Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Central America. Its strategic location between two oceans and its privileged landscapes attract thousands of visitors every year. People from all over the world, today, choose Costa Rica as a tourist destination to relax and be surprised. However, a common mistake is to plan a trip without considering the dates. But all tourist destinations have dates that are more suitable to be visited. Which is why, below, we are going to talk about the best time to travel to Costa Rica, so you can plan your visit.
The weather in Costa Rica
When choosing the best time to travel to Costa Rica, the weather is one of the most important things to consider. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is especially known for having a tropical climate. It has two distinct seasons per year. On the one hand, the summer or dry season. On the other hand, the winter or rainy season.
During the dry season, between the months of December and April, the temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. On the coasts, the heat is a bit more intense. So if you want to enjoy a trip to the coast and take advantage of the scenery, the best time to travel is between February, March and April.
On the other hand, the problem with travelling in winter is that it tends to rain every day. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. However, it is also true that the number of people in hotels at this time of year is lower. This means that the prices of accommodation are considerably lower. If you want to travel in the winter, this can be a good time to enjoy Costa Rica’s lush vegetation.
The best time to travel to Costa Rica and enjoy its capital San José
Costa Rica is characterised by its varied landscapes and features. However, one of its favourite spots is its capital, San José. It is located in the geographical centre of the country and is a point from which you can travel to any part of it, with many mobility options.
Visiting Costa Rica’s capital is something you can do all year round, with spring-like weather regardless of the season. However, the dry season is also considered the best time to go, and you can travel around the city as well as the country.
If you want to visit San José, Costa Rica, a great place to stay is the Hotel Grano de Oro. It is located on a quiet tree-lined street in the centre of Costa Rica, in a restored Victorian-era mansion. Today it is a luxury boutique hotel just steps from Paseo Colon, the city’s main thoroughfare. In addition, the hotel has one of the best gourmet restaurants in San Jose.
Costa Rica and surfing
For people looking for the best waves to surf, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in the world. This is because it is a country with a total of 1,290 kilometres of coastline on both sides. This has contributed to making it one of the top destinations for both surfing and other water sports.
In this sense, the months of December to April are considered the best months to enjoy the country’s beaches. However, the best months for surfing are May to October, due to the characteristics of the waves at this time of year.
It is also important to note that Costa Rica has one of the best marinas in the world. Located in Quepos, this port attracts thousands of tourists every year, who can enjoy a wide range of water sports.
Another accommodation to consider in Costa Rica is located in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, and that is Cala Luna. It is set in beautiful tropical gardens and within walking distance of Langosta Beach. It is a luxury boutique resort offering comfortable accommodation in a secluded setting.
When to see wild animals in Costa Rica?
But beaches and water sports are not the only things to enjoy in this country. Costa Rica is also a place visited by those who want to meet animals they don’t see in their daily lives. This is because it has some of the most varied and extensive fauna and flora in the world. An example of this can be seen in its more than 900 species of birds and more than 50 species of hummingbirds. One of the main protagonists is the “Quetzal”, considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
This and other animals can be seen especially in their mating season between March and June. Therefore, one of the best times to travel to Costa Rica and see animals can be this time of year. They can also be seen in the Quetzal National Park between November and April.
Keep in mind that during the dry season, temperatures are higher and there is less rainfall. This allows access to more remote places that are difficult to reach when the rivers are swollen by rain. Thus, many animals can be seen in their natural habitat. In the case of turtles, they nest between August and October. Therefore, if you go to Tortuguero, you can see them from April to October. In the Leatherback National Park, on the other hand, they can be seen between September and October.
On the other hand, if you want to see whales, the best time is between August and September. The best places for whale watching include Uvita National Park, the Gulf of Papagayo, Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula.
Given the above, the best time to travel to Costa Rica will depend on the experience you want to have in the country.
