Costa Rica Weather in November

November is the shift from rainy season to dry season in Costa Rica, so you’re catching the country right as it starts to dry out. It’s one of the best times to go—along with April (after Easter) and May—because everything’s still lush and green from the rain, but you won’t be dealing with big tourist crowds. Here's our guide to the weather in Costa Rica in November.

Costa Rica in November at a glance

• Average temperatures are around 75°F (24°C), with warmer conditions on the coasts.
• The rainy season starts to wind down, with the Pacific coast drying out faster than the Caribbean side.
• Early November is a quieter time, with fewer tourists and more reasonable prices. By late November, you’ll see more visitors as the high season kicks in.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in November?

November in Costa Rica is when the country shifts from the rainy season to the dry season. Early in the month, you might still get some afternoon showers, particularly on the Caribbean coast and in the central highlands. But by the end of the month, the weather improves significantly, and places like Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast are mostly sunny, with just the occasional brief shower.

Since it's the shoulder season, it’s a good time to visit. There are fewer tourists, and prices haven’t yet gone up for the high season. The vegetation is still lush after the rain, with flowing waterfalls and vibrant green forests. Most regions get about 8-12 inches (200-300mm) of rain, though the Caribbean coast can get a bit more, around 13-15 inches (330-380mm). It’s a pleasant time to be in Costa Rica, especially if you really want to avoid the bigger crowds.

Average daily temperatures in November

In November, temperatures in Costa Rica stay warm but not unbearably hot. You can expect daytime highs to be in the low 80s to mid-90s °F (27-35°C), and at night, it cools down to the 60s and 70s °F (15-22°C). In higher areas like Monteverde, it can get down to the high 50s °F (14-15°C), which is nice for a more comfortable sleep.

The Pacific Ocean is around 82-84°F (28-29°C), so swimming and water activities are pleasant. The Caribbean side is slightly cooler, at 80-82°F (27-28°C). The days are getting shorter, but you’ll still have about 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise at around 5:30 AM and sunset at 5:30 PM. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

Guanacaste & Northern Pacific

This area starts to dry out first in November. You’ll likely get mostly sunny days with temperatures between 75-90°F (24-32°C). By late November, places like Tamarindo and Conchal enjoy almost full days of sunshine, with only occasional quick showers. It’s a great time to be here: landscapes are still green, but the heavy rain is mostly gone.

Central Valley & San José

In the Central Valley, including San José, the weather is usually pretty mild, with temperatures ranging from 60-79°F (16-26°C). You’ll likely see some morning fog that clears up to sunny afternoons. Rain is still a bit more frequent in the early part of the month, with afternoon showers. This is a pretty comfortable time of year to be here.

Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero) tends to get more rain in November, making it one of the wetter months for this side of the country. Temperatures stay warm at 70-85°F (21-29°C), and the rainforests are lush and green (see our favorite Costa Rica rainforest tour). Despite the rain, there are still plenty of sunny breaks in the mornings, which is good if you’re planning outdoor activities like visiting the beaches or wildlife watching.

Is November a good time to visit Costa Rica?

November is a great time to visit Costa Rica, especially if you plan it well. The weather in November marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. While it’s still a bit wet early on, especially on the Caribbean coast, the Pacific coast and northern regions start to dry out. This gives you the best of both worlds: green landscapes without the constant rain. As the month goes on, the weather becomes more predictable, and outdoor activities become much easier.

November is also a great time for Costa Rica wildlife watching, as animals are active and the crowds are smaller. National parks like Manuel Antonio and Corcovado are fantastic to visit, with opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. If you’re planning on adventure activities, whitewater rafting is another great option, as the rivers are still strong from the rainy season runoff.

What about the crowd & cost?

November is the sweet spot for both crowds and costs, especially in the first few weeks. It’s considered a shoulder season, so the tourist crowds are much smaller than during the peak December-April period. Most resorts and popular attractions run at lower capacity, which means you won’t need to plan far ahead for reservations, and you’ll experience fewer crowds at the national parks and beaches.

Pricing reflects the lower demand. Accommodations are often discounted. You can also find great deals on tours and activities. For much better weather but higher prices and crowds, February and March are the driest months in Costa Rica.  See more in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. 
 

Where to go in Costa Rica in November

Rain starts to taper off in November, and the dry season slowly begins to return—especially toward the end of the month.

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja starts opening back up in November as trails dry out. It’s a mix of volcano, forest, and geothermal activity—so you can hike past steaming vents and bubbling mud pots, then cool off at a waterfall. The landscape is still really lush, and wildlife sightings are common this time of year. It’s also a good jumping-off point for other activities in the area, like ziplining or visiting hot springs.

Nicoya Peninsula

On the Nicoya Peninsula, November is when things start to shift toward dry season. It’s still green from the rains, but the sun comes out more often, especially later in the month. Montezuma’s waterfalls are at their best, and the swimming holes are deep and clear. Santa Teresa is a solid surf spot with fewer people in the water this time of year, and Mal País still feels local and laid-back. The weather here tends to be a bit more stable than other areas.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio in November feels a bit more relaxed. The park is still full of life—monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds are pretty active after months of rain. The trails are in good shape, and the beaches inside the park start seeing more sun as the month goes on. It’s not as busy as it gets in December or January, so you’ve got more space to enjoy the views and take your time. Rain usually comes in short bursts, mostly in the afternoon.
 

