Best times to visit Costa Rica

Arabia Weather - The pure spirit of life that characterizes Costa Rica is wonderfully contagious. It's one of the many reasons why this Central American country is so popular. Travelers who yearn to relax and immerse themselves in nature will find themselves at home among cloud forests, picturesque mountains, and beautiful beaches.

With an average temperature of around 80°F (26°C), it is possible to enjoy Costa Rica year round, but to make the most of your trip, it is essential to know which season is right for the activities you wish to do. Here are some things to know about choosing the best time to travel to Costa Rica.

December to April: The best time for a beach holiday

If your main goal is time in the sun, plan your trip around the country's dry season, which runs from December until about mid-April.

Every day will see clear skies and enough sunshine to enjoy the beach along the Caribbean coast. Low rainfall means it's probably the best time to visit overall, and also the most attractive for travelers hoping to see wildlife.

However, this is high season, and the most expensive time to visit, so expect higher prices for accommodation and airfare. It will also be more crowded, especially around major holidays like Christmas, New Year's and Easter. March is also a very popular month for spring break travelers.

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May and June: The best time to avoid crowds

May is the start of the “green” season – meaning you can expect sunny skies in the morning, and rain later in the day. It is the time when most plants in Costa Rica are flowering.

This time can be a little unpredictable in terms of rain because it is between the dry and rainy seasons. However, if you want to experience most of the most famous sites without large crowds, this is the best time to visit.

It's also a great time to see Arenal Volcano clearly. Remember that the end of June will start to see more crowds since the summer travel season begins for many Americans.

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July and August: Best time to spot wildlife

July and August are still within the country's green season period, so the same weather can be expected as in May and June. It's also the perfect time for whale watching in Dominical or spotting sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park.

The trails, roads, and trails can be muddy and slick this time of year, so keep that in mind if you're interested in exploring the backcountry. Prices for some attractions and activities may be higher due to the influx of travelers coming for summer vacation.

September and October: Best time for budget travelers

September and October see the departure of summer travelers and the arrival of holiday travelers. You'll find fewer crowds and more deals on accommodation and travel to Costa Rica.

This makes it the best time for those who want to explore the country without large crowds and higher prices, however, it is the height of the rainy season, so meteorologically it is not the ideal time to visit. This time is not ideal for those looking to see more remote places, due to the possibility of flooding.

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August to November: Best time for surfing lovers

Great surfing is one of the main attractions of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, and August through November is the time when you'll see many of the biggest waves thanks to the storms that accompany the rainy season.

While conditions may be ideal for experienced surfers, you can also expect moderate rain. The weather in November also tends to be unpredictable, so keep that in mind if you're planning outdoor activities as part of your trip.

Source: lonelyplanet