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Costa Rica weather in July

Avg. temperature: 28°C / 82°F	Sun: 5 Hrs (sunlight), 12.5 Hrs (daylight)
Rain: 182 mm	Avg. humidity: 80%

Want to beat the summer tourist rush by experiencing a hidden gem off the beaten track? Would you like to experience an abyss of protected and untouched nature? Do endless strolls along long strips of white, sandy beaches pique your interest? Costa Rica should be the first place to pop in your head when considering these.

Costa Rica’s relative state of untapped potential is unraveling slowly as more and more people fall deeply in love with this small country sandwiched between the Carribean Sea and Pacific Ocean. As ecotourism becomes more and more of a significant source of tourism, this country named greenest country in the world is a haven of relatively stable climate during the peak of summer.

If this hasn’t already got you wanting to bask in this ‘rich coast’ (the translation for Costa Rica), then this guide will have you running for the airport in no time!

Wet Feet, Dry feet

Costa Rica in July can be considered a mixed bag. Unofficially, July is considered the ‘low season’ because of its weather cycle mixing the rain season with the dry season, locals call it veranillo, or “little summer”. This doesn’t come from nowhere as this little summer is actually a meteorological phenomenon. After a spat of some rain, the sky opens up for great sunbathing opportunities and a whirlwind of activity in the cities in preparation for the celebration of St. John’s Day.

While suggested to bring a lightweight raincoat in the event that you’ll get caught up in some rain during a walk into the deep rainforest, sun gear is definitely in order for the majority of the month!

Surf n’ Sun

For all you summer escapees wanting to play Beach Blanket Bingo without getting sand kicked at your face by the usual wave-hogs flooding the beaches in Mexico and Cuba, Jaco is a true blessing for you! A true surfer’s paradise, Jaco is the epitome of why Costa Rica is such a hidden gem. Stretches of beach without all the fuss!

With the equilibrium of the heat of the Northern Hemisphere and the Winter cold from our friends down South, you can experience weeks of offshore winds to ride and fun bar hangouts sprinkled along the shore.

Marvelous Mangoes

Alajuela carries the reputation of being the second largest city in Costa Rica. But we will get you in on a little local secret — it also bears the reputation of being the ‘City of Mangoes’. Each year in June, the town celebrates this title with homages to its heritage, parades, traditional music and plenty of mango snacks and refreshments.

This sweet and fruity celebration happens all month long, but we suggest taking the trip towards the end of July, as this is when the more exciting events in this festival takes place.

Taste of Gold

Got caught up in some rain? As much as Costa Rica is a natural wonder, its culture will surprise you! Take a gander at the Museo Nacional De Costa Rica. Its 19th Century exterior alone will bring together architecture whizes and curious tourists alike! Frequented by both locals and tourists, its many artifacts from Early Costa Rica to its first conception to its modern history will inspire, educate and broaden horizons for all ages!

For those who are not inclined to be history buffs, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum are easy on the eyes for those who want to see a little less text and a little more glitz with pieces dating back to AD 500.

Hangin’ Around

The Hanging Bridges of Arenal is a labyrinth of 15 bridges of varying lengths stretched over the scenic jungle and the teeming rainforest at the foothills of the Arenal volcano. This homage to natural beauty with its seemingly endless shades of green and strokes of rivers and rapids.

A hallmark of Costa Rica’s booming ecotourism industry, the harmony of human and nature can never be more pronounced in this breathtaking setting. Picture-perfect opportunities, a diverse biome, and biodiversity unparalleled anywhere else in the world! The Hanging Bridges are a true testament to Costa Rica’s reputation as being home to more than 5% of our planet’s biodiversity.

Cover photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/xGhaXZtQb1s

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Costa Rica November weather

Avg. temperature: 27.3°C / 81.1°F	Sun: 11.5 Hrs per day
Rain: 6.2 mm per day	Avg. humidity: 82%

Visiting Costa Rica in November

As the rainy season draws to a close, Costa Rica in November can be a bit of a gamble as far as the weather is concerned. It is a month of transition as temperatures begin to rise in time for summer, but rainclouds still linger most afternoons when light showers continue into the early evening in most parts of the country.

On the Pacific coast, mornings are best spent by the beach where the hot sun beams before the showers hit a few hours later. On the contrary, the Caribbean coast – typically wetter year-round – experiences a drier climate with rain falling mostly in the northern parts during the month of November.

All in all, Costa Rica’s weather can be a little unpredictable in November. Still, with almost 12 glorious hours of sunshine per day and plenty to do, it’ll be tough for a little rain to dampen your spirits!

