Transition to dry season
Costa Rica weather in November
Yes, especially late November. The Pacific rains taper off, the country is at its greenest, and prices are still low. It's a sleeper-best month.
By Aaron Bailey
Daytime highs
54–89°F
12–32°C depending on altitude
Driest
Tamarindo
2.8 in (71 mm) of rain
Wettest
Tortuguero National Park
23.6 in (599 mm) of rain
What November is like
November is when the Pacific dries out. Early in the month you'll still get regular rain, especially in the south, but by late November Guanacaste is close to dry-season weather while the landscape is still lush from the wet months. The Central Valley follows the same pattern.
The Caribbean goes the other way. November starts its wet spell there, and Tortuguero is one of the wettest places in the country this month. Arenal and Monteverde stay rainy into December.
In November, average daytime highs in Costa Rica range from 54°F (12°C) at Irazú Volcano National Park to 89°F (32°C) at Tamarindo. Rainfall ranges from about 2.8 in (71 mm) at Tamarindo to 23.6 in (599 mm) at Tortuguero National Park.
Crowds and prices
Light until Thanksgiving week, when US travelers start arriving. Still mostly low-season pricing.
Happening in November
- Late November is one of the best value windows of the year.
- Rivers and waterfalls are at full volume after the rainy season.
- Thanksgiving week brings a short bump in crowds.
Towns and airports in November
Long-term monthly averages, driest first.
| Destination | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo | 89°F / 32°C | 73°F / 23°C | 2.8 in / 71 mm |
| Guanacaste Airport (LIR) | 89°F / 32°C | 72°F / 22°C | 3.1 in / 79 mm |
| Samara | 88°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | 3.1 in / 79 mm |
| Nosara | 89°F / 32°C | 72°F / 22°C | 3.5 in / 89 mm |
| Santa Teresa | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 4.3 in / 109 mm |
| San José | 75°F / 24°C | 61°F / 16°C | 5.5 in / 140 mm |
| San José Airport (SJO) | 77°F / 25°C | 62°F / 17°C | 5.7 in / 145 mm |
| Jaco | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 6.7 in / 170 mm |
| Monteverde | 70°F / 21°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7.5 in / 191 mm |
| Manuel Antonio | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 8.3 in / 211 mm |
| Uvita | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 9.4 in / 239 mm |
| Puerto Viejo | 86°F / 30°C | 73°F / 23°C | 11.4 in / 290 mm |
| La Fortuna | 82°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 13 in / 330 mm |
| Dominical | 84°F / 29°C | 71°F / 22°C | 13 in / 330 mm |
National parks in November
Long-term monthly averages, driest first.
| Destination | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rincón de la Vieja National Park | 88°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 3.1 in / 79 mm |
| Cahuita National Park | 84°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C | 6.4 in / 163 mm |
| Irazú Volcano National Park | 54°F / 12°C | 41°F / 5°C | 6.7 in / 170 mm |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve | 70°F / 21°C | 60°F / 16°C | 7.5 in / 191 mm |
| Poás Volcano National Park | 60°F / 16°C | 47°F / 8°C | 7.5 in / 191 mm |
| Manuel Antonio National Park | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 8.3 in / 211 mm |
| Marino Ballena National Park | 87°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 9.4 in / 239 mm |
| Corcovado National Park | 84°F / 29°C | 72°F / 22°C | 11.3 in / 287 mm |
| Arenal Volcano National Park | 82°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 13 in / 330 mm |
| Tortuguero National Park | 85°F / 29°C | 73°F / 23°C | 23.6 in / 599 mm |
Check your own itinerary
Add each stop on your trip and see the November weather, rainfall, and what to pack for each one.
Open the November weather plannerNovember in Costa Rica: quick answers
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