A question we often get from travelers heading to Costa Rica is when is the best time to visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica? You may be wondering if the Costa Rica rainy season is a time you should avoid or whether it could actually be of benefit to your upcoming travels. Keep reading as we share why Costa Rica’s green season is our favorite time to travel and the advantages of planning your trip at this time of the year.
When is the Costa Rica Green Season?
As far as Costa Rica’s two seasons, you’ll find that the dry or high season is between mid-December and April, whereas the green season is considered to be from May to November. Of course, we often speak to clients who are worried about the impact the rain will have on their trip. If you are worried that your trip at this time of the year will be ruined, that won’t be the case at all! One thing to keep in mind is that different parts of the country receive different amounts of rain. It’s all about where you want to visit and what you want to do. Take it from a local, the green season is the best time to travel to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has all kinds of tropical microclimates from sandy coast to dense rainforest. In the rainforest area of Arenal, a very popular spot, expect to experience rain no matter when you are visiting. It’s part of what makes this part of the country so wild. We always recommend planning for all eventualities when packing for a Costa Rica trip. This will help you to stay prepared and make the most of your time. Come rain or shine, you’ll be able to go out exploring and see everything this beautiful country has to offer to visitors.
Explore the Rainforests During the Green Season
When considering the best time to visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica, you’ll likely want to spend a day or two exploring the rainforests in Costa Rica. We love visiting these areas during the green season, as the vegetation is at its most vibrant. With the regular rainfall, the plants are able to absorb more water and grow quicker than at any time of the year. The weather is also a little cooler at this time of the year, which is great for anyone who wants to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities in the rainforests.
Save Money on Your Vacation During Costa Rica Wet Season
A huge benefit of traveling anywhere during the off-season is the cost savings. We highly recommend traveling during the Costa Rica green season if you are looking to stretch your vacation budget even further. You’ll find that you can enjoy great discounts on hotels and accommodation, and there are often more deals on excursions and restaurants. Business owners will be thrilled to see you at this time of the year, so you’ll receive even friendlier hospitality and a warm welcome. It’s a great way to plan a longer trip for the same price as you would pay to stay for a shorter time during the dry season.
Enjoy Lower Crowd Levels at Popular Tourist Attractions
There’s no denying that crowds are the least enjoyable part of any vacation. Particularly over Christmas and New Year, a lot of families from the US opt to escape the cold weather and head to Costa Rica for some much-needed rest and relaxation. When you travel during the Costa Rica green season, you’ll find that the parks and beaches are so much quieter. You’ll be able to truly unwind and escape from your everyday life. Visitors spend less time fighting crowds, so you can make the most of every minute you have here.
Witness Animal Migration Season
Alongside the other benefits of the Costa Rica green season, this time of year is when a variety of animals migrate to Costa Rica. This includes humpback whales and turtles, which are two of the most exciting animals to keep your eyes peeled for on your vacation. The Osa Peninsula is one of the best areas to visit during this time if you are a keen animal lover, but take a look at our other tours on offer to find ways to get up close and personal with some of Costa Rica’s other animal residents.
The Best Time of Year to See Costa Rica’s Waterfalls
Another reason that the green season is the best time to visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is that it’s an incredible time to witness Costa Rica’s waterfalls. With the increased rainfall, you’ll find that both the rivers and waterfalls are much fuller. This would be an amazing time of the year to try out white water rafting, and you can be sure you’ll be in for a thrilling adventure wherever you go. The waterfalls are one of the highlights of any Costa Rican vacation, so make sure you head out for a hike or excursion to see these natural wonders close-up for yourself.
Plan a Last-Minute Trip During Costa Rica’s Green Season
With the uncertainties about travel over the past two years, many of us are looking to book last-minute vacations. Traveling in the green season reduces the pressure on you to book ahead of time, allowing you to go with the flow and book a trip just a few weeks before you are hoping to travel. This is great for anyone who is still worried about traveling after the recent pandemic, as you can enjoy more flexibility with your travel arrangements. With the great deals on offer at this time of the year, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to stay without paying a fortune a few weeks before.
For travelers who enjoy just winging it when you arrive at your destination, you’ll appreciate the low crowd levels at this time of the year. You can simply turn up at most attractions and restaurants without booking, so you can just wake up each morning and decide what you want to do. You’ll find that our team will be here to support you in booking a trip at the last minute, and can share all of our knowledge and experience to ensure you have a dream vacation.
With so many benefits of traveling during the Costa Rica green season, it’s no surprise we see bookings at this time of the year rising. You’ll find that it’s a good time to save money on your vacation, with the great deals on accommodation, tours, and restaurants. If you need help planning your next Costa Rica vacation, our team will be on hand at any time. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about traveling during the green season and will discuss the range of accommodation options and where it is best to stay during this time of the year.