Things to do in Costa Rica in November

It’s green season

It’s officially green season! We think this sounds better than “rainy” season and does more justice to the effects of the weather on the lush, tropical landscape.

For many, Costa Rica’s green season is the best time to visit. The rainforests thrive from the rainfall which prompts them to come to life, thick with vibrant green leaves and buzzing with birds who sing even louder in the rain. While you may worry that your holiday will be a washout, rainfall patterns are typically predictable during the winter months so with a little planning, you can experience the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

Mornings tend to bring warm, bright sunshine, before showers begin in the afternoon. The rain brings to life the very best of Costa Rica as the rainforests soak up what Mother Nature offers, transforming the flora and fauna into lively, bright green jungle.

If you’re trekking in the jungle you can expect to see far more species of wildlife than during the drier months, including parrots and armadillos and mischievous monkeys who swing from the freshly re-energised trees.

Not to mention, it is the low season for tourists so you can expect fewer crowds and better deals on travel and accommodation.

Deals to be had

If you’re thinking about visiting Costa Rica in November, something that might help convince you is the amazing offers available on accommodation throughout the country. Low season sees fewer tourists so hotels offer hard-to-refuse deals, including free room upgrades, fantastic spa packages and various free-night offers (such as stay for 7, pay for 5). For regular hotel packages, prices can be anywhere from 10-20% cheaper than during the high season. Be sure to shop around and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount!

Best beaches in Costa Rica in November

Let’s be more Pacific…

The driest region in November is the northern Pacific coast. With some of the best beaches in Costa Rica in November, Tamarindo should be near the top of your list for best places to visit if you’re travelling at this time. The sunsets are stunning and the hard, crashing waves provide the perfect environment for keen surfers (or to observe keen surfers!).

Playa Hermosa is another beautiful beach on the Pacific coast that is known for being a prime position for swimming, snorkeling and watersports. It still rains, but far less than in other regions so you can enjoy the warm temperatures, often without a downpour.

North of Tamarindo, head to the Santa Rosa National Park to witness something spectacular. Hundreds of thousands of Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs during the rainy season and it is a sight not to be missed.

Best places to visit in Costa Rica in November

Increased rainfall makes for wonderful waterfalls

Costa Rica is an adventurers paradise, offering wild outdoor activities year-round for those wanting to experience the very best of nature. Due to the increased rainfall during the winter months, one of the best things to do in Costa Rica in November is visit the countries best waterfalls and partake in water-based activities.

The rivers and waterfalls are full and the fast-flowing water creates a spectacular scenery that cannot be beaten.

The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the very best places to visit in Costa Rica in November, with a 75 meter drop of bright blue water that rushes through the rainforest. The temperature is moderate and the water cool, reflecting the thick jungle trees to form an emerald green pool at the base of the waterfall.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a good alternative, located just outside of San Jose, featuring some excellent hiking trails and some of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica.

Adventures in the Caribbean

Unlike the Pacific Coast which is slowly transitioning to a warmer, drier climate, the Caribbean Coast is just coming to the end of its own summer season, so it is a great time to bask in the sun before the rainfall increases.

The ideal time to visit in November is during the first half of the month, while the sun still shines for 12 hours per day, temperatures remain high and rainfall is quite low.

Puerto Viejo is the epitome of laid-back Caribbean vibes. It is a bustling beach town filled with independent eateries, cocktail bars and street vendors, yet has a somewhat sleepy charm typical of the Caribbean. A surfers paradise, with beaches suitable for beginners and advanced surfers (and all of them are great for spectators!) Puerto Viejo is the ultimate destination for beach lovers.

Limon is a lush paradise, said to be one of the most pristine regions in Costa Rica. Filled with rainforests, the Tortuguero National Park in particular is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica in November.

It is one of the top spots to see Sea Turtles come ashore to nest, and you can also expect to see monkeys, jaguars, parrots, crocodiles and more at this exciting attraction.

Day of the Dead

You’ve probably heard of Mexico’s iconic Day of the Dead celebrations, but did you know that Costa Rica hosts its own on 2 November every year? The celebration honours deceased family members and loved ones and sees locals make pilgrimages to graveyards and cemeteries to lay candles and flowers in memory of the deceased. Many fiestas are held throughout the day which involve dancing, eating homemade delicacies and simply remembering; lost, but not forgotten.

Cover photo source: https://www.tourradar.com/m/costa-rica-november-2020