Costa Rica November
Good to Know
November in Costa Rica ushers in the dry season, especially across the Northwest Pacific, where skies clear and rainfall diminishes. While the Central Pacific and Central Valley still experience afternoon rains, the Caribbean coast sees increasing precipitation. Early November offers potential reservation discounts with improving weather, though prices rise and occupancy remains high towards the month's end, particularly around Thanksgiving.
By November, the skies are starting to clear over the Pacific side beaches of northern Costa Rica. While there is still some lingering rain, things are starting to dry as the Dry Season begins to make its push over this part of the country. The beginning of the month is still pretty nice on the Caribbean side, but not for long…
November Weather
November is still the rain season across most of Costa Rica, but the sun will begin to break through more regularly on the Pacific coast. At the same time, the Caribbean will begin to transition into the rainiest time of the year.
The Northwest Pacific is the driest area of Costa Rica. November is the beginning of the dry season with each passing day bringing less rain. Day time temps average in the mid 80s. Rains occur frequently in the late afternoons, but with less frequency towards the end of the month.
The Central Pacific is still in the rain season in November. Day time highs are usually in the low 80s. Rains still occur frequently, but not as often or as heavily as those experienced in October. Most of the rains begin to shift to the afternoon, going later in the day as the month continues.
The Temporales del Pacifico are starting to lessen in the South Pacific. Most days will still have significant rain, but the breaks are more frequent. Day time high temperatures average in the mid 80s.
The Caribbean side is not as dry as it was in September and October. Rains start again in November and build as the month progresses. Temperatures remain the same in the mid 80s to low 90s.
The Central Valley and Arenal have similar weather to the Central Pacific in November. The rains are still frequent, but lessen as the month passes. Day time highs are usually in the mid 70s.
Reservations
November can be a funny month for reservations. The beginning of the month is popular as the weather is starting to improve, but many accommodations still have low season pricing. Though pricing begins to go up at the end of the month it remains popular due to Thanksgiving in the United States. This is all topped off by hotels that are coming off of lower occupancy seasons and often willing to give Early Reservation Discounts. The result is fairly high occupancy percentages most of the month with good incentives for early reservations.
Prices
November marks the start of the busier season and higher rates begin to go into effect for many accommodations. This holds particularly true for the latter part of the month with many vacationers taking advantage of time off of work for Thanksgiving.
Holidays and Festivals
November 2 – Dia de los Muertos - All Saint's Day-masses and pilgrimages to graveyards.
November 15- Coffee Picking Contests held throughout the Meseta Central and mountain areas.
November 23- El Desfile de Carretas - one of the biggest parades of ox-carts – held in San Jose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical weather like in Costa Rica during November?
November marks a transition from the rainy season, with the Pacific coast, especially the Northwest, experiencing clearer skies and less rain as the dry season begins. The Central and South Pacific still see frequent afternoon rains, while the Caribbean coast becomes progressively wetter. Temperatures generally range from the mid-70s in the Central Valley to the mid-80s and low-90s on the coasts.
Which regions of Costa Rica are best to visit in November?
The Northwest Pacific is ideal in November as it enters its dry season with diminishing rainfall and average daytime temperatures in the mid-80s. Other Pacific regions, while still experiencing rain, see it lessen compared to October, often shifting to late afternoons.
What should travelers know about booking accommodations and prices in November?
November is a popular month, with high occupancy throughout. Early in the month, travelers might find low season pricing and early reservation discounts as weather improves. However, prices generally increase towards the end of the month, driven by the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.
Are there any significant holidays or festivals in Costa Rica during November?
Yes, November features several cultural events: Dia de los Muertos (All Saint's Day) on November 2nd, Coffee Picking Contests around November 15th in the Meseta Central, and El Desfile de Carretas (ox-cart parade) in San Jose on November 23rd.