When Is Costa Rica's Rainy Season
Given Costa Rica's location near the equator and between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the Central American country experiences a tropical climate and enjoys just two seasons: dry and rainy. The rainy season, which lasts from May to November, is often referred to as the "green" season (or as "winter" by Costa Ricans) due to the brilliant foliage that thrives during this period. May and November are transitional months leading into and out of the green season.
And while there's an increase in precipitation during these months, depending on where you are in the country determines just how much rainfall (and how frequent) you can expect.
The country can be divided by the Pacific and Caribbean and again into smaller microclimates, including the Northern Zone, Central Valley, and Monteverde.
Rainy Season on the Pacific coast & in the Central Valley & Monteverde
The Pacific coast's green season begins later in May (the north Pacific coast region is the hottest and driest of the country). Meanwhile, Central Valley and Monteverde experience the bulk of their rain in September and October, when it rains harder, longer, and more frequently.
Rainy Season on the Caribbean coast & in the Northern Zone
The Caribbean coast and Northern Zone receive rain year-round (and are wetter in general than elsewhere in the country). Yet September and October are slightly drier months seeing more sun, and December and January are the rainiest.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in the Rainy Season
The transition months of May and November are two of the best months to visit Costa Rica during the rainy season, with November coming out ahead by a small margin. The country sees mostly great weather (November generally sees less rainfall than May), deals can be found, and there are fewer crowds.
July and August, on the other hand, have their advantages. Typically, around mid-July and sometimes pushing into August, there's what the country calls the veranillo (little summer). You can expect significantly less rainfall, which is most evident on the northern Pacific coast. Note that as green season travel becomes more popular (especially as Europeans take their vacations traditionally during July and August), it might be more difficult to find discounted accommodation rates.
Other months of the rainy season have their benefits, which you'll want to consider when planning your Costa Rica travel.
Costa Rica in May
May is a transitional, shoulder-season month with a slight increase in precipitation from the dry season. Much of the day is sunny, with showers in the afternoons and/or evening bursts. Temperatures are slightly cooler than in previous months in the north Pacific coast region and the Northern Zone.
Costa Rica in June
Costa Rica is now green all over. June sees a slight increase in rainfall from May, but like the previous month, no region is off limits. That said, plan outdoor activities in the morning and early afternoon before the bouts of showers. Monteverde is more consistently cloudy and rainy, while the Caribbean side sees more precipitation. Bear in mind that as schools in the US and Canada let out for summer vacation, there's an uptick in traveling families.
Costa Rica in July & August
Within the green season, there's the so-called "sweet spot," usually starting in mid-July and sometimes pushing into the beginning of August. With less rainfall, particularly on the northern Pacific coast (farther south along the coast sees typical green season rains), it's an ideal time for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities.
Costa Rica in September & October
September and October are the rainiest months everywhere but the Caribbean coast. Avoid the Pacific coast if you're looking to have a beach holiday, though if you've come for southern humpback whales, this is where you want to be. Wildlife spotting continues to be strong if you don't mind seeking them out, getting wet and a bit muddy. Alternatively, sunseekers will want to book a trip to the Caribbean coast, the best months of the year for this region.
Keep in mind that where it's rainiest, some businesses will be temporarily closed, and you can expect road closures. Renting a vehicle these months isn't recommended.
Costa Rica in November
Another transition month. Though November rains begin to lessen (the average precipitation is less than May), and more hours of sunshine are to be had, it can still rain in the afternoons and nights, particularly at higher elevations. Flight deals continue to be available and the crowds aren't yet in full force.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Why Visit Costa Rica During the Rainy Season
With a bit of research, you'll find the rainy season has advantages over the peak dry season months (December-April). Namely, the weather in some regions is cooler, and certain months are less wet than you might expect; there are fewer crowds to contend with, and accommodation and airfare rates are less costly. The country is at its most beautiful, wildlife is particularly abundant, and activities like whitewater rafting get a boost.
It's Cooler & It's Not Always Rainy
As a tropical country, temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year. However, some regions, like Guanacaste on the north Pacific coast, will be a few degrees cooler in the green season, so walking barefoot on the beach in Tamarindo won't burn your feet. And while humidity increases during the wet months, afternoon downpours and/or evening showers, as well as coastal breezes, can usher in a welcome break from that sticky heat.
That said, depending on the month, it doesn't rain all day every day. From May to August and in November, you'll experience only a couple of hours of (torrential) rain, typically starting around 3 pm. Meanwhile, Arenal/La Fortuna and the Caribbean coast are exceptions. They follow less distinct rainy and dry seasons; they're rainy year-round, though Arenal experiences slightly less precipitation in May and September, and the Caribbean side of the country sees the most sun in September and October.
Fewer Travelers & Better Rates
The green season is considered Costa Rica's off-season, which means you'll have much of the country's natural beauty, including some beaches, to yourself. Group tours might end up being semi-private, and snagging last-minute reservations is much more likely. You'll also be able to find cheaper flights and have more choices, from accommodation to tour options. Your kimkim specialist is available to help you take advantage of the rainy season rates.
Keep in mind that some businesses may temporarily close in September and October.
Costa Rica is at its Greenest
Costa Rica is generally quite green. But when May rolls around, it's a matter of days before the Pacific coastline, valleys, and hills transform from dry, crispy yellow and brown vegetation to every shade of green. As the rainy season progresses, so does the flora, which is now adding vibrant pops of colorful blooms to the already lush green backdrop.
