Costa Rica in November

November is a month of transition in Costa Rica. In the Pacific Northwest, everything is drying off while the temperature remains in the 80s each day. In the Central Valley and places like Arenal, rain is slowly disappearing as the start of the sunny season approaches. Although it’s nice to see less rain in November, it’s still always smart to come prepared and pack some waterproof gear for your trip.

At the start of November, visiting Costa Rica can be very affordable. As the month progresses, you’ll see higher and higher prices. That’s because the weather along the Pacific Coast will only improve, and it’s also because Thanksgiving brings a lot of American visitors to the area. In Costa Rica, Dia de los Muertos is a major holiday. This Day of the Dead is similar to Halloween, but locals flock to the graces of their ancestors. If you’re in San Jose toward the end of the month, don’t miss El Desfile de Carretas, a unique ox-cart race and parade.

A wonderful destination to explore in November in Costa Rica is Tamarindo. Located on the Pacific Coast, it is a well-known beach destination with excellent swimming, fishing and surfing. Head there if you would like to try horseback riding along the white sand beach, venture out to sea for some deep-sea fishing adventures or just soak up the sun with a drink in a truly picturesque location. In Tamarindo there are a number of excellent, upscale hotels, but a top pick remains Blue Trailz. Blue Trailz is an affordable beachfront hostel that also doubles as a surf camp, so you can take lessons just steps from your accommodation. It’s also a quick walk to La Patagonia, a fabulous Argentinian restaurant serving up amazing steaks to fill you up after a day of beachfront fun.

For more information about when to travel to Costa Rica, we recommend reading the following articles: