Costa Rica Weather in November 2025: Transition from Wet to Dry

The rains persist for the first half of November in Costa Rica and begin to subside towards the latter stages of the month. You're likely to encounter moderate amounts of rainfall if you visit during the first few weeks of the month, with clear skies and plenty of sunshine replacing dark clouds if you visit during the second half of November. Nonstop rainfall from the preceding months means it's still lush and spectacularly green, regardless of when in November you do decide to visit. The average temperatures range from highs of 30°C (86°F) to lows of 16°C (61°F).

November is part of Costa Rica's shoulder season, and this means it's neither too crowded nor too expensive in the country during this time. While it's not as cheap as it is during August or September, it's certainly far cheaper than it is during the high season. By booking ahead of time, you can save a lot of money on accommodation and airfare.

November in Costa Rica is marked by both rainy weather conditions, and clear and dry. The type of weather you'll encounter is largely influenced by the time of month you'll be in the country, and where you'll be going. As such, it's best to prepare for all weather conditions by packing lightweight tops and shorts that dry easily, lightweight pants or capris, a raincoat, hiking or tennis shoes, sandals, reef shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunhats, sunglasses, binoculars, and some insect repellant.

To better understand what Costa Rica is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of November, continue reading below.

Costa Rica Weather in November: Overview

• Average temperature range: 16°C (61°F) – 30°C (86°F)
• Rainfall: 300 mm (12 inches) in San Jose; 900 mm (35 inches) in Manuel Antonio; 500 mm (20 inches) in Puerto Viejo.
• Rainy days: 17 in San Jose; 16 in Manuel Antonio; 19 in Puerto Viejo.

The hurricane season in Costa Rica runs from June to November. Although rarely hit by hurricanes directly given its unique geographical position, Costa Rica experiences many a tropical storm that develop from nearby hurricanes during these months, with the worst of them being in October and the earlier parts of November. As such, we recommend always paying attention to local and national weather reports to stay updated on any adverse weather developments in the country and the surrounding region.

Average temperatures will change from region to region in Costa Rica in November. The average maximum temperature is around 24°C (75°F) in San Jose, 27°C (81°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 28°C (82°F) in Puerto Viejo. The average minimum temperature is around 16°C (61°F) in San Jose, 23°C (73°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 24°C (75°F) in Puerto Viejo.

November offers visitors to Costa Rica the best of both worlds: relaxing tropical rains during the first part of the month, and clear skies with plenty of sunshine during the second. The lush green foliage that is commonly associated with the rainy season will remain for the entirety of the month for everyone to take in and appreciate. Moreover, November is neither crowded nor expensive, making it an ideal month to visit Costa Rica.

Weather of Costa Rica's Major Cities in November

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in November

1.Puerto Viejo

The Caribbean coast remains dry throughout this time in November, and the popular surf town of Puerto Viejo on this coast is known for its excellent beaches, so if you're in the mood to sunbathe and take a dip to cool off, this is the spot for you. Located close to the border with Panama, Puerto Viejo offers guests plenty of snorkeling and swimming options.

2.Tamarindo

Tamarindo, too, remains largely dry during November. This popular beach town is peaceful and quiet during the height of the high season, so you can only imagine how relaxing it must be during the shoulder season of November. It's popular because it offers travelers everything from fantastic beaches and hiking trails, to world-renowned surfing and fishing.  

3.Monteverde

Considering the fact that Monteverde is very wet for most of Costa Rica's rainy season, why not visit its famous Cloud Forest when it's relatively drier but still glowing with otherworldly greenery? It's a sight to behold but be sure to carry your binoculars with you because there's a good chance you'll get to spot monkeys, sloths, and quetzals!

November Crowds and Costs

It's not very crowded in Costa Rica come November. This is largely due to the month being rainy for the first few weeks. If you do visit Costa Rica during this time, you can enjoy both the national parks and the beaches in relative peace and quiet, before it gets busier during December.

November, being a part of the country's shoulder season, is also an inexpensive time of year to be in the country during. While it's not as cheap as it is during August or September, it's certainly less expensive than it is during the first few months of the year. Book ahead of time to get the best deals on accommodation and airfare!

November Events in Costa Rica

Dia de los Muertos: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Costa Rica on November 2 every year. It is also known as Dia de Todos Almas, or All Souls' Day. While most people around the world associate the festival with its place of origin, Mexico, Day of the Dead is also an extremely important cultural festival in Costa Rica, and all of Latin America for that matter.

The day is meant to honor and remember one's deceased loved ones, and most Costa Ricans visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of those they've lost, and take part in candlelight vigils.

Due to the holiday's growing popularity in the country, the Calvary Central Cemetery in San Jose marks November 2 with a number of festivities that include music, food, arts, and crafts, visited by countless people during this special day.

What to Wear in Costa Rica in November

November in Costa Rica is characterized by both wet and dry weather conditions. The first part of the month is wet whereas the second is dry. As such, stay prepared by packing for all weather conditions as it's likely you'll experience the best of both worlds during your travels to the country.

It's essential to bring lightweight clothing that dry easily. We recommend plenty of shorts and tops made of quick-drying materials. In addition to these, a raincoat or poncho, lightweight pants, tennis or hiking shoes, sandals, swimwear, reef shoes, insect repellant, sunscreen, sunhats, sunglasses, and a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting ought to suffice and make up the rest of your packing list.

Explore Costa Rica with Global Highlights

If you're reading this, you're probably planning your dream vacation to gorgeous Costa Rica!  That's just perfect because our travel experts here at Global Highlights go above and beyond in making sure your itinerary is as well planned yet personal as you like. We take immense pride in making sure you have a memorable time in Costa Rica, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and take in the good times!