What to do in Costa Rica in November

November falls right at the end of the rainy season, which means you get the best of both worlds—lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Rivers are still full, so it’s a solid time for rafting trips. In the highlands, coffee farms are starting to harvest, and wildlife is more active thanks to months of rain bringing in plenty of food.

Día de la Cultura

This national vacation celebrates Costa Rica’s cultural roots. It’s one of those days when you’ll see whole communities out in the streets, with parades, music, traditional dance, and plenty of food stalls. People wear regional dress and put a lot of energy into the celebrations. It’s a good chance to get a feel for Costa Rica’s sense of identity and history. If you’re traveling around the country during this time, you’ll likely stumble into at least one local event, especially in smaller towns.

Snorkeling and diving at Cahuita National Park

Over on the Caribbean side, November tends to bring clearer water and calmer conditions at Cahuita. The reef here is close to shore and easy to access, with a wide range of fish and coral. It’s not unusual to spot rays, parrotfish, or even nurse sharks cruising by. Since it’s a national park, the area’s well protected, and the combination of reef, white-sand beach, and rainforest trails makes it a laid-back spot to spend the day. It’s also quieter than during high season, which means less competition for space in the water.

Indigenous Bribri cacao experiences

As roads dry out, November becomes a good time to visit Bribri communities near the Caribbean coast. These visits usually involve walking through the cacao-making process—starting with the colorful pods on the tree and ending with ground cacao paste, made using traditional tools. It’s a hands-on look at how cacao has been part of Bribri culture for generations, not just as food, but as something deeply tied to their way of life. You’ll also hear stories and learn how these communities manage the surrounding rainforest in ways that have worked for centuries. This is a great thing to do in Costa Rica with kids.
 

Planning your trip to Costa Rica in November

Some Costa Rica travel tips for your November trip:

What to pack

This is one of those in-between months where you’ll want to pack for both wet and dry days. Keep the rain jacket and waterproof shoes, but also throw in a couple of lightweight outfits for when the sun breaks through. A packable umbrella isn’t a bad idea either.

With mosquitoes at their peak, bring strong repellent and maybe a bug-proof layer—light, long-sleeve shirts or pants work well. You can also find clothes treated with insect shield, which saves you from having to reapply spray constantly.

If you’re doing any rafting or water-heavy stuff, bring clothes you don’t mind getting soaked and that’ll dry fast. River sandals with good soles are better than flip-flops here. And since trails stay muddy, hiking shoes with ankle support are a good idea.

Planning your itinerary

If you’re going to Costa Rica in November, starting with an itinerary can help guide your trip. Here are some suggestions:

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Start in San José to check out cultural highlights, then head to La Fortuna for its rainforest trails and waterfalls. Hike around Arenal Volcano and enjoy hot springs, then finish in Monteverde with its cloud forests and hanging bridges. Wrap it up with a coffee farm tour back in San José.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Begin your trip in San José, then explore Manuel Antonio’s beaches and rainforests. Check out Monteverde’s cloud forest and hanging bridges, and end in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano’s trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Start in San José, head to Tortuguero’s canals, then travel to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Spend some time in Manuel Antonio National Park and finish your trip with surfing and sunset views at Jaco Beach.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: Comprehensive route starting in San José, followed by Tortuguero’s canals, Puerto Viejo’s Caribbean charm, and Cahuita’s coral reefs. Visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, Monteverde’s cloud forests, and wrap up at Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife.

When to book

November starts out wet but gradually dries out, especially in the Northern Pacific. The first couple of weeks are still low season, so it’s a good time to visit if you want better weather without peak prices. Things change during Thanksgiving week, when visitors from North America start arriving and rates go up.

The Caribbean side starts to get wetter around now, while the Pacific—especially Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula—begins drying out. If you’re planning a trip during Thanksgiving week, you’ll want to book accommodations two to three months ahead. For the rest of the month, you usually don’t need to book too far in advance unless you're eyeing a popular spot.

Emergency weather information

The weather in Costa Rica in November usually starts to calm down, but it’s not completely in the clear—especially early in the month. Late-season tropical storms can still roll through. The ground is already soaked from months of rain, so landslides are still a real concern, even if it only rains for a short time.

Rivers can rise fast and without much warning. If you’re crossing rivers or driving in rural areas, keep that in mind. On the Caribbean side—places like Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Tortuguero—this is actually their rainiest stretch, so flooding there is more likely.

If you're in a remote area, just know that emergency crews might be tied up dealing with multiple incidents at once, so response times could be slow. 

 For more travel inspiration, see our guide to creating your own Costa Rica itinerary, with tips from local travel experts, or find extra ideas in our Costa Rica travel guide and tailored Costa Rica trips.