Costa Rica in June: Weather, Places to Visit, Fun Activities

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Are you planning to visit Costa Rica in June?

June is part of Costa Rica’s rainy season. You will likely have to contend with daily afternoon rain storms throughout the country. Usually, they don’t last long and you can enjoy great weather for the rest of the day.

We created this guide to help you decide if visiting Costa Rica in June is right for you, give you great activity ideas, tell you some safety tips, what to pack, areas to avoid, and more!

Should You Travel to Costa Rica in June?

We think yes! Definitely! In our opinion, it’s a great time to visit.

Pros

• Prices start to go down a bit.
• Everything is green again and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery
• The temperatures are still nice and warm in the beach towns
• There are fewer tourists and fewer crowds

Cons

• You will have early afternoon rain storms. Usually they clear by late afternoon.
• Prices usually go down but aren’t super low
• Towards the end of the month, things can fill up again as summer vacation starts for schools

Costa Rica Weather in June

In June, the rainy season is just ramping up. In general, you can expect sunny mornings with clear skies, afternoon rain showers that last for an hour or two, and beautiful sunset views in the evenings.

It is very unusual to have completely rainy days at this time of year.

Travel Tip: Ignore what the weather apps might say. Often they forecast rain all day. This is not true! I swear they just stop working during the rainy season and just predict rain.

Let’s go through every area of the country to give you a better idea of what to expect for the weather in June.

• Sunrise: Between 5:15 AM and 5:45 AM
• Sunset: Between 5:45 PM and 6:15 PM

Guanacaste

In Guanacaste, you can expect dry hot days and the occasional afternoon rain storm which will last about an hour. It hardly ever rains here as much as in the rest of the country.

That is nice, but it also means things aren’t usually as green as the rest of the country.

• Average Temperatures in Daytime: Around 88°F (31°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 76°F (24°C)

Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is usually a bit rainier than Guanacaste, but not too bad.

You can expect a brief afternoon rainstorm and consistently warm weather. 

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 88°F (31°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 76°F (24°C)

Central & South Pacific

The Central and South Pacific (Osa Peninsula) are known for hot days and warm evenings. In the afternoon you may have rain for an hour or two.

We like to get up early, enjoy the day, take a little afternoon siesta during the rain, and head back out for the epic Pacific coast sunset views. 

Keep in mind that the mosquitos tend to be bad here once the sun sets. 

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 89°F (32°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 75°F (24°C)

Central Valley

The Central Valley area consists of the capital city, San José, and the surrounding hills and valleys. This area tends to always be a bit cooler than the coastal towns. Usually, you can expect daytime temperatures in the mid to high 70s °F and evening temperatures in the mid-sixties. 

Usually, the rain showers will roll in around 2 pm and last for an hour or two. Sometimes these are torrential rain storms with thunder and lightning (but not usually at this time of year) and sometimes these are just steady rains. 

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 78°F (26°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 64°F (18°C)

Northern Mountains

In La Fortuna, you will likely have sunny days and good Arenal Volcano views (especially in the morning). In the afternoon or early evening, you might experience a rainstorm for an hour or two.

In Monteverde (an area of cloud forests), you can expect that there will probably be a constant drizzle of rain. I feel like this is part of the charm of this area though. Just bring plenty of rainproofing gear!

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 72°F (22°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 60°F (15°C)

Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean coast is hard to predict. Last time we were on the Caribbean side in June it rained every night but the days were nice. But, the time before that when we visited in June we had some really bad rain storms. 

It’s definitely not the best time of year for the Caribbean, but if you want lower prices this is usually a good area to head to.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 86°F (30°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 75°F (24°C)

What to Pack

Here is everything you need on your packing list for June.

Clothing:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing (shorts, T-shirts, tank tops). We suggest opting for moisture-wicking clothing that also blocks UV rays. There is high humidity at this time of year.
• Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants for cooler evenings and sun protection
• Swimsuits for beach and water activities
• Rain jacket for occasional showers during the transition to the rainy season
• Sunglasses for sun protection

Weather-Specific Items:

• Sunscreen (high SPF) for sun protection in the tropical climate
• Insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes in the evenings
• Daypack for carrying essentials during day trips and excursions. We have this waterproof one that is amazing. 
• Plastic bags or waterproof pouches for protecting electronics and important documents from rain

Outdoor and Adventure Gear:

• Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes for exploring natural trails. We like Keens.
• Pocket binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially in national parks
• Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during outdoor activities. I suggest LifeStraw bottles.
• A glasses strap to keep your sunglasses secure during adventures like zip lining and boat trips
• Quick-dry microfiber travel towel for convenience on the go

Electronics and Accessories:

• Camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning landscapes and wildlife
• Portable charger to keep devices powered during outdoor excursions

Health and Safety:

• Travel first aid kit with basic medications, bandages, and any necessary prescriptions
• Motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to travel on winding roads or if you plan to take boat trips
• Hydration tablets or electrolyte supplements for staying hydrated in the warm weather. Most mini-markets in Costa Rica sell Gatorade. I’m obsessed with the lemon-lime flavor after a tough hike in Costa Rica.
• Hat with a wide brim for added sun protection, especially during outdoor activities. Thomas and I love this slightly nerdy one from Columbia. It offers good sun protection, folds up small, and is very breathable.

