As a rugged rainforest full of beauty and adventure, Costa Rica has a lot to offer to many types of travelers. Before planning your trip, you’ll want to know when is the best time to go to Costa Rica so you can have the best experience possible.
Costa Rica is primarily rainforest, bookended by the Caribbean ocean to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West, and with that it has two main cultures. Tico’s (Costa Ricans) on the Pacific side and on the Atlantic side, especially in and around Limon, is an English-speaking, Jamaican influenced African-Caribbean culture.
Costa Ricans take great pride in their country and are very honest people. The relatively low crime rate and multitude of natural diversity within such a small space makes visiting Costa Rica an experience filled with beauty and excitement. Read on to learn more about when you should plan a trip to this amazing country.
Travel Seasons in Costa Rica
Here we will break down the seasons so you’ll know when is the best time to go to Costa Rica for your ideal vacation. Keep in mind that the seasons are somewhat “flip-flopped” between the Pacific side and the Caribbean side. However, as with any vacation, keep an open mind because with climate change and Mother Nature doing what she wants, you just never know what you’ll end up with.
The Rainy Season
From May to November, the Costa Rica climate can be quite wet. The locals consider this their “winter” and it’s the downtime for tourism because this period brings far fewer people to the country. September and October are Costa Rica’s rainiest months, but this is the most beautiful time on the Caribbean side of the country. Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, or Tortugue are some great places to check out during this time.
The rainy season brings out incredible flora and fauna that is missed in the summer season. Beautiful blossoms throughout the rainforest canopy can be seen as you hike along the mountain trails or the beachfront treelines. If you’re hoping to seek out forest hikes and regionally exclusive wildlife observation, the rainy season is the better time.
During rainy seasons, you’ll also meet fewer other tourists on the trails and will encounter shorter lines for events and experiences. There are also lower rates for hotels and resorts to be found, and an overall calmer vacation. When you travel, pack the appropriate gear for the weather, and you’ll have a beautiful memory-filled experience.
The Dry Season
Late November through April is their dry “summer” season. This is the time of the year when you’ll join many tourists, travelers, and guests flocking to the country’s hotspots. With that comes higher prices and potential issues with availability if you don’t book early enough.
You’ll still experience some rains during the dry season, but it’s significantly less. There will be scattered showers and plenty of beautiful sunshine. For nature lovers, this is the perfect place to experience summer. The dry season will also bring about all of the fun events, tours, and guided activities that you’d expect from a beautiful country with a strong background in tourism.
How Do You Decide When to Go?
When you book a vacation, you typically have an idea of the experiences you’ll want to have at your destination. Booking with a Travel Agent will help you figure out the best way to make the most of your trip and determine what part of the year and what areas of the country is best for those activities.
Rebecca, with Wanderland Escapes, is a certified Costa Rica expert with plenty of experience helping travelers like yourself to enjoy the country fully with all that is has to offer. Rain or shine, she understands that Costa Rica is one of the world’s leaders in ecotourism and cherishes what the region can deliver naturally.
Why Costa Rica?
One of today’s most prominent trends in the travel industry and the influencer generation is to focus on eco-friendly accommodations and ethical work practices in the places we travel. The Republic of Costa Rica is proud to be called one of the leading countries for eco-friendly tourism practices and conservation of its natural resources.
While the country’s landmass only accounts for .03% of the world’s land, it holds upwards of 5% of its biodiversity. One of the greatest draws for outdoors enthusiasts is the well-developed national parks system that the Costa Rican government has implemented. Over 25% of the country is protected wildlands, hosting thousands of species of plants and animals. More than 500,000 species can be found in the wide range of diverse habitats and ecosystems.
Where to Visit
If you land in San Jose, the best way to enjoy the trip is to eventually leave San Jose. That’s not to say that San Jose doesn’t have a bustling aura full of merchants, markets, and nightlife adventures, but there is so much to explore outside of the country’s capital city. Costa Rica is extremely rich in activities for its small size. From first class surfing, fishing, boating, dining, canopy ziplines, rustic traditional activities to just laying in the pool or at a deserted lagoon.
Don’t forget to explore the country’s history through its plethora of museums and be sure not to miss their four World Heritage Sites.
When is the Best Time to Go to Costa Rica for You?
If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Costa Rica, let’s start planning! It can feel overwhelming because there are so many different areas and things to do and see. However, Rebecca and her travel experience is exactly what you need to make it easy. Contact us today. We’d love to discuss your dream Costa Rica experience and get you on your way to an amazing adventure. Costa Rica is also a fantastic place to have a honeymoon or a destination wedding.
