“When is the best time to come to Costa Rica?”, this is probably one of the most common questions we get in Camino Travel. And the answer is as customizable as any of our trips as it truly depends on what do you want to experience in Costa Rica. Then, it will be better, now that we are starting the year to answer with some details month by month. Let’s start with January in Costa Rica.
However, first things first and we have to talk about seasons, regions and seasons per region. As, as small you see Costa Rica… it has a complexity in its calendar that can be unbelievable thinking about its size.
Seasons:
First of all, let’s be clear about something: Costa Rica has no seasons, as temperature changes little from period to period.. and yes, the word is “Period”. However, everyone, including us, calls it seasons.
If you are in:
The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the sunny period goes from December to April, even May. (Our grandparents used to say that if by May 20th it had not rained, it wouldn’t rain at all). And then, of course, vice versa for the rainy season: From May to November.
If you are in
Anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui or Arenal areas, the sunny period is different. It is on March and April, and in September and October.
Diverse Climates
We have to realize that the climates and therefore the landscapes of Costa Rica vary considerably by sector. The coastal areas are usually hot, and the highlands are ordinarily cooler. As you travel south on the Pacific coast, moisture levels rise. The Caribbean Coast and almost all the Northern Area is generally hot and humid. And when it rains it pours.
Costa Rica Weather Chart Month by Month
Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal
Costa Rica Weather in January
As you can see in the map above, it really depends on where you are to know what the weather is like.
The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, it will be sunny and a bit windy
Rincon de la Vieja and Monteverde: There might be some soft rains and strong winds
Anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui or Arenal areas: It might be rainy. Remember that in the tropics rains do not affect the temperature and, the rains are usually fast downpours.
You might also be interested in Seasons in Costa Rica… Sunny season is not always sunny, rainy season is not always rainy
Wildlife Sightings in January:
Whales:
California humpback whales – Dec to April
North Atlantic humpback whales – Dec to March
Best Places to see whales:
- Drake Bay
- Golfo Dulce
- Dominical (Parque Marino Ballena)
- Tambor
- Golfo de Nicoya
- Tamarindo and surroundings.
Dolphins
Best time to see them: Year round. Several species such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins can be seen all year so you have a good chance to see them.
Spinner or common dolphin, December to March
The Best places to go dolphin watching:
- Drake Bay
- Golfo Dulce
- Dominical (Parque Marino Ballena)
- Tambor
- Golfo de Nicoya
- Tamarindo and surroundings.
- Caribbean: Limon and South Caribbean
*Some lucky people has seen dolphins in the Tortuguero Canals
Turtles
Best time to see them: Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtle: all year long
Best places to see Sea Turtles:
- Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (Playa Grande (Close to Tamarindo)
- Santa Rosa National Park
- Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Arribadas)
Birdwatching
Migratory Species
In this time of year, the 252 migratory bird species are enjoying Costa Rica warm weather and abundance of food
Resplendent Quetzal
Visible in Monteverde and Savegre as other high areas of the mountain ranges
The rest of the bird species can be seen all year round… January is no exception.
You may also want to read: Rainforest books and wildlife field guides to enjoy Costa Rica nature
Monkeys, Sloths, and other animals
Although, as you can understand, nature is nature and not an amusement park, sightings are usually a matter of luck, but there are a bunch of animals in Costa Rica you can see all year round like monkeys, sloths, coatimundis, agoutis and more than 600 species of birds, including the six types of toucans and more than 50 species of hummingbirds.
Costa Ricans’ January
Probably the most important event happening is “Summer Vacation”. Yes, in January all schools and universities are on summer vacation. Therefore is not a good time to make school visits and so on,
There is a popular regional fair and party, where there are bull fights (Costa Rican style), carrousels, horse parades and other activities in the Central Valley town of Palmares.
Agriculture
In terms of crops, coffee harvest is still on, although it is almost over and totally over in some regions.
And! Trees! Ah! Probably one of the most beautiful seasons to see in Costa Rica as trees start blooming. Pink, orange, purple and red are some of the colors you start to see this month all over the place.
In the tourism area
January is high season. Cruises are coming and touristy areas around the ports of Puntarenas and Limon will be flooded with people in cruise days.
As well as regions like Monteverde, Arenal, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio will have a lot of people around. The tour companies and operators are already prepared for this and in general terms, it is all well organized. In Manuel Antonio, you will probably have to make a line in the mornings to get in the National Park and in Tortuguero, there might be some waiting time on the boats before getting in the main National Park canals.