Costa Rica in November: Why it’s One of the Best Times to Visit
November is a great time to visit Costa Rica!
The dry season starts to set in, so you’ll have fewer storms interrupting your outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s considered “shoulder” travel season, right before the peak of tourism in December and January.
Among the perks: You’ll find smaller crowds, and lower prices if you visit Costa Rica in November.
Best Tours of Costa Rica in November
First, I’d definitely suggest renting a car in Costa Rica. Aside from some confusing signage in the big cities, a Costa Rican road trip is a safe and enjoyable experience.
We usually use Discover Cars, since they include big international brands, and local rental agencies:
➡️ Click to Book: Rental Cars in Costa Rica
As for tours, you can have a guide bring you to volcanoes, national parks, chocolate classes, coffee farms, and so much more! Here are a few of my favorites:
➡️ Click to Book: Aquiares Coffee Farm
- Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee farm
- Horseback tour, including a stop at a waterfall
➡️ Tour Option: Volcanoes Around Turrialba
- Guided full-day tour
- Two volcanoes
- Guayabo National Park
➡️ BOOK a Tour: Jaguar Rescue Center + Cahuita National Park
- Amazing animal rescue stories
- Stunning Caribbean beach
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
I’ll list my three top places to stay in Costa Rica in November:
Caribbean Coast: Aguas Claras
Aguas Claras is a relatively new hotel complex, created from the original homes on the local beach, Playa Chiquita. The old bungalows are renovated into contemporary lodges.
They’re private, surrounded by tropical gardens, and each has a porch out front and another out back. The back patios have showers and small kitchens.
It’s an eco-friendly hotel, with a major emphasis on sustainability.
Aguas Claras has direct beach access, too. The sand is a short walk away!
Caribbean Coast: Shawandha Ecolodge
Shawandha is a great deal near Puerto Viejo. It’s a sprawling property, full of bungalows set back in 5 acres of the rainforest.
There are 14 bungalows, or chalets, and six teepees (or tippies). Each is secluded, and made of hardwoods, bamboo, and palms, to blend into the surrounding forest.
Several of them surround a beautiful pool at the edge of the property.
Central: Finca Rosa Blanca
Finca Rosa Blanca is a beautiful property, close to San Jose. In addition to the hotel buildings, you’ll have access to the large coffee farm surrounding the property.
The hotel was named as one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World,” and one of Fodor’s “100 Best Hotels in the World!”
Finca Rosa Blanca has a beautiful pool, complete with a hot tub, a waterfall, and an infinity edge, which overlooks the mountains, the valley, and San Jose off in the distance.
Hotels on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
You can move around on this interactive map to plug in your dates and search for available hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It includes the best deals on sites like Booking.com, plus rentals on VRBO:
Costa Rica in November: Weather
I’ll break this section on the weather in Costa Rica in November by region, since it varies slightly from Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast to the Caribbean.
Generally, Costa Rica’s weather in November is warm, and the days get less rainy over the course of the month.
Pacific Coast
On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, November is typically characterized by the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. You can expect less rainfall and more consistent sunny weather as the month goes on.
Daytime temperatures usually range from the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 30-35°C). Nighttime temperatures are mild, usually in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (24-26°C).
Humidity levels tend to be lower during November on the west coast of Costa Rica, which makes for more comfortable conditions on your outdoor adventures! Keep in mind: while the dry season is beginning, you’ll likely encounter a few showers and thunderstorms. They’re often brief, as opposed to full-day washouts.
San Jose & Central Costa Rica
The central part of Costa Rica, which includes the Central Valley and cities like San Jose, Heredia, and Alajuela, experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year due to its elevation. In November, the weather in central Costa Rica is usually a transition between the rainy season (May through October) and the dry season (December through April). You’ll likely see a few rain showers if you visit in November.
Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C). Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping into the 60s Fahrenheit (around 15-20°C). It’s generally mild and comfortable in November.
As the month of November progresses, you’ll likely experience more sunshine and clearer skies, making it a great time for hiking and anything else you plan to do!
Limón & Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
The weather in Limón Province, located on the eastern coast of Costa Rica, can be quite different from the rest of the country due to its unique Caribbean climate. In November, Limón experiences the tail end of the rainy season, which means you can expect a mix of sunny, rainy and humid conditions.
The rainy season in this part of Costa Rica tends to last a bit longer, into December. So if you visit in November, you should expect daily rain showers and thunderstorms. Your days will not be washouts! I’d still consider November a great time to visit Puerto Viejo and the rest of the beautiful places in this part of Costa Rica.
Daytime temperatures in November generally range from the mid-80s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-35°C), and nighttime temperatures typically hover in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (24-26°C).
The humidity levels in Limón are high, which contributes to the lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife in the area.
What to do in Costa Rica in November
While you’re bound to experience a few rain showers on a visit to Costa Rica in November, your days will not be lost to unrelenting storms!
You’ll have a great time hiking in the jungle, lounging on the beaches, and exploring the volcanoes in November.
Costa Rica’s Beaches
In November, as the country transitions from the rainy season to the dry season, many of these beaches are almost prime for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Here are a few to consider visiting in November:
Pacific Coast:
- Tamarindo Beach: Located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste region, Tamarindo is known for its long stretches of golden sand and excellent surfing conditions. The transition to the dry season in November brings sunny days and clear skies.
- Manuel Antonio Beach: Adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast, this beach offers a unique combination of tropical rainforest and pristine shoreline. It’s a great place for wildlife watching and relaxation.
