Costa Rica in November

The rains are beginning to come to an end in November, with the worst of the wet weather over for the year. It can still be unpredictable this month, so be prepared for both heavy showers or sunshine as you explore.

But it can also be a fantastic time to visit Costa Rica, with lush plant life after the green season, comparatively few people visiting and sunny mornings to get outdoors or to enjoy the beaches. Places which have been off limits during the rainiest months are easier to visit, including the cloudforest at Monteverde, the rainforest at Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Park, as well as a chance to explore the jungle here.

If you’re looking for a rather different adventure, the Venado Caves reopen this month, with a chance to venture underground into a labyrinth of caverns, home to bats galore – and it’s easy to combine with a visit to Arenal volcano.

November is an ideal month for surfing too, with enough swells for more experienced surfers after the rainy season, but with drier days bringing easier waves if you’re learning. The sun is shining more on the Pacific Coast, so head to beaches like Montezuma and Samara Beach, or on the Caribbean coast, there’s great surfing around Puerto Viejo.

Festivals: Dia de los Muertos, on November 2, may be a Mexican tradition but you’ll find many Costa Ricans also spend the day remembering family members.

El Desfile de Carretas, or the Parade of Ox Carts, is another traditional festival which takes place on the third Sunday in November, featuring elaborately decorated and colourful ox carts to celebrate the role they’ve played in Costa Rican history. San Jose is a particularly good place to see it.

Best for: Trekking and climbing, exploring rainforest, surfing

 

Or perhaps you’re thinking of travelling on another month..?

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