Costa Rica Rainy Season: What to Expect + Best Time to Visit (2026 Guide)

Costa Rica rainy season (also known as green season) runs from late April through early December. I know, this seems like a really long time of rain, but trust me, it does not mean rain every day.

We’ve been living and traveling around Costa Rica since 2016. We’ve experienced every month, every season, and every type of weather (including plenty of rainy season travels).

In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect by month, how different regions of the country vary (because the climate is not the same everywhere), the best places to go, and how to plan your trip so you can still have an amazing time (even with a little rain).

What Rainy Season Actually Looks Like

Before we get into specific months and regions, it helps to understand what rainy season in Costa Rica actually feels like day-to-day. Because, it’s probably not what you’re picturing.

Most days follow a pretty predictable pattern:

• Mornings: Sunny skies and great for exploring
• Midday: Warm, humid, sometimes a bit cloudy
• Afternoon: Rain showers or thunderstorms roll in for a few hours
• Evening: Usually it clears up by 5 PM and you can enjoy a nice sunset

This is especially true along the Pacific coast and Central Valley.

We definitely suggest planning your days around this expected schedule. The sun rises here before 6 AM year-round (and the wildlife noises will likely not allow you to sleep longer than that) so we suggest just starting your days early.

Plan for a little siesta around 2 PM when the rain rolls in, and then head out for dinner and sunset views around 5PM.

All of that said, the amount of rain can vary a lot depending on the time of year and where you are in the country.

Costa Rica has a ton of microclimates, which means one area might have heavy rainfall and another could still have plenty of sunshine.

Rainy Season by Month

Rainy season in Costa Rica isn’t the same the whole time. The amount of rain, sunshine, and overall travel experience changes quite a bit from month to month.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan.

Late April – June

This is the start of the rainy season, and one of our favorite times to visit.

• Rain usually comes as short afternoon showers
• Mornings still have plenty of sunshine
• Landscapes start turning lush and green again (which we love)
• Fewer crowds right after peak season

If you want a balance of good weather and lower prices, this is a great window.

For more info:

• Costa Rica in April Guide
• Costa Rica in May Guide
• Costa Rica in June Guide

July – August

This time of year often includes a short break in the rainy season known as veranillo (or “little summer”).

Veranillo usually happens sometime in July and can last for about 1–2 weeks, bringing a stretch of drier weather, more sunshine, and less consistent rainfall.

But, and this is important, it’s not guaranteed.

Some years it’s very noticeable, and other years it’s barely a thing. Even during that window, you might still get the occasional rain shower.

When we got married in Tamarindo on July 3rd a few years ago, we were really hoping to hit that little summer window. The day before our wedding, it absolutely poured. Like full-on torrential rain and thunderstorms. Part of the villa we rented even flooded, and we were definitely a bit stressed going into the next day.

But somehow, our wedding day ended up being completely dry. 🙌

So we think we caught the edge of veranillo, but it just shows how unpredictable it can be.

Overall, July and August are still a great time to visit for:

• A mix of sunshine and rain
• Often better weather than expected
• Great conditions for outdoor activities and adventures

Just don’t plan your trip assuming you’ll get two full weeks of perfect weather, think of it more as a possible bonus.

For more info:

• Costa Rica in July Guide
• Costa Rica in August Guide

September – October

These are typically the rainiest months in Costa Rica, but where you go makes all the difference.

If you’re planning a trip during this time, the Caribbean coast is your best bet for clear days and hot sunny weather. Plus, this is turtle nesting season in Tortuguero (which is amazing to experience).

That said, there is one small thing to keep in mind, this is also the time of year when tropical storms or hurricanes are most likely to impact the Caribbean side. Costa Rica rarely gets direct hits, but there can be some systems that brought heavier rain and wind.

On the Pacific coast, it’s a different story. Expect:

• Higher rainfall and more frequent storms
• Possible full washout days (not just afternoon showers)
• Cloudy, gray conditions can stick around for longer stretches

We’ve definitely had days during this time where it rains all day, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

But, we’ve also had trips in September and October where the weather was surprisingly good, and looking back at photos, you’d never guess it was the rainy season.

That unpredictability is just part of the climate here.

A few things to keep in mind:

• On the Pacific Coast it will usually still be warm and tropical, even on rainy days
• It’s the cheapest time to visit (great deals on hotels and rentals)
• You’ll experience fewer crowds and a more local vibe
• Some hotels, restaurants, and activities close during this time of year due to lack of demand.

For more info:

• Costa Rica in September Guide
• Costa Rica in October Guide

Late November – Early December

This is the transition back into dry season.

• Rain starts to taper off
• More consistent sunny skies
• Still green and beautiful from months of rainfall

It’s kind of a sweet spot before the holiday tourism rush begins.

