You have decided that gorgeous Costa Rica is the next destination you will visit. It could be due to the country’s astonishing scenery, its amazing wildlife, reliable weather or a combination of these things. With some of the finest luxury rentals in the Central American (and even South American) region, it is a fantastic choice. The question then becomes “is there a better time to book airline tickets to Costa Rica?” In fact, it may even come down to wondering whether there is a best or ideal time to pay a visit.
The simplest answer is that you might find fewer visitors, lower pricing on airfare and some accommodations, and yet wonderful weather during the “shoulder season”.
A Bit About Shoulder Seasons
Just as it sounds, the shoulder season is that time that is wedged between the high and low seasons of any destination. It is typically a time when the less desirable weather has yet to begin or is just coming to an end and when the crowds have either dispersed or have yet to arrive. It is a wonderful time to book airline tickets and a holiday in Costa Rica because there are even more benefits than fewer fellow travelers and amazing prices on airfare and accommodation.
For example, many travelers who book a visit to Costa Rica during the traditional “dry” season are unhappy with the lack of verdant growth and lush green landscapes extending in all directions. This is because the rains have yet to trigger those changes in the landscape. Yet, shoulder season travelers do enjoy this wonderful experience of Costa Rica.
In addition to these benefits, the shoulder seasons also give you a better chance to experience a more authentic interaction with locals, as the floods of travelers have yet to arrive. You’ll get a warmer welcome because traveler spending is at a low level, and because the locals are have yet to grow a bit weary of the large crowds.
The shoulder season typically runs May/June and Sept.-Nov., with peak travel often being in line with holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The rainy season that occurs during the typical northern hemisphere summer months peaks June through August. However, even that season isn’t as rainy as most imagine. Experts would tell you that rains occur in the late afternoons, and only for a few hours. This leaves the greater part of the day free for you to head out for any number of pleasant excursions.
What to Expect
Of course, with the rains comes a change in humidity, and shoulder season travel can be a bit on the “muggy” side. Fortunately, you can take a day or two to acclimate yourself to the difference in the air and climate, and within that short span you should find that you are able to do your normal level of activity, even if that means a lot of walking or hiking outdoors.
Also remember that with the rains come some of the peskier insects. A simple remedy is to tote your favorite insect repellant, but also ask your accommodation provider to supply insect netting over your bed for good sleep.
The benefits of booking a visit to Costa Rica during the shoulder season so greatly outweigh any of the other issues, that it just makes good sense to choose this time. Booking your airline tickets is just the first step. Also find your ideal accommodation during this quieter time and enjoy tremendous privacy, luxury and attentive service. Don’t forget to plan a guided river tour as well as this is something that most travelers never forget, and is even more enjoyable when the rains of the shoulder season in Costa Rica have just started.