The Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Quite often overlooked, Costa Rica offers a spoil of wildlife and white sandy beaches that offer something that little bit different. It is one of the best Luxury Holidays you could imagine. As far as experiences go, Costa Rica is the holiday destination of 2013. But when is the best time to visit?

Costa Rica is found between the equator and tropics of the Caribbean meaning its climate is generally warm and dry. However, because of its geography it is subject to a dry and rainy season with cool air off the coast due to its close proximity with the ocean. The rainy season normally starts in May and continues through to autumn (November). But being the tropics you are always subject to perhaps a sudden burst of rainfall – even in the dry season. Luckily, however, Costa Rica’s rainfall can fall like clockwork some days, so planning excursions can be easy. It is best, when preparing your trip, to expect rain; therefore pack, light, breathable clothes that will not be too warm. Also, remember due to its close proximity with the ocean there is always a cool breeze that may mask the true strength of the sun. A sunscreen with factor in excess of 20 SPF is at the very least necessary – for fairer skin consider 30 SPF or higher – especially in the height of the dry season (January).

Tourism tends to be highest around Christmas and Spring Break (Easter) so expect prices to be a little higher or at least the most cost efficient places to be booked up. Also, the beaches and other attractions will be busier than normal.

In June the summer solstice – when the sun appears directly overhead for most of the month, offers some of the best beach weather possible. But be warned that an overhead sun offers little in the way of shaded opportunities, so pick your beach well.

The best location to visit:

Guanacaste

Guanacaste lies in the north-weste
part of the country and is one of the most popular destinations in the country. It is home to some of the best beaches in the world let alone the Caribbean. If beaches are not your thing take a rainforest trail through the Samara or go white-water rafting courtesy of Guanacaste Viajes.
Come here in mid-July for the Dia de Guanacaste festival, when the town comes alive with parties and cultural music - that is a sight to behold.

Central Valley & San Jose

The capital city of San Jose in Costa Rica is amass of excitement and bustling city life. Explore the local markets, Gold museum, National Theatre or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Take a day trip out of the city to the famous Arenal national park. This is a geological marvel with sulphur geysers and the Arenal Volcano.
Come here in December to experience the National Carnival (Carnival National). The National Carnival is a big parade with rodeo, markets and a wonderful nightlife to boot. There are over 1,000 horses on show with dancers and entertainers.

In February there is a famous jazz festival; early May has the Fiesta Civica where cowboys and bullfights don the streets with street fairs included. October has National Culture Day and September 15th is National Independence Day.

Montverde

A small town in the Puntarenas region of northern Costa Rica, Montverde is famous for its ecotourism. Set in the lush green rainforests on the foot of the Arenal mountain range, the abundance of wildlife and rare and exotic orchids is unquestionable.

Spend a few days here to take in the best this region has to offer. From zip lining to forest reserve tours you are never shy of something to do. The lodges at Montverde are 100% eco-friendly so you can sleep easily at night knowing you are helping sustain this environment for future generations.
Costa Rica offers a plethora of things to do. While avoiding Christmas and Easter vacation isn’t always possible, it is best to visit this region when the tourists are not in abundance. British summertime is still warm and sunny in Costa Rica (temperatures average 25-30 degrees Celsius depending on where you are). December and January stay at a steady 30 degrees Celsius so offer a summer in winter holiday worth looking at.

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