1

I don't know what you mean by "wasted trip." Do you mean - I would be unhappy if it rains at all? I would be unhappy if it rains every day? I would be unhappy if it rains part of the time?

Typically, it will be clear in the morning and then rain in the afternoon and be clear after that but some days it may drizzle off and on. And - there is the occasional thunderstorm, like anywhere. Weather patterns are different for different parts of the country.

Usually, people just go ahead and do whatever they are going to do and don't worry about the rain. Use that afternoon rainy time to relax with a good cup of Costa Rican coffee and some hammock time. Relaxing and enjoying your surroundings are also part of vacation. Of course, you can bring a lightweight poncho or small umbrella. Now if you are going to be rafting, it really won't matter if it rains!

2

I recommend that you just go.

Rain might be somewhat frequent.
Some days it might rain or sprinkle on and off, and other days it'll be calm or rainy. Rain is part of what makes Costa Rica (and Central America in general) beautiful, so don't worry too much about it.

The places you listed are well worth a visit and will be good adventures regardless of whether or not it'll rain for a while.

As for your other options (Roatan and Belize), I say that you still go to Costa Rica. Belize is nice, but you might find some more variety in Costa Rica, at least based on your interests. Roatan is amazing (I honestly prefer Honduras instead of Costa Rica), but I wouldn't choose a single island over a country.

Have fun in Costa Rica!:)

3

I would avoid CR in October, for gods sake, its a mess right now, and October is worst month for rainfall.

Many lodges/Inns and smaller boutique hotels have closed up or are planning to in the coming weeks, due to rains and low tourism this year.
If you do go, have low expectations for viewing Arenal, and Monteverde will be a mess, best avoided. It will chilly and damp in the mountains...rainy to say least...fog/clouds 75% of time...

Hit Tortuguero and caribe side IMO.

4

Which areas would be best to go to considering the anticipated very wet rainy season if we are going to be there oct 29- nov 7? It is our first trip there and flights have already been purchased, so no turning back now.

5

Celeste Waterfalls/Volcan Tenerio (Caribe weather)
Cano Negro (Caribe Weather)
Tortuguero (Caribe side)
Playa Pt Viejo/Punta Uva/Manzanillo/Gonduca (Caribe beaches)

And the NW corner, near Playa Tamarindo to Coco/Papagayo, though its touristy in feel, it will be desolate of tourist in late Oct/early Nov.

6

Thank you all so much for your insight so far. To EleanorCR, we consider a wasted trip one in which we are stuck inside watching the rain and/or not anle to get out and see or do many things because of rain...washed out or impassable roads, distorted scenery or scenery we can't see well enough to thoroughly enjoy due to rain, mist, or fog, and so on. We would be unhappy if it rained all of the time. We just want to risk going somewhere if it is a maybe you can do some things or maybe you can't, especially with the option of postponing this particular trip/location to next year. We want to have the freedom and possibility to take in everything Costa Rica has to offer with respect to our time limits. A couple of you mentioned not going this fall at all, SoloHobo you mentioned definately not going in October...would there be any improvement or change in things if we went in early to mid November? You also advised the other poster to stay in the NW corner, is that area drier or have less of a rainy season? Does that are offer some of the same scenery and opportunities that the Central Pacific or Arenal areas do as those were the areas we originally wanted to stay in? I did enjoy your trip report by the way. Finally, for those who say to postpone our trip, when do you all recommend going? Keep in mind we have a rather large window next year to do this in the mid-late spring to early, very early summer and are looking at doing a two week stay. Thank you all again for your help/advise.

7

Mid Nov could be a dramatic difference from Mid Oct...

8

2coconuts: You can check this website for more information about when/how much/where the rainfall is: www.costa-rica-guide.com/weather/weathermap.html

9

I think Manuel Antonio is a must for anyone visiting Costa Rica. Yes, you are visiting in th most rainy months, but you can still have lots of fun even if it is raining. Besides the beautiful scenery the place has lots of activities and family tours and some of them like the canopy or the ATV are more fun in the rain (in my pinion). You can find one of the nicest tours of canopy zip lines in the country: http://www.canopysafari.com they have rappelling, a tarzan swing, suspended bridge, the food is amazing as well. Also they operate a really nice horseback riding adventure, more like the "tico"style country side experience: http://www.safarihorsebackridingtour.com. Also you can find surf lessons, ATV tours, Kayacking and whitewater rafting (which in this season is very good) check: http://amigosdelrio.com, great service, excellent tour, super professional and safe... and you get to ride a real hummer to the river! Let me think of more activities... JetSki along the Manuel Antonio Coast... fantastic, you might see whales and dolphins while at it: http://www.junglecoastjets.com

Don't let a little water ruin your vacation.

hope this helps, i did all of those myself and was pleased by all of them!

Adventravel

10

I'm also planning to go to CR in mid-November but haven't bought tickets yet. Do you all think the rain will be lessening up somewhat by the end of November? Is it really terrible rain right now?

11

End of November is a lot better than beginning, traditionally, but right now, yes, lots of rain...

12

Lots of rain - except on the Caribbean coast where there has even been some water rationing due to lack of rain. By November... who knows?