At Amazing Costa Rica, we always think about the visitors that come to Costa Rica, whether they travel with us or not. This Costa Rica travel guide, month-to-month, will help you select the best time to come to our country.
You can check out in our first post the different seasons that Costa Rica has and the regions that are affected by them. In the second episode of this series, you will find the activities, weather, and conditions of the favorite time for guests to come to our little country, the sunny season.
We will also cover every detail about Costa Rica’s rainier months in this post. Which may well be the best time to come to our country. Please continue reading to learn about Costa Rica’s rainy months, which begin in May.
May
May is the end of the rainy season, and even though rains start slowly and increase by the end of the month, they are usually quick, dramatic downpours that provide sunny hours after.
This is a transition month, which means that rain will start in May, almost unpredictably. It is a great month to come, as the weather is quite often sunny and beautiful, and as the dry season drops, so do hotel rates and tourist crowds.
The earlier you come, the better. At the beginning, it is quite sunny, and as the month advances, it gets rainier and rainier. But never more than two or three hours.
For nature and people alike, this jump to the rainy season is much appreciated, as it will give us a respite from heat and drought.
Though. Many trees are still in bloom, and everything looks new and fresh. The rain supports the luscious landscapes that you will witness.
Holidays
May 1st: Labor Day. Usually there is a big manifestation from the main workers unions of Costa Rica downtown San Jose. If you can avoid it, better.
Usually it’s very pacific, but depending on what’s going on in Costa Rican politics, small violence episodes may burst.
Wildlife watching:
Whales: Alaska/California humpback whales;
Turtles: leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast (rare);
Sea Turtles on the Pacific Coast: Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill.
Resplendent Quetzal: Nesting and caring for the chicks. Visible in the cloud forests.
Three Wattled Bellbirds are arriving in Monteverde and staying until August or September.
June
In the travel industry, it’s when families and student groups arrive. It may be crowded and noisy at times, but even so, it is not as heavy with tourist traffic as during the high season.
Holidays
Father’s Day is on the second Sunday.
Wildlife watching:
Whales: Alaska/California humpback whales;
Turtles: leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast (rare);
Hawksbill, leatherback, green, and olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast.
Resplendent Quetzal: Nesting and caring for the chicks. Visible in the cloud forests.
Three wattled bellbirds are visible in Monteverde.
July and August
In early July or late June, there are usually a couple of weeks when the rain stops and the sun comes up. We call it “Veranillo de San Juan.”
By this time of year, the rainy season is officially on. It rains with quick thunderstorms for two or three hours in the afternoons or evenings.
July and August are common travel times because of the exuberance of the rainy season, families and schools traveling, and European vacations. Plus, as there are several trees bearing fruit, wildlife sightings are quite common.
Holidays
July 25th: Anexión de Guanacaste. It’s the celebration of the province of Guanacaste in the North Pacific. Traditionally, you will find horse parades, bullfights, rodeos, and fantastic foods.
August 2nd: Our Lady of the Angels Day is celebrated by one million Costa Ricans with a great pilgrimage that sometimes starts days prior to the official date.
August 15th: Mother’s Day. It is probably one of the most important days in Costa Rican culture.
Wildlife watching:
Whales: antartic humpback whales; visible in the South Pacific region.
Turtles: green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast. Common.
Olive Ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast.
Three wattled bellbirds are visible in Monteverde.
September and October
Though the rain may deter you, this is the pinnacle of the green season in the Central and Pacific regions.
Chances of seeing wildlife are greatest in the green season. Rafting and surfing are superb at this time. And there is never a better time for hotel availability, service, and rates. There are no crowds. You might even find stunning, well-known beaches or destinations by yourself.
On the Caribbean coast, it is sunny season at its best! Sunny days, clear skies, and abundant wildlife. A fantastic chance to see the best of the Costa Rican Caribbean!
Holidays
September 15th: Independence Day. Students parade in all towns and cities. It was great to witness.
October 12th: Day of the Culture Encounter. Sometimes, in schools, you may find celebrations.
Wildlife watching:
Whales: antartic humpback whales; visible in the South Pacific region.
Turtles: hatchlings of green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast.
Leatherback and Olive Ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast.
November
The end of November marks the start of Costa Rica’s busy season, as holidays and cold weather are a great excuse to escape. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down and the crowds begin to trickle in.
Whales: antartic humpback whales; visible in the South Pacific region.
Turtles: hatchlings of green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast. Leatherback and Olive Ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast.
As a conclusion, you can come to Costa Rica any time of the year. The diverse wildlife, from humpback whales to sea turtles, makes Costa Rica a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Whether you prefer the Pacific or Caribbean coast, the rainy or sunny season, there is always something amazing to see in this tropical paradise.
Contact Amazing Costa Rica for the best vacation of your life!
