Things to Do in Costa Rica in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Costa Rica
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season transition means lush landscapes without the worst of rainy season - you'll get that postcard-perfect jungle canopy and rushing waterfalls, but afternoon showers are shorter (20-30 minutes typically) and less predictable than October. Mornings are usually clear until 2-3pm.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Día de los Muertos - accommodations drop 20-30% compared to December-April high season, and you can actually book popular lodges in Monteverde or Manuel Antonio with just 2-3 weeks notice instead of the 2-3 months you'd need in dry season.
- Wildlife viewing hits a sweet spot - animals are still concentrated around water sources from the tail end of rainy season, but trails are more accessible than September-October. Sea turtle nesting continues on both coasts (leatherbacks on the Caribbean side, olive ridleys at Ostional), and you'll catch the start of humpback whale season in Uvita.
- Fewer North American tourists before Thanksgiving week - you're visiting before the December-January crush, so popular spots like La Fortuna Waterfall or Arenal hanging bridges feel significantly less crowded. That said, the last week of November sees a spike as Americans arrive for Thanksgiving, so first three weeks are noticeably quieter.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability makes planning tricky - November sits in this weird transition where some years feel like extended rainy season (daily afternoon storms) while others get early dry season conditions. You can't reliably plan beach days or long hikes without backup options, and Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) still gets significant rain even when Pacific side is clearing up.
- Some remote areas remain challenging to access - unpaved roads to places like Corcovado National Park or southern Osa Peninsula can still be muddy and require 4WD. River crossings might be impassable after overnight rain, and boat services to Tortuguero sometimes get delayed. If your trip depends on reaching remote locations on tight timelines, November can be frustrating.
- Not ideal for serious beach time - Pacific coast beaches are transitioning but you'll still get afternoon clouds rolling in, and Caribbean side is actually entering its rainier secondary season. Water visibility for snorkeling and diving is decent but not peak (that comes January-April). If your primary goal is lounging on beaches with guaranteed sun, you're visiting the wrong month.
Best Activities in November
Cloud Forest Exploration in Monteverde
November is actually ideal for Monteverde and Santa Elena cloud forests - the mist and moisture create that ethereal atmosphere these ecosystems are famous for, and the rain keeps things genuinely cloud-like rather than just regular forest. Resplendent quetzals are more visible as they start nesting season, and the canopy is alive with activity. Morning visits (7-10am) offer the best wildlife viewing before afternoon clouds roll in thicker. The cooler temperatures at 1,400-1,700 m (4,600-5,600 ft) elevation mean you're comfortable hiking even with 70% humidity.
White Water Rafting on Pacuare River
November water levels are perfect - high enough for exciting rapids (Class III-IV) but not the dangerous flooding you might get in September-October. The Pacuare River cuts through pristine rainforest canyon with waterfalls cascading down the sides, and November's greenery makes it visually stunning. You'll get wet anyway, so the occasional rain doesn't matter. This is genuinely one of the best rafting experiences in Central America, and November offers that sweet spot between too-low dry season flows and sketchy high-water conditions.
Arenal Volcano Area Hot Springs and Hiking
La Fortuna area in November gives you active volcano views (when clouds cooperate - maybe 40-50% of mornings) and the natural hot springs feel especially good after humid days. The volcano itself has been in a resting phase since 2010, but the perfectly conical shape against jungle backdrop is still impressive. Hiking trails around Arenal 1968 lava flows are accessible, and you can do morning hikes (6-9am) before afternoon weather moves in. Hot springs range from budget local spots (10-15 USD) to resort experiences (45-90 USD) - both are genuinely thermal, just different atmospheres.
Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Watching
November is transition season here - you'll dodge the worst crowds of high season but still get decent weather, especially mornings. The park limits daily visitors to 600, and November sees maybe 400-500 most days versus the 600 cap hit daily December-April. Wildlife is incredibly accessible - three species of monkeys, sloths, agoutis, iguanas, and over 180 bird species. Beaches inside the park are genuinely beautiful, though swimming conditions vary. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) main trail takes 2-3 hours with wildlife stops. Arrive right at 7am opening to beat tour groups that show up 8:30-9am.
Caribbean Coast Sea Turtle Nesting Observation
November is prime time for leatherback turtle nesting at Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast - these massive turtles (up to 700 kg or 1,540 lbs) come ashore at night to lay eggs, and watching it happen is genuinely moving. You must go with certified guides (required by law, and rightfully so for conservation). The experience involves night walks on dark beaches, waiting quietly, then observing from a respectful distance. It's not guaranteed every night, but November success rates run 60-70% for seeing at least one turtle. The village of Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or small plane, which adds to the adventure.
Coffee Plantation Tours in Central Valley
November timing is interesting for coffee - harvest season (October-February) is just getting started, so you can actually see picking happening on some farms, especially at higher elevations around Poás or Doka Estate areas. The Central Valley around San José and Alajuela sits at perfect coffee-growing elevation (1,200-1,400 m or 3,900-4,600 ft), and November weather is pleasant up here - cooler than coasts, less rain than October. Tours walk you through the full process from cherry to cup, and the landscapes of coffee-covered hillsides are genuinely beautiful. This is a solid half-day activity, especially if you're spending time in San José area anyway.
November Events & Festivals
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
November 1-2 sees Costa Rican families visiting cemeteries to clean and decorate graves with flowers, particularly in Central Valley towns. It's more subdued than Mexican celebrations - think family gatherings and church services rather than big public festivals. Cemeteries in Cartago and San José see the most activity. Worth experiencing if you're in the area, but not a destination event you'd plan a trip around.
Día de la Independencia Celebrations (spillover events)
While Independence Day itself is September 15, some towns in November still have community festivals and celebrations that got delayed or extended. You might catch local fiestas patronales (patron saint festivals) in smaller towns throughout November - these feature traditional music, food stalls, and sometimes bull riding events (Tico-style, where people run into the ring with the bull). Specific dates vary by town and aren't published far in advance, so ask locally if anything is happening during your visit.