Weather Costa Rica in November is quite moody being one of the last months of the rainy season from this tiny but spectacular country.
November weather in Costa Rica is a transition month with more rainy days in the first part of the month and many more sunny days in the second part.
It is the rainy season on the Pacific and central mountains but sometimes the dry season comes early so November might be a great time for exploring.
Generally the north and central part of the country is very wet with important quantities of rain that fall throughout the day, especially in the afternoon.
September and October are the wettest months of the year and in November you can enjoy a pattern with most sunny mornings and afternoon showers.
On the other hand, the southern part of the Caribbean side enjoys many beautiful and sunny days with drier months and occasionally afternoon showers.
The temperature in Costa Rica in November is between 25 to 27 degrees Celsius ( 77 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) with warmer days in the second part of the month.
Now let’s see how is the weather in each part of the country to see where and when it is better to visit each of these beautiful areas.
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Weather Costa Rica in November
Northwest Pacific
November is the beginning of the dry season with more sunny days and less rain with average temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit).
The rains usually occur in the second part of the day, generally in the afternoon and evening but the frequency and intensity decrease through the end of the month.
Occidental Tamarindo All inclusive Resort in Costa Rica
Central Pacific
Costa Rica weather in November in the Central Pacific is quite rainy but not that frequent and heavy as in September and October.
The good news is that most of the rains start in the afternoon or in the evening and the temperatures are generally around 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).
Southern Pacific
The number of sunny days increases in the southern Pacific area, while the quantity of rain decrease from one day to another.
Costa Rica weather in November comes with afternoon showers and plenty of sunny and warm mornings.
The time between the rains increase and the intensity of the showers decreases so don’t forget to take a raincoat with you before leaving home.
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Caribbean side
Weather for Costa Rica in November for the Caribbean side comes with plenty of sunny and dry days, November being the starting month of the rainy season.
September and October are the driest months on the Caribbean side, but November is also a great month for bath and perfect your tan.
Temperatures are between 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), considerably higher than in the rest of the country.
Central Valley
The weather in Costa Rica in November for Central Valley and Arenal Volcano area is similar to the one from Central Pacific.
The rain is quite often during this time of the year but the good news is that most of the showers start in the afternoon or in the evening so you have the whole morning to explore.
Arenal Manoa and Hot Springs
The temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) considerably lower than in the other parts of the country.
As I said earlier, weather Costa Rica in November is market by the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry one.
The exact moment when the rainy season ends is not known exactly but what experts know for sure is that the dry season is influenced by El Nino and La Nina.
During the El Nino years, the rainy season in Costa Rica starts later and lasts less than in La Nina years when the period of the rainy season is longer.
Temperatures in Costa Rica in November
The temperatures in November in Costa Rica are between 16 to 32 degrees Celsius (60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on the region.
Please see below the average temperatures for the most important areas of the country:
- Pacific Coast: 22 to 30 degrees Celsius (71 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Caribbean Coast: 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit)
- San Jose and the central area: 16 to 24 degrees Celsius ( 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit)
Where to go in November in Costa Rica
Weather Costa Rica in November is mostly rainy but there are some parts of the country where the sun is shiny and the quantity of rain is less.
Among the most popular places to go in November, I would mention the areas around Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, and Playa Flamingo from the northern Pacific part.
Occidental Tamarindo All inclusive Resort in Costa Rica
Although located in the nearby area, the Nicoya Peninsula with Santa Teresa and Montezuma record higher quantities of rain but still enough hours of sun for exploring and perfecting your tan.
In most parts of the country the dry season comes from the second part of November, so weather Costa Rica November might be more of a gamble.
Occidental Tamarindo All inclusive Resort
What I can tell you for sure is that the southern Pacific with Corcovado and Drake Bay as well as the high mountains area are places where you should not go in the first part of November as the rain is quite often and heavy.
Still, the second part of November might be a great time to visit Costa Rica especially during the years when the rainy season lasts less.
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Reasons to visit Costa Rica in November
1. Prices
November is still considered to be a month of the low season as the weather in Costa Rica in November is not always sunny and warm.
Generally, the second part of the month comes with sunny mornings and warm weather perfect for exploring, and the prices for food, accommodation and rented cars are still low.
Because of Thanksgiving Day from the end of November, the prices might increase and crowds might occur so it is better to book in advance to secure the best price.
2. Best time to experience wildlife
November is a great time for visiting Costa Rica especially if you are a nature lover as the crowds are not here yet and you have higher chances to spot wildlife.
This month of the year is also a great time to observe the sea turtles laying their eggs and if you are lucky enough you might see the little turtles hatching in the clear nights with a full moon.
Female Jaguar Costa Rica Wildcats Animals
November is also a great time of the year for whale watching tours as these giant creatures come to these waters to breed. Drake Bay and Marino Ballena National Park are among the most popular places for whale watching activity so hurry up and get the best seat for a unique experience.