For more info:

• Costa Rica in November Guide

Costa Rica Weather by Region (Quick Breakdown)

Weather in Costa Rica varies a lot by region. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Guanacaste (North Pacific)

• Driest region in the country
• Less rainfall overall, even in rainy season
• Best bet if you want more consistent sunshine

Central Pacific & Nicoya Peninsula

• Classic rainy season pattern
• Sunny mornings + afternoon showers
• Moderate rainfall, increasing into September and October

South Pacific (Uvita, Osa Peninsula, Corcovado)

• One of the wettest regions
• Heavy rainfall, especially in September and October
• Lush, remote, but can be very wet

La Fortuna / Arenal Area

• Weather is unpredictable year-round
• Can be rainy, but also gets surprisingly clear days
• We’ve had some of our best Arenal Volcano views in July and August

Check out our guide to La Fortuna weather by month for more info

Monteverde & Cloud Forest Areas

• Cool, misty, and wet most of the year
• Frequent fog and heavier precipitation
• Expect less sunshine overall
• Keep in mind that sometimes the road conditions can be really bad here due to fog and flooding

Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Limón)

• Follows a different weather pattern
• Often best weather in August–October
• Rainier months tend to be November–January
• More sunshine when the Pacific side is at its rainiest

Is Rainy Season a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?

Rainy season in Costa Rica can be a great time to visit, but it really depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for.

If you’re expecting perfect weather every single day, this might not be the best fit.

But if you’re okay with a bit of rain (and plan your days around it), you can have an amazing time.

Our Opinion: May – July are our favorite months in Costa Rica. We love that everything is lush and green again, tourism goes down, and the afternoon brief rain showers are typically not bad.

The Downsides to Consider

• Daily rain showers (usually in the afternoon)
• Higher rainfall in certain regions (especially later in the season)
• Some fully rainy or gray days, particularly in September and October
• Muddy roads or slower travel times in more remote areas
• The waterfalls and some waterways turn brown. Like, Rio Celeste which is usually a beautiful bright blue is not so nice during rainy season.

If you’re traveling in September or October, we recommend you head to the Caribbean coast for better weather

Safety Tips for Costa Rica Rainy Season

Rainy season is generally safe for travel, but there are a few things to be more aware of (especially when it comes to water, roads, and changing conditions).

I’m not saying all of this to completely freak you out. Most likely you will be fine, but I just feel super responsible for all of you who read this site, so I need to be a bit over the top here.

Watch for Flash Flooding

Heavy rain (even if it’s happening somewhere else nearby) can cause rivers to rise very quickly.

If you notice any sudden change in water level, color, or speed → get out immediately!

It might not even be raining where you are, but you still need to pay attention to changes because it could be raining upstream and that can cause flooding.

Be Careful Around Waterfalls

Everything is more slippery during rainy season and that includes rocks around falls. The security measures here might not be what you are used to at home. Sometimes you can get right up to the edge at the top of falls.

I unfortunately knew a girl who slipped at the edge at the top of Nauyaca Waterfall and passed away. So, now I’m super paranoid about telling you all that you really need to be careful!

Take it slow, wear good shoes, and don’t push for “the perfect photo.”

Driving Can Be More Challenging

Rain can impact road conditions more than you might expect. They can be muddy, uneven, or washed out, potholes are more common, and river crossings may be higher than usual.

Fog is also something to watch for, especially in mountain areas.

If visibility is low and your car isn’t equipped (no fog lights, poor traction), it’s best to wait it out.

Conditions Can Change Quickly

Weather in Costa Rica can shift fast during rainy season.

Something that feels safe at the start of the day might not be safe later.

This applies to hiking, swimming, and other tours and excursions.

Trust Your Instincts

Costa Rica is generally very good about safety, especially if you’re booking tours with reputable companies. But, no system is perfect. If something feels off, trust your instinct. It’s always better to skip something than take a risk you’re unsure about.

What Else You Should Know About Rainy Season

A few things that don’t always get talked about, but can make a big difference in your trip.

The Forecast Isn’t Reliable

If you check the weather forecast during rainy season, it will almost always show rain… all day… every day. I swear the meteorologists just stop working. Ignore them. It’s all lies!

Most days still follow the pattern of sun in the morning + afternoon showers, but forecasts tend to overpredict rainfall.

Mosquitoes Can Be Bad

Rainy season = more standing water = more mosquitoes.

They’re especially noticeable:

• Near the coast (especially in Central and South Pacific)
• In rainforest areas
• Around sunrise and sunset

Bring good bug spray and actually use it. There is, unfortunately, Dengue and Zika here and you definitely don’t want that in your life!

The Sun Is Still Very Strong

Even with clouds and rain, the sun in Costa Rica is intense (you’re close to the equator). It’s easy to underestimate and get burned, especially on partly cloudy days.

Make sure to pack and use:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• A hat
• UV blocking shirt even in the water
• Sunglasses

Prices Drop (A Lot)

One of the biggest perks of rainy season is the cost.

• Hotels and vacation rentals are cheaper
• Tours often have lower rates
• Car rentals are more affordable

If you’re flexible, you can get some really great deals compared to peak season.

Travel Tip: We always recommend renting a car in Costa Rica, and we’ve partnered with Adobe Rent-a-Car to offer a discount for our readers (usually 10–20% off). 👉 You can check pricing and get the discount here

You’ll Want the Right Gear

Having the right gear makes rainy season way more enjoyable.

We recommend things like:

• A lightweight rain jacket
• Waterproof shoes or sandals
• Quick-dry clothing
• A dry bag or rain cover for your backpack

👉 We break it all down in our full Costa Rica rainy season packing guide

Rainy Season FAQ

And that is all for the rainy season planning guide! If you have any questions, just leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

Also, we have a bunch of helpful links for booking your trip below.

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