November in Costa Rica is special. November marks the end of the rainy season and the transition to the dry season, so the days are filled with blue skies and sunshine, but the landscape glows with shades of green and is teeming with life from the recent rain. While November is one of the more pleasant months to visit Costa Rica, it hasn’t caught on with travelers (except for Thanksgiving), so visiting Costa Rica in November is a great way to beat the crowds. Visit Costa Rica in November for idyllic weather, fewer crowds, and off-season discounts. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting Costa Rica in November.
What the Weather is Like in Costa Rica in November
In November, Costa Rica’s weather transitions as the country moves from the rainy to the dry season. On the Pacific side, which includes areas from the capital, San José, to the west coast, rainfall decreases significantly, falling from nearly 18 inches in October to 5-6 inches in November. It is common to experience a mix of sunny days and intermittent showers. Conversely, the Caribbean sees relatively high rainfall that gradually lessens as the month progresses. Even on rainy days, there’s plenty of sunshine, and the brief showers offer a reprieve from the tropical heat.
Temperature
Despite the shift towards the dry season, November temperatures across Costa Rica remain inviting. Coastal areas experience highs in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (30-33°C) and lows in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C). In higher elevations, such as Monteverde or the Central Valley, daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C), with nighttime lows dropping to the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20°C).
Activities
November’s gradual reduction in rainfall on the Pacific side allows for better outdoor activity opportunities, like hiking and canopy tours in Monteverde and Arenal. November also has some of the most favorable winds for surfing thanks to the Papagayo winds, which blow predominately offshore during the dry season, grooming waves. Unlike the rainy season, which is considered the swell season, November, and the dry season in general, is a great time to learn to surf in Costa Rica when the waves are small and beginner-friendly.
Holidays & Festivals
Día de los Santos (All Saints’ Day) – November 1st:
This day is a national holiday in Costa Rica, where people honor all saints, both known and unknown. Families often visit cemeteries to place flowers on graves and remember deceased loved ones.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – November 2nd:
While not as widely celebrated as in Mexico, some Costa Ricans observe this day by visiting cemeteries, holding religious services, and spending time with family to honor the deceased.
Thanksgiving / Dia de Accion de Gracias (4th Thursday in November)
While it’s not an official Costa Rican holiday, Thanksgiving is becoming an increasingly popular holiday for Costa Rican travel, and the many ex-pat communities throughout Costa Rica break bread and honor American Thanksgiving.
Places to Visit in November
Manuel Antonio National Park
November marks the beginning of the dry season, making it an excellent time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The park offers beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and diverse bird species.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
With the rainy season tapering off, November offers clearer views of the towering Arenal Volcano. Visitors can enjoy famed hot springs, waterfalls, and various outdoor activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and horseback riding.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Thanks to the recent rainy season, the cloud forest is lush and vibrant in November. Monteverde is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and canopy tours. The Monteverde area is famous for its biodiversity and stunning scenery.
Guanacaste
As the region transitions to the dry season, November is a great time to visit the beaches of Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal, and Playa Flamingo. It’s also a great month to learn to surf, snorkel, and do other water activities.
What to Pack
While November is the transition month from the rainy to the dry season, the weather can still be unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for rain and sun. We recommend bringing a compact travel umbrella, a raincoat, sunblock, UPF clothing, sunglasses, and a large-brim hat. If you’re visiting the higher elevations, consider bringing a light, water-resistant jacket. For more information on what to pack to visit Costa Rica, see our detailed Costa Rica Packing List article.
Pros to Visiting Costa Rica in November
- You’ll have the perfect balance between sunshine and tropical rain.
- There are fewer fellow travelers.
- There are favorable winds for learning to surf.
- The landscape is still green and vibrant from recent rains.
Cons to Visiting Costa Rica in November
- The weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll likely encounter some rain.
- Some roads and hotels may be closed if the past rainy season was severe.
Top 5 Things to Plan for a Trip to Costa Rica in November
- Go on a Guided Coffee Tour – If you like coffee, chances are you’ve tried a cup of Costa Rica’s Golden Bean coffee back home. Tour a coffee farm with a trained guide and see how the world’s best coffee is grown.
- Soak in the Hot Springs – Soaking in the geothermal hot springs that dot the volcanic regions of Costa Rica is a definite way to make sure you return from your vacation well-rested. They’re delightful on a rainy day.
- Volunteer – There are plenty of incredible organizations offering the opportunity to volunteer during your next trip to Costa Rica. Half a morning at a local orphanage or planting a few trees on a sustainable farm can make a difference on your vacation.
- See the Majestic Waterfalls – As heavy rains in the mountains travel down the country’s slopes, they cascade over rocky cliffs and create some of the most majestic waterfalls in the world.
- Learn to Surf – As the Popogayo Winds blow from East to West over the country, they groom incoming surf into perfect waves. November sees consistent, small to medium-sized swell perfect for new surfers.
The Bottom Line on November in Costa Rica
November’s mix of sun and rain can be unpredictable, but it’s still a lovely month to visit Costa Rica. Thanks to low prices and fewer fellow travelers, November is one of our favorite months in Costa Rica. Contact us if we can help you plan a trip!