patinegypt

Hi All, We are a family (parents and 18 and 21-year old) headed to Costa Rica from Dec. 14 to 23. Our son is studying at Monteverde Institute for the quarter so going there first to meet up with him and let him show us around, then had planned on the common itinerary of a couple additional days in Arenal, followed by 2-3 days on the Pacific coast. . My question:

Just saw the weather/rain maps of the micro-climates in CR and it looks like Nov./December are the rainiest months of the year in Arenal on that side of the mountains/coast. Any experience with this keeping folks from enjoying the views/nature. And is it really worth a visit after spending time in Monteverde? Is it perhaps a better/more relaxed trip to just head to the coast after 3 days in Monteverde?

Thanks!

volcanogirl

We've been in December, and it poured rain every day that we were there for long periods of time. We still had fun though. We did a lot of activities in the rain. I was surprised by the weather because I consider May-November rainy season, but that area isn't all that predictable. Can you post the map that you saw?

costaricaguide

The end of November and beginning of December are a gamble weather wise but usually by the second half of December it's clearing up and dry season is settling in. Having said that two years ago the rainy season hung on until mid January ;-)

Unless you're on the northern Pacific coast in mid March (where it's guaranteed hot and dry) or the Osa in October (where it's guaranteed soaking wet) it's all a little unpredictable so I wouldn't try to make the decision based on hoped for weather. Go where you want and plan on making the best of it.

We climbed Tenorio volcano a couple of weeks ago under glorious sunshine even thought statistically and historically it should have been pouring rain ;-)

patinegypt

here's the link to weather:

http://www.imn.ac.cr/IMN/MainAdmin.a...sInfoClimatica

MichelleY

Just go and play it by ear. See how the weather is when you are there then plan the next steps.

volcanogirl

Thanks for the link. I would still go. That's a great area with lots to see and do.