While some travelers may shy away from visiting during this time, the rainy season offers a unique and vibrant experience that's worth exploring. In fact, you CAN still have an incredible time in Costa Rica during rainy season despite what you may have read, but there are some things to know so you can come fully prepared.
In this blog post, find a guide to visiting Costa Rica in the rainy season, best activities and destinations to enjoy during Costa Rica's rainy season, ensuring your trip is both memorable and enjoyable.
Table of content :
When is Costa Rica’s Rainy Season?
Costa Rica has two seasons: dry season and rainy season. The rainy season, also known as the green season runs from mid-May through November for the majority of the country. Although there aren’t the four seasons in Costa Rica, rainy season is considered Costa Rica’s “winter.”
The transition months from dry to rainy are April and May. The rainiest months in Costa Rica are September and October. November and December are the transition months from rainy to dry season.
Read our complete blog article to understand Costa Rica's season : Best time to visit Costa Rica : rainy season, green season or dry season?. You can also read our blog article about Costa rica weather by month
Weather by Region in Costa Rica
Central Valley (San Jose, Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela)
In the Central Valley, which includes cities such as San Jose, Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia, daytime temperatures average around the high 70s F (26 C). At night, it cools off to around 60-65 F (15-18 C). If you venture into the mountains surrounding these cities, the weather becomes cooler, windier, and rainier. Sporadic rains typically begin around the end of March or the beginning of April, often occurring in the evenings and nights.
Guanacaste Coast and Nicoya Peninsula
The Northern Pacific coast, encompassing Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, experiences a much drier climate. Daytime temperatures remain hot, averaging around the mid-80s F (30 C), accompanied by high humidity. Heavy, consistent rains generally start in August or September. Mornings tend to be mostly cloudy, with rain more common in the afternoons and evenings. As a transition month, May may experience intermittent rains and is usually very cloudy and humid.
Central and South Pacific Coast (Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Costa Ballena, Osa Peninsula)
The Central and South Pacific coast, including areas like Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, and the Osa Peninsula, is known for its high humidity and frequent rainfall. Average temperatures hover around the mid-80s F (29 C). This region can start seeing rains as early as the beginning of April, though it can also rain during the dry season due to its tropical rainforest climate.
Mountainous Areas (Monteverde, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, San Gerardo de Dota, etc.)
Mountainous regions such as Monteverde, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, Bajos del Toro, Poasito, San Vito, and San Gerardo de Dota are significantly cooler. Daytime temperatures range from the low to mid-70s F (21-23 C), and nighttime temperatures drop to the low 60s F (15-16 C). It can get even colder if it's windy. In San Gerardo de Dota, nighttime temperatures can dip to around 50 F (10 C).
Caribbean Coast (Limon Province)
The Caribbean coast, including Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo, follows a distinct weather pattern. The rainiest months are typically June and November, but rainfall can occur at any time of the year. October is usually considered their summer month.
Temperatures During Costa Rica’s Rainy Season
Average daytime temperatures in Costa Rica remain fairly consistent throughout the year, even between the dry and rainy seasons. During the rainy season, temperatures cool off slightly, but the humidity increases significantly.
Why Visit Costa Rica During the Rainy Season?
Fewer crowds & beaches all to yourself
The rainy season's lesser popularity works to your advantage. Fewer crowds mean more available beach chairs, fewer people on your day tours, and more personalized service. Who wouldn’t love that?
Even popular destinations like Manuel Antonio empty out in September and October. Renting a car and exploring can lead you to discover stunning, secluded beaches.
Spontaneous planning
The green season allows for a more relaxed approach to trip planning. If you want to plan a last-minute trip to Costa Rica, you can easily do so. In the rainy season, you can often put together a trip just a month in advance, embracing a laid-back, stress-free experience.
The best "Pura Vida" experience
You can experience the Pura Vida lifestyle anytime during your trip to Costa Rica, but the rainy season offers a unique opportunity. The no-worries, go-with-the-flow attitude of the locals is best appreciated without the hustle and bustle of the dry season. Engage with your tour guide, chat with the busboy—Costa Ricans are friendly and eager to share their culture.
Enjoy cooler temperatures
While Costa Rica brings the heat, one of the perks of the afternoon showers during the rainy season is the cooling effect. When the heat becomes intense, these showers provide a refreshing break, making your vacation more comfortable.
See more amazing wildlife
In the rainy season, the animals of Costa Rica come to life. Not only is the forest rejuvenated with the rain, but so are the animals. Although you can see wildlife in Costa Rica year-round, the rainy season offers unique natural phenomena, especially for marine wildlife enthusiasts. Everything is green, food is plentiful, and new animals are born making the entire forest more active
Scuba Diving:
The Bat Islands (Islas Murcielago), accessible only during the rainy season (May - November), are one of Costa Rica’s premier scuba diving spots, featuring a thriving population of bull sharks and manta rays.
Turtles:
If spotting turtles is on your bucket list, visit during the rainy season. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge hosts mass gatherings of nesting turtles, called arribadas, peaking in September, October, and November. Tortuguero is another excellent turtle-watching destination, with nesting season from May to November.
Whales and Dolphins:
Costa Rica boasts a long humpback whale season, with August and September being the best months for sightings. Uvita celebrates this with the Whale and Dolphin Festival in August. Top whale-watching spots include Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio, Gulf of Nicoya, Golfo Dulce, and Marino Ballena National Park. You can even spot whales in the Gulf of Papagayo and near the Catalinas Islands by Flamingo Beach.
Costa Rica is so green during rainy season!
Keep in mind, Costa Rica is a tropical region with a variety of rainforest ecosystems. And in order to see that lush, green landscape we all love so much- it must rain. The rainy season transforms Costa Rica into a lush, green paradise. Areas like Playas del Coco, which become dry and desert-like during the dry season, turn verdant and vibrant with a few good rains.
