Visiting Costa Rica during rainy season

Costa Rica is a sensational destination from any weatherly perspective; with gorgeous coastline, thrilling wildlife like sleepy sloths and sparkling quetzals, and such diverse landscapes that every day can bring a completely new experience. The wet season, known as ‘the green season’ in Costa Rica, has so much to offer that it can be just as rewarding as the dry months, despite the occasional shower. Here’s our guide to experiencing Costa Rica’s rainy season…

Costa Rica’s green season, month-by-month

Costa Rica’s green season spans May to November, and conditions can vary across the months…

• The ‘shoulder season’ of May to June is when rain starts to increase after the drier months, but the sun still shines throughout.
• Funnily enough, July brings a break in the rain, and is locally called veranillo, which means mini-summer.
• August and September transition into heavier rainfall which tends to hit in the afternoons – but the silver lining is that landscapes are at their freshest and greenest at this time, and wildlife is abundant.
• October is usually the wettest month, rainfall is pretty consistent – but it does mean barely any tourists, and waterfalls (one of Costa Rica’s best features) are majestically surging.
• At the end of the green season, November has sporadic rainfall and some sunny spells, so it’s a good time to go for great deals and fewer tourists.

Why Costa Rica’s rainy season can be the best time to visit

Most people visit Costa Rica during the dry season from December to April when the weather is sunniest, but the green season can be a fruitful and rewarding time to explore Costa Rica. Prices are much lower, tourist crowds are diminished, and you’re more likely to mingle with locals and experience their way of life. There’s also more last-minute availability during the green season, particularly the rainiest months of October and November.

Of course, there’s the scenery of Costa Rica itself, which truly comes alive when it has been watered – it isn’t called ‘green season’ for nothing! Landscapes are lush and vibrant, waterfalls are thundering, and wildlife activity really picks up as animals go wandering; to eat blossoming flowers and fruits, drink at rivers, seek a mate and start nesting.

Read more: Costa Rica: a treasure trove of wildlife and nature

Best things to do during Costa Rica’s wet season

Here are some of the highlights of visiting during Costa Rica’s green season…

Spotting extraordinary Costa Rican wildlife

Costa Rica’s wet season is prime time for wildlife lovers. The climate is refreshing in the wondrous Monteverde Cloud Forest, where one can see sloths, toucans, resplendent quetzals and howler monkeys moving about the mist-shrouded forest canopy.

The rains bring similar movement in Tortuguero National Park where you can spot caimans, great green macaws, spider monkeys and if you’re very lucky, jaguars. August to October is nesting season for green sea turtles at Tortuguero, who dig their nests on the beach at night, in preparation for the tiny hatchlings to eventually make their way to the shore.

What’s more, the jungles on the Caribbean beaches in Costa Rica are thriving; in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park you can encounter yet more monkeys, scarlet macaws, hummingbirds, iguanas and butterflies dazzling among the lush, rain-soaked trees.

Chasing waterfalls and river adventures

Costa Rica has waterfalls galore, and there’s no better time of year to witness them at peak flow. The La Fortuna and Arenal area is thriving, with the jaw-dropping La Fortuna Waterfall at its most marvelous.

Rivers like the Sarapiquí and Balsa are primed for whitewater rafting adventures if that’s your scene, while further north, Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park surges with dazzling waters which are even more striking after the rains.

Finally, at the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, hiking trails like the La Cangreja or Las Pailas loops take you past waterfalls and rivers that are at their most powerful and photogenic at this time of year.

Hiking verdant rainforest canopies

When the weather is wetter, rainforest canopies come to life; and it’s the ideal time to become immersed in the sound of birds and howler monkeys and the fresh smell of petrichor. In Monteverde Cloud Forest, hanging bridges and canopy walks wind through the towering flora and fauna, so you can spot capuchin monkeys leaping between branches, toucans snapping their beaks, and hummingbirds hovering over fragrant blooms.

Ziplining instead of walking can offer a thrilling perspective as you may, for a second, get up close to some of your favorite jungle creatures. This is available in Monteverde but also other jungle hot spots like the Arenal area, where there’s a zipline and Sky Walk with numerous hanging bridges (some very high!).

Read more: The national parks of Costa Rica

Practical travel tips for Costa Rica in rainy season

The key to enjoying the wet season is to come prepared…

What to pack for Costa Rica’s rainy season

It goes without saying, your focus should be on staying dry – but also it gets humid in the jungles of Costa Rica, so you’ll want breathable layers. Bring lightweight waterproofs, clothes that will dry quickly and a decent rain jacket, and comfortable shoes that can hold up to walking muddy paths!

Remember swimwear for those impromptu swims or spa pools, while a dry bag is also a good idea for keeping your valuables safe. It can get cooler in the evenings, so bring a warm sweater, and insect repellent for mosquitoes.

Consider the road conditions

Costa Rican roads aren’t the best after heavy rain – they can get muddy and bumpy, while some remote bridges or river crossings can become flooded during storms. If you take a guided tour or hire your own car, a 4×4 is the safe choice. The heaviest rain tends to hit in the afternoons so you’ll want to avoid driving then. Ask your local travel expert or hotel for the most up-to-date advice.

Prepare for mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more active in Costa Rica’s wet season, so be sure to protect yourself. Use repellent with DEET or Picaridin, and cover up at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are boldest. Keep windows screened, and you should hopefully have a bed net in jungle lodges.

Read more: Embracing the ‘pura vida’: Q&A with a local expert in Costa Rica

Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica’s rainy season

What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica?

The rainiest month is October – this month sees daily rainfall which can be heavy. September can also be particularly showery.

What are the best months to visit Costa Rica?

The peak season is December to April when the weather is sunniest, however the wet season, also called the green season, in May to November is when wildlife sightings are easiest, waterfalls are dynamic and landscapes are fresh and green – even though the weather can be wetter.

Is it worth going to Costa Rica during the rainy season?

Absolutely. In the months of May to August rain showers are manageable and even offer refreshing respite from the humidity. Wildlife is most active during the rainy season and scenery is fresh and green, while waterfalls are at their peak flow. It’s a rewarding period to visit Costa Rica and you’ll have a great time.

When is it best not to visit Costa Rica?

There are benefits to visiting Costa Rica all year round, but the rainiest months are October and September. You can expect to see daily rainfall at this time, sometimes heavy, and some areas of Costa Rica may be inaccessible, especially along the Pacific Coast. That said, there aren’t many tourists around and costs are at their lowest.

Make it happen

If you’re ready to experience Costa Rica’s rainy season, browse our inspirational trip ideas or get in touch with one of our local travel experts. They’re based on the ground in Costa Rica, and are equipped with all the in-depth local knowledge you’ll need to plan your perfect trip.