Weather
September in Costa Rica is deep into the rainy season which spans from May to November. There are a number of benefits to traveling during this time: lower prices, fewer crowds (more on this below), and the fact that Costa Rica's already lush vegetation becomes is even more flourishing. Sure, there's more of a chance of rainy skies on your beach holiday, but the tradeoff is that the tropical dry heat found in certain parts of the country is a bit more bearable.
The popular surf village of Tamarindo, for example, enjoys averages in the 70s during the rainy season as opposed to the 80s and higher during other times of the year. The Caribbean coast is in the middle of its dry season too, which makes the weather great to come visit Tortuguero National Park and the surf villages like Puerto Viejo. Costa Rica's rainy season can be so pleasant, in fact, that locals have taken to calling it the "green season." Read our guide for visiting Costa Rica in the rainy season.
Crowds & Costs
Because September falls in Costa Rica's offseason, you can expect fewer tourists and all the benefits that come along with it, like reduced hotel room prices and cheaper international airfares (and some cheaper local flights, too). That said, because September is also the time of the country's Independence Day, expect huge crowds of locals in cities and towns from the middle of the month onward. Overall it's a great party, but it might slow down your transport times if you're driving through such places.
Where to Go
Some parts of Costa Rica will likely be drizzly this time of year. One exception is the Caribbean coast, where you can come for sunshine and surfing. Puerto Viejo, for example, has a rich Afro-Caribbean heritage as well as some great surf breaks (particularly at Salsa Brava Beach). And Guanacaste Province is an area that remains reliably hot and dry all year—there's very little rainfall even in the rainy season. The same goes for the beautiful Pacific beaches on the Gulf of Papagayo.
If your trip coincides with Independence Day (9/15), then you're in luck. It's a colorful, raucous affair with people adorning cars, homes, and businesses with the Costa Rican flag. Celebrations kick off with the Desfile de Faroles, a night parade of children carrying homemade lanterns. Cartago, located just outside San José, is the final destination of a symbolic independence torch that is literally carried by relay runners all the way from Guatemala. Needless to say, the parades and parties are epic.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
If there's one activity tailor-made for Costa Rica's green season, it's rafting. By June, the rivers are raging and the greenery along the banks is in full bloom. That's not to say the only options are for adrenaline junkies (like the wild class IV rapids on Reventazon River); the Savegre River, which passes through Manuel Antonio National Park, features class II and III rapids ideal for kids as young as eight.
If you have an interest in marine life, head to the Osa Peninsula. and the Isla del Cano Biological Reserve. Here you can see humpback whales migrating up from the south during the months of July to November. During this time it's possible to see them mating or, if you're lucky, giving birth to calves.
And your best chance to view nesting turtles is during the green season. From July to December (and most frequently in September-November), thousands of female leatherback and green sea turtles crawl up the 22-mile (35 km) stretch of beach in Tortuguero National Park to lay their eggs. To see the mass nesting of olive ridley sea turtles, visit the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, located on the Pacific coast.
Events in September
Independence Day. September 15th is CostaRica's Independence Day (they officially achieved it in 1821), and ticos celebrate in style. They don traditional dress and parade through the streets in most cities and towns throughout the country.
International Coastal Clean-Up Day. In mid-September, the Ocean Conservancy spearheads efforts to tackle coastal pollution by sponsoring volunteers to clean up local beaches.
Traveling to Costa Rica in September? Check out these great itineraries.
Caribbean Coast Adventure. Spend a fun-filled week hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling in coral reefs, rafting the world-class rapids of Río Pacuare, and more. This itinerary is ideal for travelers heading to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during rainy months—and it's also the best time to see turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park
Costa Rica Whitewater and Surfing. From a whitewater rafting adventure along miles of tropical scenery on the Pacuare River to an excursion to one of the country's top surf spots, this short and sweet itinerary is jam-packed with thrilling aquatic experiences.
More Helpful Information
Costa Rica in August
Costa Rica in October
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Visiting Costa Rica in the Rainy Season
Costa Rica Itinerary Ideas