Costa Rica climate
Costa Rica is a tropical country with little variation in temperature throughout the year. You will encounter a lot of rain if you visit between May and November, the significantly rainy season. The coastal temperatures are hotter at an average of 32 degrees, but sea breezes make it much more comfortable. The highland areas are cool at night and warm during the day.
When to fly to Costa Rica
Peak Season:
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during dry season - from late November to late April when the weather’s perfect for laying out on a beach or exploring its rainforest. It’s also the peak of the tourist season when flight and hotel rates are much higher than usual.
Off Season:
The rainy season runs from May to mid-November and is considered winter to Costa Ricans but unless you’re up in the mountains, temperatures are generally mild. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation then this is the best time to visit except during the rainiest months, September and October, when some hotels shut down.
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Getting around Costa Rica
Since most Costa Ricans don’t own cars public transport, apart from the railway, is very well developed
Buses are the cheapest option to get around but tend to be rather uncomfortable and chaotic.
Taxis are probably the best choice for longer journeys and can be hired by the hour or for the entire day.
Cars and motorcycles are readily available for hire
Commuter flights in Costa Rica are the easiest way to get around the country with a choice of two domestic airlines: Sansa and NatureAir.
Costa Rica insider information
- Spoil yourself with a day of pampering. Drive to the Tabacon Hot Springs & Resort in the La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area and spend the afternoon soaking in a volcanically heated mineral bath or indulge in a spa treatment.
- Take a two-hour tour through the tropical gardens of the Butterfly Farm and watch as hundreds of colourful butterflies flutter around you. If you get there extra early for the morning tour you can watch a metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly.
- Visit the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve that covers 25,688 acres of forest, home to thousands of species of plants and hundreds of birds and mammals. Then head to the quaint town of Santa Elena that’s renowned for its delicious cheese.
- If you only visit one park in Costa Rica, this is definitely the one: the Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend the day exploring the spectacular rain forest, home to the spider monkey, sloths and hundreds of bird species. After walking through the forest find a trail leading to the water and take a dip in the white-sand beach.
- One of the most remarkable museums in Costa Rica is the Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristan that boasts a large collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts and polychrome terra cotta pieces.