Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
November is a strong shoulder-month for travel out of Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). As rainy season tapers, the Pacific coast (Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas) becomes more accessible while San José and Alajuela remain mild. Travelers leaving SJO for Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) should watch fares: early November weekdays often offer the best prices before Thanksgiving spikes. Popular nearby destinations to visit before departure include Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde cloud forest, Manuel Antonio and the Nicoya Peninsula. Book flights early, confirm baggage rules with carriers such as American, Delta, United or Copa, and consider connections through Miami, Charlotte or Atlanta for the most frequent schedules in November.
For international departures from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in November, arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure to allow for check-in, security, and occasional November weather delays. Peak departure windows around midday and early evening can be busier during the Thanksgiving travel period later in the month, so plan extra time if traveling then.
November is a transition month in Costa Rica: you may experience intermittent rain in the Central Valley but Pacific coast regions begin to dry out. Temperatures around Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) (San José/Alajuela area) typically range between 18–27°C (64–81°F); pack a light rain jacket and layers for airport comfort.
Direct nonstop flights between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) are uncommon; most itineraries in November include one connection via hubs like Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL) or Houston (IAH). Search for one-stop itineraries to find the best balance of price and total travel time.
From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) you can take official airport taxis, ride-hailing services where available, private transfers, or rental cars to reach San José, Alajuela, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tamarindo and other popular destinations. In November, road conditions can be wetter in some regions so allow extra transfer time during the rainy transitions.
As of November, most standard international health and entry requirements apply; travelers should verify entry rules for the United States and any carrier-specific policies before departure. Because regulations can change, check airline notices and official resources like the Costa Rica Tourism Board and the U.S. Department of State within 72 hours of travel.
Confirm baggage allowances with your airline before heading to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), especially for one-stop itineraries where different carriers may have different rules. For November travel, weigh luggage at home, keep important documents in carry-on, and allow extra time for gate changes or re-checking baggage at connection airports.
Arriving at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in November means stepping into classic Carolina fall weather and holiday preparations. Expect cooler temperatures and potential early frosts compared with Costa Rica; layers are essential. The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) is easily accessible via rental car, rideshare or shuttle. If your journey coincides with Thanksgiving week, allow additional time for immigration processing and baggage. For connecting itineraries, common U.S. hubs for SJO–RDU travel include Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL).
Arrivals at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) typically clear U.S. entry procedures at their first U.S. point of entry; if your itinerary connects in the U.S., you may clear customs there and simply reboard. If RDU is your first U.S. entry, allow time for customs and baggage claim. November brings cooler fall weather—pack a light jacket and check connection times especially during Thanksgiving week when airports are busier.
Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) offers rental cars, ride-hailing pickup zones, airport shuttles and taxis to reach Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Greensboro and the Research Triangle Park. In November, allow extra travel time for leaf-peeping traffic and holiday shoppers later in the month; pre-booking a rental or shuttle can save time on arrival.
November in the Raleigh-Durham area is fall weather: crisp mornings and cooler evenings with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to low 60s °F (12–17°C). Expect potential early frosts late in the month and pack layers for comfort after your arrival from warm Costa Rica.
In November, Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) often adjusts schedules for holiday traffic and launches seasonal services like increased shuttle options and holiday staffing for baggage and security. Keep an eye on airline messages about schedule changes and allow extra time during Thanksgiving week for arrivals and baggage claim.
Yes — popular nearby attractions accessible from Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) include downtown Raleigh museums and restaurants, Durham's food scene and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. November is ideal for fall foliage drives and visiting Research Triangle Park businesses; plan shorter day trips if your flight lands late in the day.
November marks seasonal shifts that can affect travel between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU). In Costa Rica, November includes observances such as All Saints' Day (November 1) and a ramp-up of tourism on the Pacific coast as the dry season begins. In North Carolina, late November centers on Thanksgiving (last Thursday in November) and the start of holiday events, including tree lighting ceremonies and downtown parades in Raleigh and Durham. These events can increase demand for flights, rental cars and hotels — especially around the holiday weekend — so book early if your trip overlaps major dates.
The best time to fly from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) in November is early in the month on weekdays, when fares tend to be lowest and availability high. Avoid Thanksgiving week (late November) if you want lower prices and easier connections; that period typically sees higher airfares and fuller flights. For better weather around Costa Rica, target the latter part of November for Pacific coastal sunshine as the dry season begins. Book 1–3 months in advance to capture the best balance of price and schedule options.
Most travelers between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) will book connecting flights in November. Connecting itineraries often save money but add layover time: common hubs include Miami (MIA) for American and American partners, Charlotte (CLT) for American, Atlanta (ATL) for Delta, and Houston (IAH) for United. Advantages of connecting flights include lower fares and more schedule options; disadvantages include longer total travel time and higher risk of missed connections during seasonal weather or holiday surges. If speed and reduced transfer stress are priorities, choose the shortest single-connection itinerary and allow at least 90 minutes for domestic connections after an international leg.
Popular carrier options for the SJO→RDU route in November include American Airlines (frequent connections via Miami or Charlotte), Delta Air Lines (via Atlanta), United Airlines (via Houston or Newark), and Copa Airlines (one-stop through Panama City with connections). American often provides competitive one-stop schedules and connections via Charlotte (CLT); Delta offers strong connectivity via Atlanta (ATL); United's hub in Houston (IAH) can be convenient if you prefer United's network. Compare total travel time, baggage fees, and alliance benefits when booking: a slightly higher fare on a one-stop itinerary with shorter layovers can be preferable to a cheaper itinerary with a long overnight connection. CTA: Compare carriers and their November SJO–RDU schedules to find the best balance of price and convenience.
Packing and planning for November travel between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) requires considerations for two climates. For Costa Rica: bring breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, quick-dry layers and a light rain shell for occasional showers. For arrival in North Carolina: pack warmer layers, a medium jacket and comfortable shoes for fall outings. Book accommodations and ground transport ahead if traveling during Thanksgiving; allow extra time for potential weather-related delays and re-check connection windows. Consider travel insurance for itinerary changes and verify passport validity and U.S. entry requirements before departure. CTA: finalize your November itinerary now — reserve flights, ground transport and accommodations early to ensure availability and the best fares.
Direct nonstop flights between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) are rare. Typical itineraries in November are one-stop connections via hubs such as Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL) or Houston (IAH). Flight time from San José to a U.S. East Coast hub averages 3.5–4.5 hours; total door-to-door travel time to RDU typically ranges from 6.5 to 11+ hours depending on layover length. For tight connections, choose flights with at least 90–120 minutes between international arrival and domestic departure to allow for customs and security. Use flexible scheduling and search early-morning departures to reduce risk of missed connections.
To find cheap flights between Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) in November, search 6–8 weeks ahead and target early November weekdays. Monitor one-stop itineraries through hubs such as Miami (MIA), Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL) where competition can lower fares. Use flexible-date search tools, set fare alerts, and compare round-trip versus one-way pricing. Consider combining different carriers for outbound and return if the savings are significant. Typical round-trip price ranges in November often fall between approximately $400–$700 depending on demand and connections; booking earlier in the month usually yields the best deals. CTA: set fare alerts for 'Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) November' to lock in savings.