- Santa Teresa Beach: On the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf destination with a laid-back vibe. November is an excellent time for surfing, and you can also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town.
- Playa Conchal: This beach is known for its unique crushed-shell sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s located in Guanacaste and offers a serene and beautiful environment for swimming and sunbathing.
- Playa Samara: On the Nicoya Peninsula, Samara is a charming coastal town with a crescent-shaped beach. It’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the local culture.
Caribbean Coast:
- Puerto Viejo: Located on the southern Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo is known for its vibrant culture, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches. Cocles Beach and Punta Uva Beach are nearby and beautiful spots for swimming and snorkeling. I think it’s one of the prettiest beach areas in Costa Rica. The photo at the top of this section is from Punta Uva.
- Cahuita National Park: Cahuita, on the Caribbean coast, is home to a national park with pristine beaches and coral reefs. It’s a fantastic place for hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting. You may see them releasing baby turtles into the sea in November!
- Playa Manzanillo: A bit further south from Puerto Viejo, Playa Manzanillo is a tranquil beach with calm waters. It’s an excellent spot for relaxation and snorkeling. It’s also known for its shipwreck, which locals have turned into an artsy attraction!
Visiting the Volcanoes
November can be a good time to visit Costa Rica’s volcanoes, but there are some factors to consider when planning your trip.
- Weather: November is transitioning from the rainy season to the dry season in most parts of Costa Rica, including the areas around the volcanoes. It’s not a warning to stay away, but rather a reminder to pack accordingly.
- Smaller Crowds: November is generally considered a shoulder season in Costa Rica, which means fewer tourists compared to the peak tourist months of December to April. You can enjoy the volcanoes with fewer crowds, making it a more peaceful experience.
- Availability: Since November is not the high season for tourism, you may find that accommodations and activities around the volcanoes are more readily available and may be more affordable than during the peak season.
Some of the popular volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica include:
- Arenal
- Poás
- Irazú
- Turrialba
Coffee Plantations
November is an ideal time to visit coffee farms in Costa Rica, especially if you’re interested in learning about the coffee production process and experiencing the coffee culture of the country. It’s harvest season!
Harvest season runs through the winter months, so it’s a great time to take a tour and witness coffee picking and processing.
It’s truly an educational experience to see how the coffee you buy from Starbucks and other huge international brands is processed.
Driving in Costa Rica in November
Car rental prices should be cost-effective in Costa Rica in November. I’d recommend a small SUV (the RAV4 is popular) in case you end up on a dirt road or in mud.
The fog will be an issue, especially at night.
Regardless of the time of year, tourists should be aware of several things while driving in Costa Rica:
- Signage is poor in the cities
- You’ll rely on Waze & GPS
- Farm animals will be in the road
- Wild animals will be in the road
- Make sure the rental has an emergency kit (police might check)
- You’ll drive over many single-lane bridges
Overall, I find drivers in Costa Rica to be patient and forgiving!
What to Wear in Costa Rica in November
Packing for Costa Rica in November requires clothing and shoes for a mix of weather conditions.
Here’s a packing list to consider:
Clothing:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing: Costa Rica can be hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials will keep you comfortable.
- Rain gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential, especially in the early part of November when the rainy season is winding down. Quick-drying pants and shoes are also helpful.
- Swimsuits: Don’t forget swimwear for beach outings and activities like snorkeling! You’ll definitely have sunny days!
- Hiking shoes: If you plan to explore natural parks, volcanoes, and rainforests, a pair of sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or sandals with good tread are recommended.
- Sandals: Of course.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun!
Outdoor Gear:
- Daypack: A small backpack is handy for carrying essentials when exploring.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in the warm weather.
- Insect repellent: Some areas may have mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent with DEET or a natural alternative.
- Sunscreen: Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun.
Miscellaneous Items:
- Travel adapter: Costa Rica uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets, so make sure you have the appropriate adapter if necessary.
- Medications: Bring alcohol wipes to help mosquito bites disappear.
- Cash and credit cards: While credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, it’s a good idea to carry some local currency (Colones) for smaller establishments and in case of emergencies. You’ll also need a few coins to tip the gas station attendant who fills your tank.
FAQs About Costa Rica in November
Let’s tackle a few frequently-asked-questions about a trip to Costa Rica in November. Most of these have already been answered above.
Can you swim in Costa Rica in November?
Yes! While the seasons transition from rainy to dry in November, you’ll definitely have several sunny days on both the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Coast.
Is Costa Rica rainy in November?
Yes, but the amount of rain tends to taper off as the month goes on, and the traditional “rainy season” transitions to the dry. The rain comes in showers and thunderstorms, and you shouldn’t be affected by full-day washouts.
Is Costa Rica cold in November?
No, the temperatures remain mild through November, whether you’re on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, Caribbean Coast, or in the central mountainous part of the country.
Are there hurricanes in Costa Rica in November?
While the chances of a hurricane impacting Costa Rica are relatively low, the east coast is more vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. November is towards the end of the season, so it’s less likely but not impossible for such weather events to occur.
Wrap: Is November a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?
While the weather on the east coast of Costa Rica in November can be a bit mixed, it’s still a great time to explore the country. Temperatures are warm in the daytime, and mild at night. It rains less often as the month goes on.
If you’re still unsure about driving around yourself, check out my other blog about renting a car in Costa Rica.
Combine the enjoyable weather with the smaller pre-peak-season crowds of tourists, and I personally think November is a prime time to visit Costa Rica!
