Exploring Costa Rica in November: What to Expect & How to Plan

Aurélise Leroux
1 day ago
8 min read

Thinking of visiting Costa Rica in November? It's a fascinating time of year — not quite peak dry-season, but past the worst of the rains, and full of lush landscapes, fewer crowds and good deals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect—weather, crowds, wildlife, activities, pros & cons—and give you practical tips for making the most of your trip.

Why November Is a Unique Travel Month

November in Costa Rica is a transition month between the rainy ("green") season and the high dry season. As one travel guide puts it: “…November is one of the best months for Costa Rica travel” because of this balance.

You’ll find:

Lush, green landscapes thanks to earlier rains.
Fewer tourists than in peak seasons, making for a more relaxed experience.
Better pricing on flights, hotels, and tours than in high season. However, with transition comes unpredictability. The weather can swing between sunshine and showers. Roads may still be affected by earlier heavy rains. So if you’re heading there in November, be flexible and ready for some variation.

Weather & Climate: What to Expect

General Patterns

November is still part of the rainy season for many regions—especially the southern Pacific and highlands.
But in the northwest Pacific (e.g., Guanacaste) and the Central Valley, drier days are beginning to emerge.
On the Caribbean side (especially the southern Caribbean coast) things are often drier even in November.

Typical Conditions

Coastal areas: daytime highs in the low to mid-80s °F (possibly low 90s) and lows around the low 70s.
Central Valley (e.g., around San José): about 5–10 °F cooler.
Cloud forests/highlands: highs in the mid-60s to low 70s, and it can get chilly at night.
Rainfall: You’ll likely get sunny/mild mornings and more showers in the afternoons/evenings — especially earlier in November.
Road & infrastructure beware: Because the ground has been saturated by the earlier rainy season, there can be landslides, washed-out roads and delays.

Regional Highlights

Northern & Central Pacific Coast: tends to dry first.
Southern Pacific / Osa Peninsula: may remain quite wet into November.
Southern Caribbean Coast (e.g., Puerto Viejo, Cahuita): often one of the better bets for November weather.

Crowds, Costs & Travel Logistics

November is part of the shoulder season. Here’s what that means:

Lower costs: Hotels, tours and flights tend to be cheaper than during the peak dry season (Dec–Apr). Some sources say you can save around 20-30%.
Fewer tourists: With many schools still in session and the main high season not yet in full swing, it tends to be less crowded.
Availability is good, especially for mid-tier and budget accommodations; luxury resorts may still be off-peak.
Car rental & flights: Fewer flights are available on some routes, and rental cars are still in high demand—some caution about driving conditions due to rain and potential road closures.
Best time to book: If you plan to travel over U.S. Thanksgiving week, early booking is still wise, as that week can see a bump.

What to Do: Activities, Wildlife & Beaches

November offers interesting options — with slightly fewer crowds and still many activities available.

Beaches & Surfing

Beaches on the Pacific can still be very good. Some surf spots remain active as the rainy/green season winds down.
For beginners, the Central Pacific coast is recommended for calmer waves. For experienced surfers, the northwest (Guanacaste) or far south (Dominical, Osa) may still deliver strong swells.
Caribbean coast: Not always at its best in November, but improving heading into December.

Wildlife & Nature

Turtle nesting: November is one of the top months for turtle-nesting on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts (e.g., Playa Ostional in Guanacaste). For more informations, check out our blog, Exploring Ostional Wildlife Refuge: a guide to Costa Rica’s turtle haven
Bird migration & other wildlife: Some windows are still open for wildlife spotting, but some migrating birds may not have arrived yet; whale-watching seasons may be ending.
Trails & parks: Many trails reopen after closures during the heavier rainy months; landscapes are lush and vibrant.

Culture & Events

There aren’t massive festivals in November, but you’ll find local cultural events, coffee-picking contests in mountainous zones, and lots of anticipation for the upcoming holiday season.
For a U.S. traveler, Thanksgiving may not be a public holiday in Costa Rica, but many resorts/restaurants cater to expats with special meals.

Pros & Cons: Is November the Right Month for You?

Pros

Fewer tourists = more relaxed, more authentic experiences.
Lower prices than peak season.
Landscapes are still lush and beautiful from the rainy season.
Good time for turtle-nesting and some nature encounters.
Avoid the extreme high-season crowds and costs just ahead.

Cons

The weather is unpredictable — you may experience heavy showers or even saturated conditions.
Roads and remote areas may still experience mudslides, closures, or difficult access.
If your goal is guaranteed sunshine and perfect beach days, you might find yourself a bit disappointed.
Some lodges or activities in very remote zones (especially the southern Pacific) may still be coming out of low-season closures.

Where to Go & Where to Be Cautious

Stronger bet: The northwest Pacific coast (Guanacaste) and Central Pacific regions – likely to get drier earlier.
Good bet for an alternative: the Southern Caribbean coast (Cahuita, Puerto Viejo) for relatively drier conditions.
Exercise caution: Southern Pacific (Osa Peninsula) and remote high-altitude roads – may still be wet, harder to access.