Save money during Costa Rica’s Rainy Season
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season is the reduced number of tourists. Naturally, less demand means better prices. This means you can enjoy popular attractions without the crowds and take advantage of lower prices on accommodations and tours. Travel in the rainy season and you basically have just given yourself a complimentary upgrade. Just consider that it’s not unheard of to have exactly the same itinerary in the rainy season and pay half the price.
Hotels and car rentals often have lower rates during this period. For example, a hotel that costs $100 USD per night in the high season might be $80 USD per night in the low season. Many tour companies and restaurants also offer promotions, especially in September and October. When visiting Manuel Antonio in October, you might find restaurants offering 30-50% off their entire menu.
However, note that July's first and second weeks are considered high season due to North American and European summer vacations and Costa Rican mid-winter vacations. August is also a high travel season on the Caribbean coast. The cheapest times to travel are the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October.
Rivers and Waterfalls Are Fuller
During the rainy season, water levels rise, making water sports like rafting and tubing more thrilling. The rapids become more exciting, with gushing waters surrounded by dark green jungles. Similarly, waterfalls, which can be smaller and drier in the dry season, become fuller and more impressive. Seeing a massive waterfall drop from a tall cliff is a breathtaking experience.
Note: Be aware that heavy rains can change the color of some waterfalls and rivers due to sediment runoff. For example, La Fortuna waterfall can turn from bright green/blue to grey. Blue waterfalls like Las Gemelas, Rio Celeste, or La Leona may appear murky brown instead of sky blue during heavy rains. Additionally, extreme weather can sometimes lead to the cancellation of rafting or tubing tours, particularly in August, September, October, and November.
Rainy Season in Costa Rica: What to Do?
1. Explore lush rainforests and waterfalls
One of the best ways to experience this natural beauty is by visiting the numerous national parks and reserves, such as Corcovado National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Manuel Antonio National Park. During the rainy season, waterfalls are at their most spectacular, so don't miss out visiting best waterfalls in Costa Rica like La Fortuna Waterfall, Nauyaca Waterfalls, and Rio Celeste.
2. Relax in Hot Springs or do a Spa treatment
After a day of exploring, there's nothing better than soaking in a natural Costa Rica hot spring. The Arenal region, home to the Arenal Volcano, is famous for its hot springs. The rainy season enhances the experience as the cool, misty weather contrasts beautifully with the warm, therapeutic waters. Some popular Arenal hot springs to visit that we recommand : Tabacón, Eco Termales, and Baldi Hot Springs.
This is also the perfect time for a spa treatment, a well-deserved afternoon nap, or a quick bath before dinner.
3. Experience Cultural Activities
The rainy season provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture. Visit San José for its museums, theaters, and vibrant markets. Check out the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Jade Museum, and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. You can also enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine at local sodas (small restaurants) or take a spice plantation tour to learn about one of the country's most important exports.
4. Surfing and Water Sports
Costa Rica is a surfer's paradise year-round, and the rainy season is no exception. The Pacific coast, particularly areas with best surfing spots in Costa Rica like Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Dominical, offers fantastic surf conditions with consistent waves. If surfing isn't your thing, try other water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, or white-water rafting in rivers such as the Sarapiquí.
5. Adventure Activities
For adrenaline junkies, the rainy season is perfect for adventure activities. Zip-lining through the rain-soaked canopy, canyoning down waterfalls, or taking an ATV tour through muddy trails can be exhilarating experiences.
Tips for Visiting Costa Rica During the Rainy Season
Tours
Morning Activities: Schedule your tours and activities for the morning. Typically, it’s sunny and dry in the morning, with rain usually coming in the late afternoon and evening.
Social Media Updates: Check the Facebook or Instagram accounts of the tours, hotels, and places you plan to visit. They often post updates on weather and conditions.
Flexible Booking: You don’t necessarily need to pre-book all your activities. This allows you to adjust your plans based on the weather.
Packing
Mosquito Repellent: Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during the rainy season, so make sure to pack repellent.
Waterproof Gear: Be prepared for sudden rain by bringing waterproof items.
Rain Jacket and Umbrella: Always carry a lightweight rain jacket and a small travel umbrella.
Sunscreen: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the sun can be strong.
Driving
Avoid Night Driving: We don’t recommend driving long distances in the late afternoon or night during the rainy season, as it tends to rain more heavily at these times. If your flight lands after 3-4 PM and your next destination is three hours away, consider staying near the airport for the night and leaving early the next morning. It gets dark around 5/6 PM daily in Costa Rica.
Navigation: If you plan to rent a car, get a GPS or use Waze/Google Maps on your phone. Road signs can be hard to see in heavy rain. Consider getting a Costa Rican prepaid SIM card so you can make calls in case of emergency. When using GPS, avoid taking the shortest route or detours, as they often lead to unpaved roads. If you miss a turn, go back to the main road.
Vehicle Choice: Rent a 4×4 or 4WD if you plan to explore mountainous areas or stay outside the main tourist zones.
Power Outages: In some areas, power outages can occur during rain or thunderstorms. Bring a battery powerbank to keep your phone charged, and a headlamp or flashlight will also be handy.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to Costa Rica during the rainy season while staying safe and comfortable.
Conclusion : ready to visit Costa Rica during the rainy season?
You will have understood, the rainy season in Costa Rica is a fantastic time to visit, offering unique experiences and natural beauty at every turn. From exploring lush rainforests and enjoying hot springs to engaging in cultural activities and thrilling adventures, there's something for everyone. Embrace the rain and discover the magic of Costa Rica during this vibrant season. Pura vida !
This article might interest you :