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Frequently Asked Questions
Weather & Seasons
- What is the weather like?
- What is the best time of the year to travel to Costa Rica?
- I want to travel during the Christmas - New Years time frame. What should I do?
- Where should we travel to avoid rain all the time?
Food & Transportation
Weather & Seasons
What is the weather like?
Because of its southern proximity neither the temperature nor length of the days varies greatly throughout the year. The days are nearly twelve hours long all year round with very little change from summer to winter. Temperature is also fairly constant but drastic changes occur according to the altitude. At the beach it is quite warm and sometimes down right hot!! In the higher altitude cities like San Jose and Cartago it can be a little chilly in the evenings and in the mountains sometimes freezing cold. It never snows in Costa Rica, so leave your parka at home, but a light jacket is a handy thing to have!! The change of seasons in Costa Rica is determined more so by the dry season (the summer) and the green season. During the summer, (December to May), it tends to be drier, sunnier but slightly cooler than in the "green season", (June - November), when rain is more likely. The amount of rainfall an area receives also depends on its location within the country. The Pacific is generally drier and sunnier while the Caribbean receives more rain and is lush and green.
TopWhat is the best time of the year to travel to Costa Rica?
Actually, all Year round!! The climate in Costa Rica doesn't vary much from season to season, but more so with changes in elevation. Although the weather is typically nicer during the "Dry Season" which lasts from around the end of November to the first of May, the "Rainy Season" is especially nice as well, as everything is so green and lush. (The rafting is also better during the rainy season too!!!)
TopI want to travel during the Christmas - New Years time frame. What should I do?
Book Early!! In order to assure space on any trip, we recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible!
TopWhere should we travel to avoid rain all the time?
It really depends on the time of year. During the Dry season, the entire country is normally fairly dry, with some localized afternoon showers, and the Caribbean usually receives more rain. During the Rainy season, or the "Green Season", the Pacific side normally receives more rain. Guanacaste, in the northwestern portion of the country, is usually the driest area in all of Costa Rica.
TopFood & Transportation
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, in probably 95 percent of the country the water is excellent! (Very clean water, without the addition of chemicals like chlorine!!) There are several areas, mostly near some of the more remote beaches, that we don't recommend drinking the water. We will make sure to inform you of those areas prior to traveling there. Top
TopIs it easy to get around on your own in Costa Rica?
If you're not afraid of driving on windy mountain roads, that are very poorly marked, and have some command of the Spanish Language, and, of course, are very adventuresome, yes, it can be done. But, no, it's certainly not for everyone!!
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