What to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - Get a luxury Pool Day pass
If you're exploring Manuel Antonio on a budget, you've likely chosen a more affordable place to stay. But here's a little-known tip: many...
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Discover Costa Rica with us !
I fell in love with the majestic beauty of Costa Rica the first time I came here more than 10 years ago.
Between its heavenly beaches, its tropical jungle, its volcanoes, the Caribbean Sea on one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Costa Rica is wildlife heaven and a must-visit for nature lovers.
It is also a country rich in history and authentic people.
Visiting Costa Rica is an opportunity to discover several sporting and cultural activities, and just as many natural wonders.
Between culture, national parks, sport activities, and eco-tourism,
here is our guide to finding your way!
Best places to visit :
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Costa Rica is a magical destination that attracts travelers from all over the world. With its breathtaking landscapes, incredible biodiversity and Pura Vida atmosphere. Costa Rica stands to have one of the happiest populations on earth and blue zone where the people are known to live longer, healthier lives compared to the global average.
Best time to explore Costa Rica Weather & Microclimates
It is always difficult to answer the question: “When is the best time to go to Costa Rica?” ". In my opinion, it is not only about the climate but also about your desires, your budget, and, of course, your availability. Your answer to this question should be made based on your personal desires, and i hope to help by providing a general description of the weather trends in Costa Rica along with my personal opinions about when to visit.
As a tropical country, Costa Rica has a wide range of microclimates. From cool evenings in the capital to recurring showers in the mountains and volcanoes, to intense heat on the Pacific coast, Costa Rica enjoys a wide range of weather conditions.
Dry Season - From December to March
This is the best time to visit Costa Rica if you want to enjoy the driest and sunniest time of the year. Good sun protection is essential due to strong UV rays. Even though it is the dry season, Costa Rica's climate is tropical, so you might still be lucky enough to get a rain shower. Although these months bring more crowds and higher prices, it's a great time to go for beach lovers and beginner surfers.
Rainy season – September to October
This season is characterized by precipitation throughout the country. October is the wettest month to visit. Don’t let this discourage you from vacationing in Costa Rica; rain showers usually don't last long, nature becomes incredibly vibrant, prices are lower and it makes for perfect waves for intermediate surfers!
Locals will also tell you that this is the best time of year to observe flora and fauna, although they remain abundant all year round. For example, green turtles can be seen from July to October, and it's also the best season for whale watching, both on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
This season is also good for surfing enthusiasts, who can enjoy the big waves of the Pacific coast.
Green season - April to August
The "green season" is still considered the "rainy season" in most guidebooks. We call this our green season because it is when the jungle returns to its vibrant lush green again with the arrival of the rain. This season is our most recommended time of year to visit. This period is part of the green season and your days will be punctuated by the “veranillo”: when the mornings are very sunny followed by rain in the afternoon.
No matter what time you choose for your vacation in Costa Rica, whether you're chasing a particular animal, looking for the best waves, or looking for relaxing days at the beach, this tropical paradise has it all!
One season is NOT better than another to visit the country and will offer you different experiences.
Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife:
Wildlife is abundant year-round thanks to Costa Rica’s conservation efforts, but if you’re keen to spot specific wildlife, there are prime seasons to keep in mind.
From June to September: Best month for turtles
Turtles love to come and lay their eggs on the beaches of Costa Rica. All you have to do is see the incredible “arribadas”, these periods when sea turtles arrive by the thousands to lay their eggs in the sand. The period of egg-laying depends on each species. Green nesting turtles make an appearance from July to October, and leatherback turtles emerge between February and April. But between June and December, you will be sure to see turtles in Tortuguero. This national park on the Caribbean coast is a gathering place for the five species of turtles present in Costa Rica. At Villas Jacquelina, we propose an incredible volunteer experience with the Costa Rica Turtle Conservation program of Tortugas de Isla Damas. If you want more informations, click here.
From December to April and from July to November : Best month for whales
From December to April, Northern Humpback whales grace both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts with their presence, while the optimal time to catch a glimpse of Southern Humpbacks, engaged in their mating rituals, is from July to November along the central and southern Pacific coast. These majestic creatures are particularly fond of congregating in the balmy waters of Costa Rica for breeding purposes. Known for their inquisitive nature, humpback whales often boldly approach boats, adding to the allure of witnessing them in their natural habitat. For those seeking the ultimate whale-watching experience, August and September stand out as prime months to plan a visit.
From March to May: Best month for birds
At this time, the dry season ends and it starts to get cooler. It is also the time chosen by migratory and endemic birds to recover from their long journeys. Between March and May, many species of birds are present in Costa Rica.
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