3. Rivers and waterfalls are full of water
Weather Costa Rica in November comes with important volumes of water on all rivers and waterfalls after the rainy months of September and October.
It is a wonderful time for all kinds of water sports like rafting, river cruises, canoeing, and kayaking as the water flow is sufficient for pumping some adrenaline into your veins.
4. Thanksgiving in a warm place
This holiday is associated with cold weather but how about spending a few days in a warm and sunny place together with your beloved ones?
Costa Rica is a great destination for this holiday as most of the restaurants adapt their menu for this holiday and hotels and resorts come with special entertaining programs and shows to celebrate Thanksgiving.
The end of November comes with many sunny and warm days, and almost no rain so it is the perfect place to escape from cold and rain and have the best Costa Rican experience.
5. Weather Costa Rica in November is perfect for sightseeing
The temperatures are still low so this is indeed a great time to explore and roam around until the hit is coming in and the high season starts early December.
You won’t experience the discomfort, the high level of humidity, and the hot days of the dry season, so hurry up and book your holiday in the second half of November, the end of the green season.
Everything around you is green and lush, the prices are still low, the waterfalls are impressive and the cool temperatures invite you to spend many hours in nature in mid-November.
Best places to stay in November
- Cala Luna Boutique Hotel Tamarindo one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in the Tamarindo area with a great spa, luxury rooms and a tasty restaurant. Cala Luna is the perfect place to stay for those of you looking for quieter places and a relaxing vibe.
Hotel Cala Luna Boutique Hotel Tamarindo Room Costa Rica
Hotel Cala Luna Boutique Hotel Tamarindo Costa Rica
Hotel Cala Luna Boutique Hotel room Tamarindo Costa Rica
Hotel Cala Luna Boutique Hotel pool Tamarindo Costa Rica
- Jardin Del Eden Boutique Hotel Tamarindo Costa Rica is a great option to stay in Tamarindo as the hotel is located right on Tamarindo beach and features large rooms, a spa, an outdoor pool as well as a restaurant that serve Mediterranean, Asian and local dishes. The reception staff can assist you in booking snorkeling and diving tours, as well as horseback riding and fishing sessions.
Hotel Jardin del eden boutique hotel tamarindo Costa Rica
Hotel Jardin del eden boutique hotel room tamarindo Costa Rica
Hotel Jardin del eden boutique hotel pool tamarindo Costa Rica
- Les Voiles Blanches Tamarindo Costa Rica is a paradise nestled in the middle of the rainforest, with a beautiful garden and an outdoor pool. Some of the rooms feature an outdoor shower and a private terrace, while others are located in the unique A-frame design bungalow.
Hotel Les voiles blanches tamarindo Costa Rica
Hotel Les voiles blanches room tamarindo Costa Rica
Hotel Les voiles blanches pool tamarindo Costa Rica
FAQ
Is November a good time to go to Costa Rica?
November might be a wonderful period to go to Costa Rica, especially if you plan to visit this country in the second part of the month.
It is the end of the rainy season in the Pacific side and the Osa Peninsula, the season prices are still low, the crowds are not here yet and the forests are green and lush.
Don’t forget to bring with you a rain coast as afternoon showers might occur and you might need something to protect you against the rain.
Does it rain all day in Costa Rica in November?
Weather Costa Rica in November might be quite moody by most of the days come with sunny mornings and afternoon or evening showers.
The chances to rain all day in November are quite low, and the rainiest areas of the country are the central highlands.
The coastline and the rest of the country have occasionally afternoon or evening rains, but less heavy than in September and October.
What is the best time of year to go to Costa Rica?
Most people say that the dry season that lasts from December to April is the best time to visit Costa Rica, but I think that shoulder season is better as the forests become green again, the prices are lower and the crowds are already gone.
The second part of April and the first part of May as well as the second part of November and the first part of December generally come with sunny mornings, cooler temperatures, and beautiful nature, perfect for those of you interested in exploring this impressive country.
What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica?
The top with the rainiest months in Costa Rica is led by September and October, the months of the year when flooding, heavy rains, and strong storms are quite often.
The good news is that there are some parts of Costa Rica where September and October come with sunny days and warm weather, and here
I am talking about the Caribbean side.
So, if you plan a trip to Costa Rica in September and October then head to the Caribbean side to perfect your tan and relax on the beach.
Conclusion
I guess you already figure out that November is quite a good time to visit Costa Rica as the prices are quite low, the rain is mostly in the afternoon, and the nature is beautiful and green.
It is the time of the year when the crowds are not here yet, the mornings are sunny and the daily temperatures are perfect for exploring.
Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.
You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.
Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.
When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.
Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.
We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.
Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.
We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.
Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.
We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.
Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.
Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.