Why You Should Visit Costa Rica In The Rainy Season

Most tourists flock to Costa Rica during the dry months, from December to April. But savvy travelers know a secret—the rainy season from May to November offers a wildly different experience. Sure, you’ll need to pack a raincoat, but the payoffs are huge.

Here, we find out all about Costa Rica in the rainy season and why it should be on your agenda—especially if you came to surf. 

Why Go to Costa Rica in the Rainy Season?

Visiting Costa Rica smack in the middle of the “green season” as locals optimistically call it, for some, is a little crazy. “Won’t it rain the whole time?” you’ll be asked. As it turns out, no. Most days follow a predictable pattern—sunny mornings perfect for adventures, followed by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that cleared up by sunset.

Those daily showers transform Costa Rica into a lush paradise. Waterfalls surge with fresh rainfall. Rivers swell, creating ideal conditions for whitewater rafting. The jungle pulses with new life. What’s not to like?

Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices

Forget fighting for beach space or jostling for a view at popular attractions. During the rainy season, tourist numbers plummet. You’ll have pristine beaches and jungle trails practically to yourself. The surf will also be a lot quieter, but there are other benefits. 

This dip in visitors means better deals on flights, hotels, and tours. Many lodges offer significant discounts to lure travelers during the low season. For example, you could find a beachfront cabina in Puerto Viejo for half the high season rate.

The popular Manuel Antonio National Park gets mobbed in peak season, with long lines just to enter. But when you visit in June, you’llI wander the trails in solitude, stumbling upon sloths, monkeys, and even a rarely-seen margay cat.

Lush, Vibrant Landscapes

Costa Rica earns its “rich coast” name during the rainy season. The rains bring the landscape to life in spectacular fashion. Dry, brown hillsides transform into a sea of green. Flowers burst into bloom. Waterfalls that slow to a trickle in the dry months roar back to life.

In Monteverde Cloud Forest, you can hike through mist-shrouded trails dripping with orchids and bromeliads. The forest floor is like a carpet of jewel-toned frogs and mushrooms, and the whole thing feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Down on the Caribbean coast, you can kayak through flooded mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. Howler monkeys often roar from the treetops as Jesus Christ lizards skitter across the glassy water surface.

Epic Sunsets and Storm-Watching

The rainy season brings some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular sunsets. As storm clouds build in the afternoons, the sky ignites in a blaze of pinks, purples, and golds.

You won’t soon forget watching lightning flicker over the Pacific from a cliff top bar in Manuel Antonio. The power might go out briefly, plunging everything into darkness as thunder rumbles, but it’s part of the experience. And when the lights come back on, strangers embrace and clink glasses. There’s something about a tropical storm that brings people together.

In the beach town of Dominical, you can join locals gathering on the sand each evening to watch massive waves crash against a backdrop of moody skies. The energy will be electric.

Surfing and Rafting Paradise

Of course, you’re mainly here for the surf, and the rainy season means epic conditions for surfing and whitewater rafting. This time of year is a great moment to embrace surf culture due to the more laid-back vibes. 

The Pacific coast sees its biggest swells from June to October. Tackle massive waves at Playa Hermosa near Jaco if you’ve got the skill set. But even as a novice, you’ll find gentler breaks perfect for learning. Then of course there’s Rapture Surfcamp’s surf schools, where you can embrace the culture and learn to surf with expert local surfers. 

Should you wish to branch out, the Increased rainfall means raging rivers are ideal for whitewater rafting. Tackle class III and IV rapids on the Pacuare River, surrounded by waterfalls tumbling down the canyon walls. The dry season often can’t compare to the rush of riding rainy season rapids.

Unique Wildlife Experiences

The rainy season coincides with some incredible wildlife phenomena. From July to October, olive ridley sea turtles arrive en masse to nest on Pacific beaches. Join a nighttime turtle tour in Ostional and watch in awe as hundreds of turtles emerge from the surf to lay their eggs.

In the southern Caribbean, green sea turtles nest from July to October. Leatherbacks arrive even earlier, from February to July. Time your visit right and you might see both nesting mothers and hatchlings making their way to sea.

The rains also trigger breeding seasons for many species. Resplendent quetzals are easier to spot as they build nests in the cloud forests. On the Osa Peninsula, you might see scarlet macaws gathering in huge numbers to feed on almond trees heavy with fruit.

Some animals are simply more active in the rain. Expect to encounter far more frogs, snakes, and other amphibians and reptiles during wet season hikes than in the dry months.

Festivals and Events

Rainy season coincides with some of Costa Rica’s liveliest cultural events. In July, the entire country celebrates Annexation of Guanacaste Day with parades, rodeos, and traditional dancing.

Stumble upon a vibrant festival in the mountain town of Atenas, with locals in colorful traditional dress performing folk dances in the town square. And September 15th marks Costa Rica’s Independence Day. Even tiny villages erupt in patriotic parades and fiestas. In the capital of San Jose, with cheering Ticos waving flags as elaborate floats pass by.

Photography Opportunities

For shutterbugs, the rainy season offers unparalleled photo ops. Misty mornings in the cloud forests create an ethereal backdrop. Droplet-covered flowers and leaves sparkle in the sun after a shower.

Capture wildlife photos during the green season. Animals seem more relaxed without crowds of tourists, allowing for intimate shots. The soft, diffused light on cloudy days are ideal for photographing colorful frogs and birds.

Practical Tips for Rainy Season Travel

Make the most out of visiting Costa Rica in the rainy season with these handy tips. 

Pack smartly

Quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes, and a good rain jacket are essential. A lightweight, packable rain jacket that stuffs into its own pocket is a great choice.

Be flexible

Have a Plan B for outdoor activities in case of heavy rain. Many lodges offer board games, spa services, or cooking classes as rainy day alternatives.

Embrace “pura vida”

Costa Ricans have a laid-back attitude embodied in the phrase “pura vida” (pure life). Channel this mindset when inevitable travel hiccups occur.

Consider your destinations

Some areas, like Guanacaste, stay relatively dry even in the rainy season. Others, like the southern Caribbean, can see heavy rainfall. Research weather patterns for your specific destinations.

Book in advance

While overall tourist numbers are lower, popular lodges can still fill up, especially around holidays. Lock in those rainy season discounts early.

Get travel insurance

Landslides and flooding can occasionally disrupt travel plans. A good policy will cover you for weather-related cancellations.

Final Thoughts: The Rainy Season

The rainy season reveals Costa Rica at its most alive and vibrant. Yes, you’ll likely get wet. But you’ll also experience this incredible country without the crowds, save money, and witness nature in all its wild, raw beauty. And of course there’s some great surf.

Pack your sense of adventure (and that rain jacket) and discover why the green season might just be the best time to visit Costa Rica.