Wildlife is Abundant
With the increase in precipitation, forests are revitalized, and food is more plentiful, resulting in more active animals. Add to this, new animals are being born, and with fewer people on the trails, you're more likely to catch some of this activity. The Pacific coast welcomes the year's largest arribadas (arrivals) of nesting sea turtles (September-November), and dolphin and whale watching continues to be popular, with August and September being particularly prime for humpback whales.
Rivers & Waterfalls Are Fuller
Water levels rise come the rainy season, making river rafting and tubing much more exciting than the dry season. Then, with swelling rivers, waterfalls are more impressive. Be aware, however, that from August to November, there are more chances for rafting and tubing excursions to be canceled when the weather turns stormy. Likewise, waterfalls like La Fortuna waterfall will appear gray (and not its typical green-blue) due to the sediment runoff from the rains.
Where to Go & What to Do
When it's the rainy season, nowhere is off-limits, as the weather changes by region. If you're planning a trip to the Caribbean side and Northern Zone, you can expect warm temperatures and rain year-round with high humidity. However, in the northern Pacific coast region, there's marginally less humidity, and the showers are typically lighter and don't last as long as those in other parts of the country, like the southern area of the same coast (the Osa Peninsula). Certain activities, like waterfall hikes and canopy tours, can be enjoyed all year in Costa Rica, but others, like rafting and turtle spotting, are best experienced during Costa Rica's green season.
Pacific Coast
(Tamarindo, Gulf of Papagayo, Nicoya Peninsula)
Popular with beach lovers, surfers, and yogis, the Pacific coast region is renowned for its coastline, surf, and wellness activities. The northern Pacific coast (Guanacaste) is the hottest and driest, becoming increasingly wetter the farther down the coast you venture. May and June see bouts of afternoon rains, while August and September see more consistent daily afternoon and evening rains.
Head down to the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay and join a dolphin and whale watching tour. This coastal village straddles Corcovado National Park, and just offshore from July to November, you can spot dolphins and humpback whales migrating up from the south. In this area, you can see them engaged in mating or, if you're lucky, giving birth to calves. Drake Bay is accessible via air from San José. Read more about wildlife spotting in this Ultimate Guide to the Osa Peninsula.
Monteverde
Monteverde shelters the popular 26,000-acre (10,522 ha) Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which can be explored via canopy tours, ziplining, hiking trails, and walking along suspension bridges. The area sees perpetual cloud cover, more so during the warm and humid green season. Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve on a bird-watching hike. June or July are two of the best months to spot the famed resplendent quetzal when it's still their breeding season (mid-February to June or July). Bonus: June and July also offer sightings of the morpho butterfly.
Caribbean Coast
(Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo)
The Caribbean coast has great surf (big waves!), beaches, and Tortuguero National Park. While it's the green season in the rest of Costa Rica, it's (relatively) dry summertime on this side, where September and October are the driest months. In this region, you're likely to get the most sun.
One of the best places to see mother sea turtles lay their eggs is in Tortuguero. This protected area features a 22-mile (35 km) beach that is a prime nesting ground for leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles.
The nesting season begins in July when mother turtles emerge from the sea, crawl up on the beach, and lay their eggs at night. Nesting season at Tortuguero ends around mid-October.
Then, on the southern Caribbean coast is the village of Puerto Viejo, an ideal base for surfing with its rich Afro-Caribbean heritage and some great surf breaks. Novice surfers might like to head over to Salsa Beach for a private surf lesson. Read Surfing Costa Rica: A Beach for Every Skill Level for more about catching waves in Costa Rica.
Northern Zone
(Arenal)
Made up of fertile plains, the Northern Zone (also Northern Plains) is home to iconic Arenal Volcano, biodiverse rainforests, and hot springs, attracting travelers seeking adventure sports and wildlife. Arenal and its surroundings receive rain year-round, with less precipitation from May to November. (Traditionally, September and October have been the rainiest months, but in recent years, they have seen lower rainfall totals; stick to May through August to be safe.)
If there's one activity tailor-made for the green season, it's rafting. By June, the rivers are raging, and the greenery along the banks is in full bloom. Pick up a paddle and navigate the Río Sarapiquí. Offering over 40 exciting Class III and IV rapids, sign up to explore them on a full-day whitewater rafting excursion. Active travelers will want to check out this article for more on what to do in the Arenal/La Fortuna area.
Central Valley
(San José)
San José resides in the Central Valley and is ideal for travelers interested in history, art, and culture, while the region itself is one of the country's coffee-producing areas, not to mention a great jumping-off point for some of the country's top rivers that swell with green season rains. Try your skills on the Río Pacuare's II-IV Class rapids, attempt the more gentle Río Balsa's Class II and III rapids, or head to the Río Sarapiquí, which features Class III and IV rapids. There's also some prime wildlife spotting along the banks—you'll see howler monkeys, tapirs, and perhaps a crocodile or two.
Travel Tips
- If you're planning a road trip, rent a 4WD vehicle and be aware of road closures.
- Schedule your outdoor activities in the morning before the afternoon rains.
- During the wetter months, there's an increase in mosquitoes, making it downright mandatory to have mosquito repellent on hand.
- Don't forget the sunscreen; even when it's cloudy, you can still get burned.
- Pack as much waterproof gear (packs, clothing, shoes, etc.) as you can manage (see this packing list for more tips on what to bring), and embrace the fact that you're going to get wet!
- Travel delays and cancellations can be common, especially during the wettest months of September and October (except for the Northern Zone and the Caribbean coast), so consider purchasing travel insurance.
Still unsure when to visit Costa Rica? Read our guide to find the best time for your trip.