What to do during Costa Rica’s rainy season

Costa Rica is an incredible place to visit, and not even the rain puts a damper on that. Running from roughly May to November, Costa Rica's rainy season has tons of things to do for travellers, from admiring nesting turtles to hiking through steamy rainforests, all with lower prices and smaller crowds. With a host of epic activities like diving, wildlife watching, and chasing waterfalls, Costa Rica is nothing short of amazing — rain or shine.

When is rainy season in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's rainy season is generally from May to November, but don't let a little water falling from the sky put you off visiting this beautiful country. Also known as “green season,” this time of year brings an even lusher, wilder feel to Costa Rica’s already emerald landscape. Daytime temperatures don't vary much across the year, though rainy season tends to be slightly cooler and a little more humid.

Even during this wetter time of year, it won’t rain constantly. Some days could be totally dry, while others get early afternoon downpours that’ll have you running for shelter, soaked to the bone and laughing about the experience later.

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What's the temperature like in Costa Rica?

Given its microclimates, the temperature in Costa Rica can vary by region, by month, and even by day. The average temperature in Costa Rica ranges from 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F), with the coast and inland lowlands being hotter than the mountains. The warmest part of the country is Tortuguero National Park, which is hot and humid year-round thanks to its position on the Caribbean Sea. The coolest temperatures are in the mountains.

Why visit Costa Rica in rainy season?

Some say that rainy season is the best time to visit Costa Rica because the country sees fewer travellers, meaning less competition for accommodations and lower prices for activities. The biggest bucket list activities like hiking Arenal Volcano, exploring the cloud forests of Monteverde, and surfing the epic beaches will be less busy, so rainy season is the perfect time to go if you’re looking to see a more relaxed side of Costa Rica.

The weather also changes from coast to coast. If you’re heading to the Caribbean side to explore Tortuguero National Park or surf at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, September is actually the sunniest month, and temperatures can reach the low to mid-30s°C. Although May to November is technically the rainy season, you’ll find some of Costa Rica's best weather if you know where to go.

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Things to do during Costa Rica’s rainy season

Look for wildlife

Costa Rican animals are some of the most captivating creatures in the world, and for budding David Attenboroughs, there is no better time to visit Costa Rica than rainy season. The Caribbean Coast sees the biggest concentration of arribadas (mass sea turtle nests) between September and November. If seeing turtles is on your must-do list, this is the time to go. The rainy months of August and September are also the best time to see humpback whales in Uvita or Manuel Antonio National Park, when they travel north from Antarctica to breed and raise their young in the warm waters along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

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Learn to scuba dive

Rainy season is one of the best times to dive under the sea. While the skies may be grey, the underwater world of Costa Rica is anything but. The Gulf of Papagayo near Tamarindo is a fantastic place to see eagle rays, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks. If you’re looking to get your heart rate up, head to the Bat Islands, best known for a dive site that's home to a year-round population of bull sharks.

Go chasing waterfalls

In rainy season, Costa Rica’s waterfalls are in full flow. The rivers are too, meaning that whether you’re snapping photos of waterfalls or barrelling down a river on a rafting adventure, you'll see some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Some waterfalls might be murkier than they are in dry season, but the impressive, crashing water is a fair trade-off. Make sure to visit La Fortuna waterfall, which drops 75m (246 ft) through lush rainforest, and Rio Celeste waterfall in Guanacaste Province.

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Head into the rainforest

At their most green and luscious in rainy season, Costa Rica’s rainforests are a must-visit during this time of year. The cloud forests of Monteverde are misty and humid, bringing an ethereal atmosphere you won’t find in the dry season. May and June in particular are great times to see some of Costa Rica’s beautiful birdlife in this area, including migratory birds that head this way only come May. It might be a little muddy, but Poza Los Coyotes, a series of pools tucked away in the jungle, is even more magical. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Tortuguero, where the beachside rainforests become lush and verdant.

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Packing list for Costa Rica's rainy season

This is not an exhaustive packing list for Costa Rica, but here are some things you should bring if you’re travelling during rainy season.

Rain jacket — An outer layer that's waterproof and breathable but keeps you cool in the humidity too
Quick-dry clothing — Shirts, pants, and shorts made from moisture-wicking material
Long-sleeve shirts and long pants — To protect against insects in the evening
Footwear — Hiking boots for muddy rainforest hikes, plus water shoes, flip flops, or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet
Dry bag — A must for keeping electronics and valuables safe
Backpack or daypack — Waterproof or with a rain cover
Insect repellent — With the rain comes mosquitoes, so bring repellent and use it consistently