Miscellaneous Items:

• Copies of important documents (passport, travel insurance, itinerary)
• Large zip lock bags to separate wet items in your luggage

Shop Our Favorite Rainy Season Packing Essentials

The Best Places to Visit / Places to Avoid

There is no place that you should necessarily avoid. But just note that certain areas will come with their own weather issues. 

For example, I love Monteverde at this time of year because it really feels like the cloud forest it is meant to be. It just has such a jungle vibe. But, it sometimes drizzles non-stop during the month of June. 

If you want a higher chance of dry weather, Guanacaste Province is definitely the best weather option.

Fun Activities at this Time of Year

• June is a great month to enjoy being above the trees. We love ziplining, hiking on hanging bridges, and rappelling at this time of year because everything is green and lush again.
• It is also a good time to visit waterfalls (especially towards the beginning of the month) because although the rainy season has begun, usually the water hasn’t turned brown yet from sediment.
• National parks are also nice during this time of year. For example, during the dry season the Manuel Antonio National Park is so crowded. In June, it is much more manageable to visit. We suggest enjoying national parks early in the morning to beat the crowds and to really enjoy the wildlife while it is most active.
• Visit the beautiful beaches. All beaches in Costa Rica need to have public access by law. That means all of the coastline is your for exploring.

At this time of year, it is usually not necessary to book activities for your trip to Costa Rica far in advance. 

Booking Transportation

We always suggest renting a car for your travels in Costa Rica because it will give you the most flexibility for getting around. 

If visiting Costa Rica in June, it is a good idea to rent a 4×4 vehicle. This especially applies to if you are staying in Monteverde, Nosara area, any other remote town, or in an accommodation on a steep hill. 

The reason I say this is because the roads aren’t always the best in certain parts of the country. During the rainy season, dirt roads can become more difficult to navigate. 

Also, keep in mind that certain areas involve river crossings. For example, near Nosara, near Puerto Jimenez, and on the back road between Mal Pais and Montezuma there are river crossings. 

During the dry season, this usually isn’t too much of a problem because the water level is low enough, but during the rainy season the water level can get high.

We always suggest renting your car with our favorite local rental car company, Adobe. 

In June, rental cars tend to be way cheaper than they are during the high season. Plus, we have a 10% discount plus other great perks for you!

Some other transportation options you might consider are:

• Book a shared shuttle on BookAway
• Book a private shuttle with Adobe Transfers

Booking Hotels

Booking accommodations in June means you can enjoy mid-season prices. That means, usually rates aren’t as low as they are in the autumn, but they are much lower than they are in the high season. 

To get the best rates possible we suggest booking as early as possible. 

For hotels, we like Booking.com. Many of the listings offer free cancellations up to a certain date. This will allow you to book early and cancel if your plans change. Just keep track of the cancellation deadline!

For vacation rentals, we really like VRBO when booking condos, houses, and villas. This is nice because you can rent a place with a kitchen if you plan on cooking some of your own meals. VRBO also has some listings with free cancellation. 

Holiday & Festivals

Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June in Costa Rica. You can expect to see big groups of families enjoying picnics or barbecues on the beaches on this day.

Also, if you are traveling at the end of the month and into July, keep in mind that a lot of schools throughout the country are closed for summer vacation in July. A lot of Costa Ricans that like in the cities will head to the beaches during this time.

Travel Tips for Visiting in June

• Please keep an eye out for flash flooding. It, unfortunately, does happen and can be really scary. If you notice a stream or river instantly turn muddy, that means it’s time to get out ASAP because a flash flood is coming. 
• Keep in mind that things can be slippery after a rainstorm. Typically, places don’t have the same security levels that you might be used to in your home country. It is up to you to use your discretion. 
• Check for flights into both the San Jose International Airport and Liberia International Airport. More and more airlines are flying into Liberia and it is a great jumping-off point for exploring the Guanacaste area.
• Note that in 2024 the Puente La Amistad over the Tempisque River is closed for construction. Keep this in mind if driving from San Jose or Monteverde to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Conclusion: Costa Rica in June

You now have a better idea of the weather, great places to visit, things to avoid, and what to pack if visiting Costa Rica in June.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to plan a trip to beautiful Costa Rica?

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

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