lorrie2404

We were going to visit CR for our first time this past year, but had to cancel. Now I'm starting my planning again--we will make it there!

Our vacation this year is the last week of April & first week of May. But from what I've been reading in various books and websites, is that March through May is the hottest time of the year and to avoid travel then. We have the option of going to CR at that time, or waiting until next winter sometime. I don't do well in the heat and if it's really that much cooler in winter, then it may be best to wait. But if it's not, then we'll go this year.

My question is: Is it really that much hotter during end of April & beginning of May then say, end of Jan. & begininng of Feb.? We usually vacation in Mexico (Akumal area)--does anyone know how it compares to that climate?

We'll be going for around two weeks and here's my starting itinerary:

Fly in & arrive at night (stay somewhere)
2-3 nights Villa Lapas (Carrara)
3 nights Monteverde Lodge
3 nights Arenal (not sure where)
3 nights Selva Verde (they now have a/c in certain bungalows)
1 night Peace Lodge
Stay somewhere near SJO if have an early flight

I really appreciate everyone's help on this!

guanacaste

the rainy season starts here may!
in guanacaste feb, march and even april can be unbearably hot!
in monteverde at that time of year theres a wind that makes evenings almost chilly.
arenal is reasonably cool!
the peace lodge is close to alejuela where SJO airport is located, so maybe stay there 2 nights, see the watefall, butterfly garden and do a trip to volcan poas:


http://monteverde.typepad.com/photos...costarica.html

id spend no more than 2 nights in monteverde, once uve visited the cloud forest, aint a lot to see or do. go to santa elena reserve early morning or monteverde at night for best chance to see wildlife,:

http://monteverde.typepad.com/montev...ome/index.html

http://costa-rica.typepad.com/santa_...rve/index.html


perhaps u should consider spending ur first night at peace lodge straight from SJO and the final 2 nights at Manuel Antonio??
its hot in MA, but it usually rains in the afternoon cooling things down.

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/manuel...ome/index.html

lorrie2404

When you said: in monteverde at that time of year theres a wind that makes evenings almost chilly. arenal is reasonably cool!

Do you mean for "that time of year" being Feb, March & April or end of April & beginning May?

We're into nature & photography so we're thinking 3 nights Monteverde because the first day is just driving there. That would leave us 2 days of exploring. We get in late to SJO the first night, so I don't want to drive anywhere at night. We were thinking of going to MA, but there may be too much development for what we like to see--that's why we're considering Villa Lapas (plus I really want to see Scarlett Macaws!). I like your thought for spending the last night (maybe two) at Peace Lodge if we can get a later flight out (so far I'm finding around a 10:00 am flight).

shillmac

lorrie, the temps in Costa Rica don't vary all that much unless you change altitude. The beach areas are hot regardless of which month you are there. Sure, there might be a few degrees difference between March and July, but not much. When those p.m. rains show up, sure, it cools things down just a bit, but not an appreciable difference. The Caribbean beaches tend to be a few degrees cooler than than Pacific beaches.

Some of the central and highland areas (such as Monteverde) are more temperate due to the altitude. There are areas of the country that, regardless of the month and the rainfall, feel just like Colorado and you'll need a light jacket or long sleeves year round!

If the heat bothers you a LOT, you will be uncomfortable at Villa Lapas and Selva Verde. Try to secure AC in those areas. Monteverde, Arenal, and Peace Lodge will be pleasant.

We always find ourselves enjoying Costa Rica so much that we tolerate the climate even when it's a little uncomfortable. I think you will as well! Good luck!

lorrie2404

Thanks so much for this info--we've decided to go for it and I'm now planning our trip! I've heard from Selva Verde that they have an a/c bungalow available and that was the only place I was worried wouldn't have a/c (just may need it for sleeping!).

shillmac

Have fun with the planning! You'll appreciate the AC at Selva Verde. We would have been more comfortable for sure, but managed okay at La Quinta nearby.