Costa Rica in November: Weather & Travel Tips
In terms of weather, Costa Rica is in a state of flux in November. No longer the rainy (or green) season but not quite the dry season either, it is a month when few travelers venture into the country’s national parks. But at the same time, it is one of the best months of the year to visit Arenal Volcano and then explore Costa Rica to experience the culture due to a calendar of events worth looking out for.
- Debra Ryder
- From USA
Costa Rica Weather in November
Is November a good time to visit Costa Rica? It could well be! The Pacific coast, home to popular destinations such as Nicoya and the Osa Peninsula, experiences the last of its rains, which peak in September and October. At the same time, the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica sees the final few days of its dry season during this month. Costa Rica also experiences some of its lowest temperatures of the entire year during this month. But do not let this put you off, as you will still be experiencing temperatures of around 25°C in the relative cool of San José, rising to about 30°C in both of the country’s coastal regions.
For a month-by-month rundown, read our travel article on the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Weather in Costa Rica in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 26 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 15 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 79 | 85 | 86 | 86 | 85 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 59 | 79 | 79 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 63 | 65 | 65 | 67 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 60 | 140 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 240 | 220 | 160 | 50 |
| Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 15 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 59 | 79 | 79 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 220 | 160 | 50 |
Why Visit Costa Rica in November
Still wondering why you should visit Costa Rica in November? As well as the chance to relax on some of the region’s finest beaches and seek out animals in national parks, here are some more reasons to go on a vacation in Costa Rica in November.
- Better rates: Not yet the high season, which starts in December and continues into April, travelers to Costa Rica in November can find good deals on flights, accommodation, and activities.
- Turtle-nesting season: Head to Costa Rica’s west coast and the beaches remain a popular destination even after nightfall when hawksbill and olive ridley turtles drag themselves ashore to lay their eggs.
- Fewer people: You have the walking trails around the Arenal Volcano and the tree cover of national parks to yourself during your Costa Rican sojourn in November as the main tourist season is yet to begin and travelers are yet to descend on the highlights.
- Festivals galore: Those eager to learn more about the culture of Costa Rica can take part in several festivities, which are sure to expand your mind (and your stomach too). Be sure to linger a while in San José to see the celebrations surrounding the Day of the Dead and El Desfile de Carretas festivals.
Where to go and what to do
Deciding between the beaches of the Caribbean or the Pacific could be a tough choice. However, we would recommend the Caribbean coast since you have the added bonus of snorkeling opportunities. Limon and Puerto Viejo de la Talamanca are unlikely to disappoint. However, if you already have your heart set on turtle tours, it has to be the Pacific coast. This will put you in a great location to walk the wooded slopes of Arenal and try your hands at canyoning in La Fortuna. Touring La Paz would be ideal as the waterfall looks its best at this time of year after several months of rain, while national parks and wildlife reserves, including Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Tortuguero, are sure to fill any desire you may have to commune with the natural world.
Costa Rica in November is a great vacation option for anyone looking to experience all that the country has to offer outside of its peak season. You will find plenty to occupy your days, whether you plan to stay in San José, the Osa Peninsula, or on the shores of the Caribbean. To plan your perfect trip, read our article on how many days to spend in Costa Rica.
Contact our Costa Rican travel experts to organize your custom Costa Rica trip, or check out the hottest tours to Costa Rica in November!
Other Related Articles:
Costa Rica in October
Costa Rica in December
Costa Rica Private Tours
