Officially, November is the start to the sunny season in Arenal. In reality, however, a lot can change between the beginning and the end of the month. The beginning of November can see daily rain, but it gets less wet as the month progresses. At the same time, it also gets busier. The last week of November is often a busy time, because American travelers set off on their Thanksgiving holidays to enjoy a tropical getaway in Costa Rica.
They key to visiting Arenal in November is being flexible and prepared for all kinds of weather. A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a must, because it can be carried with you and tossed on quickly if the rain appears. The good news is that the rain rarely lasts long, so you can still plan for a full day of fun.
The biggest holiday in November is Dia de los Inocentes, a Costa Rican take on the American Halloween and the Mexican Day of the Dead. Locals in the region of Arenal visit the cemeteries to pay respect to their loved ones and leave flowers. Be respectful, but definitely see this procession up close if you’re in Costa Rica on November 2nd.
Visiting in November can be very affordable, especially if you come before the American Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for an inexpensive but scenic spot to stay, consider the Arenal Volcano Lake Hotel. Small but comfortable rooms overlook Lake Arenal, which means that you’re perfectly located to get out on the water. Some of the ways that you can get active on Lake Arenal include kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and fishing. There are frequent tours that you can join to make the most of these experiences. After a day on the water, you can dine at the hotel’s onsite restaurant Restaurante La Alondra, which offers exceptional cuisine at low prices. Best of all, you can dine while you sit at a table overlooking the waters of Lake Arenal.
For more information about when to travel to Arenal, we recommend reading the following articles: