowing from its tip. The volcano in La Fortuna is referred to as Cerro Arenal – Arenal Hill. If you are unlucky to see the lava, there are a lot more adventures you can try. Try hiking on Arsenal with trails suited for an outdoor adventure and see the crater lake of the Volcan Chato, Arsenal’s dormant volcanic neighbor. 

Best for Forest Walks:

Monteverde

Monteverde is a conservation area for wildlife forms, it is a taken care of place in Costa Rica to preserve and grow cloud forests, evergreens, lichens and an array of birds. Around the area, you’ll see different kinds of trees and plants and those flower bearing plants that cling on rock formations and tree trunks.

Best for Beaches:

Nosara

Wanting to have the time to just relax and just feast your eyes on the beauty of the sunrise or sunset? Nosara is the right place for you to be in. Even getting to Nosara is an enjoyable experience for along the way you will see herd of Brahman cows and rice plantations. When you see Nosara, you will notice few if not none industrial buildings.  This is because Nosara’s government prohibits construction in the shoreline to preserve the waters and the white sand of the beach.

Best for Wildlife:

Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula has the last remaining coastal pacific rainforest found in Central America. Osa has become the habitat for jungle animals like those jaguars and puma and some other mammals that can be seen rarely in some parts of the country. You can tour the Corcovado National Park that is found in Osa Peninsula and see the creatures freely walking, flying or crawling around.