What to Pack & How to Prepare

Bring light, breathable clothes (shorts, t-shirts) for warm coastal days.
A light rain jacket or poncho is essential — showers still happen, especially in afternoons/evenings.
Good walking/hiking shoes — for muddy trails.
In highlands/cloud forest: layers, long sleeves, maybe a light sweater.
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) and insect repellent.
If you’re driving: check vehicle condition/have 4×4 if you’ll be off-the-beaten-path; check road condition updates.
Travel insurance may be wise given the variability of weather and remote access.

Sample Itinerary Ideas for November

Day 1-3: Arrive in San José, get oriented in the Central Valley (maybe visit the city, coffee tours).
Day 4-6: Head toward the Pacific coast (Guanacaste or Central Pacific) for beach/marine life; try a turtle-nesting night tour.
Day 7-9: Explore rainforest or cloud forest (like Monteverde Cloud Forest) where it’s cooler and lush.
Day 10-12: Choose an adventure area: the southern Caribbean coast if you’d like something a little different and somewhat drier, or continue along the Pacific coast for surfing and beach time.

Throughout: Go with flexible scheduling (i.e., reserve key lodging/tours but leave some flexibility in daily plans for weather).

Final Thoughts

Visiting Costa Rica in November is about embracing the in-between: it's not full high-season beach perfection, but it's also past the worst of the rainy season for many spots. If you accept that trade-off, you’ll get more value, fewer crowds and plenty of beauty. With the right mindset, a little flexibility, and good planning, November can be a very smart choice. As one guide sums up: “…November is a good time to visit Costa Rica. The weather is transitional, but generally sunny and warm. There are fewer tourists and lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it rain all day in Costa Rica in November?

No, it usually doesn’t rain all day in Costa Rica in November. November is a transition month between the rainy and dry seasons, so while showers are still common, especially in the afternoons, mornings are often sunny and beautiful. You might get short, tropical downpours rather than constant rain. The Pacific coast tends to dry up faster, while the southern and central regions can still see heavier rainfall earlier in the month.

What to wear in Costa Rica in November?

Pack for warm weather with occasional rain. Light, breathable clothes like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are perfect for the coast. Add a light rain jacket, a pair of quick-drying shoes or sandals, and a sweater or long sleeves for cooler evenings in the mountains or cloud forests. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat — the sun can still be strong even during the green season.

Is November a good time for Costa Rica?

Yes! November is actually one of the best months to visit Costa Rica if you want to enjoy lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices before the high season starts in December. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation — just be flexible with weather, since it’s still part of the tail end of the rainy season.

What are the best and worst months to go to Costa Rica?

The best months to visit Costa Rica depend on what you’re looking for.

For sunny weather and beaches, visit from December to April (dry season).
For green landscapes, waterfalls, and fewer crowds, the shoulder months like May, June, and November are fantastic.The wettest months — September and October — are often considered the “worst” for travel on the Pacific side because of heavy rain and occasional flooding. However, the Caribbean coast is usually drier during those months!

Is Costa Rica expensive in November?

No, November is one of the more affordable times to visit Costa Rica. It’s part of the shoulder season, so hotel rates, tours, and flights are often 20–30% cheaper than in peak dry-season months (December–April). You’ll also find more availability and last-minute deals. Prices start rising toward the end of the month as the high season approaches.

What events happen in Costa Rica in November?

November isn’t a huge festival month, but there are still fun local happenings:

All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) on November 1 is quietly observed.
Coffee harvest season is underway in the Central Valley — some towns celebrate with small fairs or events.
Thanksgiving isn’t a Costa Rican holiday, but many hotels and restaurants in tourist areas offer special dinners for American visitors.It’s also the start of turtle-nesting season on the Pacific coast, especially in places like Playa Ostional.

What's the rainiest month in Costa Rica?

The rainiest months in most parts of Costa Rica are September and October, especially along the Pacific coast and in the mountains. Those months can bring heavy, prolonged rain and sometimes road closures. On the other hand, the Caribbean coast can actually be drier during that same time — making it a great off-season alternative.

Are mosquitoes bad in Costa Rica in November?

Mosquitoes are present year-round in Costa Rica, and November is no exception — especially since it’s still humid and green. However, they’re not unbearable if you take precautions. Pack insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, wear light long sleeves in the evenings, and use mosquito nets if you’re staying in jungle areas or near wetlands.

What is the cheapest month to go to Costa Rica?

The cheapest months to travel to Costa Rica are May, June, September, and October — the heart of the rainy or “green” season. November is still budget-friendly but starts to rise slightly as the dry season approaches. If you don’t mind some rain, you can score amazing deals and still enjoy a beautiful, less-crowded trip.

What are the warnings for Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, but travelers should still stay aware:

Petty theft (like bag snatching or car break-ins) can occur in touristy areas — stay alert and don’t leave valuables unattended.
Road conditions can be rough, especially after rain. Always drive cautiously and consider a 4×4 vehicle for rural areas.
During the rainy season, be mindful of landslides or flooded roads, particularly in mountainous zones.
Wildlife safety: admire animals from a distance — don’t feed monkeys or approach sloths or crocodiles.

Overall, Costa Rica is incredibly welcoming and easy to explore if you use common sense and stay informed.