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Costa Rica in September: Weather and What to Expect
Are you wondering what you can expect if traveling to Costa Rica in September?
As far as weather, September is often one of the rainiest months in Costa Rica. But, don’t let that stop you! There are still plenty of fun things to do including some fun activities that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. Plus, it is usually one of the cheapest times to visit the country.
We have lived in Costa Rica since 2016, so we have been through our share of rainy Septembers. We know all the best places to go and things to do. We also know what you should skip or be warned about at this time of year.
Basically, this guide is designed to give you all the best tips on Costa Rica in the month of September. So, let’s get to it!
Should You Visit Costa Rica in September?
Costa Rica is always worth visiting, but September is not the ideal time if you want great weather. However, there are some pros and cons of this time of year. Let’s go through them…
Pros of Visiting in September
- Fewer crowds: September is considered the low season for tourism in Costa Rica. With fewer tourists around, you’ll have a more relaxed experience at places such as beaches, and national parks.
- Lower prices: During the low season you can often find discounted rates on hotels, rental cars, and activities. This can make your trip a lot more budget-friendly compared to visiting during the peak tourist months.
- Lush greenery: September is part of the rainy season in Costa Rica. While this can be a con, it also means that the landscapes are incredibly lush and vibrant. We think Costa Rica definitely looks the best when it is so green.
- Surfing opportunities: If you’re a surfer, September is an excellent time to visit. The rainy season brings bigger swells and good wave conditions along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Cons of Traveling to Costa Rica in September
- Rainy weather: September is part of the rainy season (also known as the “green season”) in Costa Rica. Expect frequent showers and heavy downpours. If you are lucky these will only be for an hour or two in the afternoon, but you never know.
- Hurricane risk: September is also peak hurricane season in the Caribbean. Costa Rica is generally less affected than other Caribbean countries, but there is still a risk of tropical storms and heavy rainfall.
- Limited accessibility: Some places close or have limited access during the low season. For example, sometimes hotels and restaurants close during this time of year due to lack of customers.
- Muddy trails and transportation challenges: The heavy rainfall can lead to muddy and slippery trails in national parks. Luckily, we have experienced a lot of places offering rubber boots to rent during muddy times.
Our Opinion
I think that if you go into your trip with the mindset that you might have several rainy days, then it will be OK.
Costa Rica is always beautiful, but it can be disappointing to visit and have all gray and wet days on a vacation that you have saved for and diligently planned.
We have a lot of experience traveling in Costa Rica in September and it is such a toss-up of what you might expect.
Costa Rica Weather in September
The weather in Costa Rica in September is usually not the best on the Pacific Coast, but you will likely have amazing weather on the Caribbean Coast!
Let’s go through every area of the country to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Guanacaste Province
The Guanacaste Province is in the northwest corner of the country and is home to the Liberia International Airport.
When visiting Guanacaste, Costa Rica in September, you can expect a lush and green landscape and a break from the scorching heat of other months.
This area tends to have the best weather in the country throughout the year. So, if you are visiting the Pacific Coast, this would be your best option for the possibility of minimal rain.
September is also the start of an increase in sea turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs in Guanacaste. There are two good places for spotting female turtles laying their eggs. These are Playa Grande near Tamarindo and Playa Ostional near Nosara.
- Average daytime temperature: 86°F (30°C)
- Average evening temperature: 77°F (25°C)
Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula is directly south of Guanacaste and consists of the popular surf towns of Santa Teresa and Nosara.
When visiting the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica in September, you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.
In my opinion, the rain brings out the vibrant greenery and creates a picturesque backdrop for hiking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying water activities.
- Average daytime temperature: 84-86°F (29-30°C)
- Average evening temperature: 75-77°F (24-25°C)
Central & South Pacific
The Central and South Pacific coast is known for hot days and warm evenings. In the afternoon you will likely have rain for an hour or two, sometimes longer.
Usually, these are just rain showers, but sometimes they can be really heavy rains with thunder and lightning.
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: 83-84°F (28-29°C)
- Average evening temperature: 75-77°F (24-25°C
Central Valley
The Central Valley area encompasses San Jose, the capital city, as well as the nearby hills and valleys.
This region tends to be slightly cooler than the coastal towns.
Rainfall usually begins around 2pm and lingers for an hour or two.
This is where we live and occasionally, we are treated to torrential downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning, but more often it is a steady rain.
It’s worth noting that during heavy rains, driving becomes a challenge for a few hours due to potential flooding of the streets.
- Average daytime temperature: 73-77°F (23-25°C)
- Average evening temperature: 61-64°F (16-18°C)
Northern Mountains
When you visit La Fortuna, you can look forward to sunny days with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, especially in the morning.
Typically a rainstorm will arrive in the afternoon or early evening that lasts for a few hours.
- Average daytime temperature: 84°F (29°C)
- Average evening temperature: 71-72°F (21-22°C)
As for Monteverde, get ready for constant rain. But don’t worry, that’s part of the charm of this area! Just make sure to bring your rainproofing gear and enjoy the unique experience.
Caribbean Coast
The weather on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica in September is the complete opposite of that on the Pacific Coast. Generally, you can expect beautiful sunny days and no rain.
Sometimes, cloudy and overcast skies can occur, but overall, September on the Caribbean Coast offers beach weather with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Just keep in mind, if a hurricane hits Costa Rica it is most likely to hit the Caribbean coast, that of course, would affect the overall good weather here.
What to Pack for Costa Rica in September
- Lightweight and breathable clothing: Pack comfortable and lightweight clothes like t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts for the warm weather.
- Rain jacket: I suggest something lightweight and breathable.
- Quick-dry pants: Opt for convertible quick-dry pants. I like ones that are designed with hiking in mind.
- Hiking shoes: Bring a good pair of hiking shoes for outdoor activities and exploring the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. Bonus points if they are waterproof.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun by packing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent: The mosquitoes can be total menaces once the sun goes down here. Unfortunately, there are some mosquito-borne illnesses in Costa Rica, so pack a reliable mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
- Sunscreen: Even though it is rainy season it doesn’t mean that the UV index isn’t still high. Don’t forget to pack a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun.
- Microfiber towel: We like to bring a compact and quick-drying microfiber towel for beach visits and outdoor activities.
- Portable battery pack: Ensure you have a portable battery pack to keep your electronic devices charged while on the go. This is also helpful on the off chance that the power goes out.
- Waterproof Backpack: To use as a day pack when hiking
- An Umbrella: We usually never use umbrellas here except for in San Jose. So, totally your call on this one. I personally prefer to just use my raincoat.
- A glasses strap to keep your sunglasses secure
- Games (for when you’re stuck inside)
Check out our Complete Rainy Season Packing List on Amazon for All the Essentials
Fun Things to Do in Costa Rica in September
Here are some of our favorite activities in September.
Go Surfing
September brings some of the biggest waves of the year. Some of the best surfing spots are Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Dominical, and Pavones.
Take a Whale Watching Tour
September is the perfect time to take a whale-watching tour in Uvita, Costa Rica. From July to October, humpback whales migrate through the waters off the coast of Uvita, making it an ideal spot for whale watching.
During this time, you can often catch glimpses of mother whales and their calves swimming close to shore.
Tours typically depart from Marino Ballena National Park and take passengers out into the bay to observe Humpback whales as they swim gracefully through the water.
Tour guides will explain interesting facts about these incredible animals and help passengers spot them in their natural habitat.
The best way to view these gentle giants is from a boat, so make sure you bring along your camera or binoculars so you don’t miss any of the action!
Book your Uvita Whale Watching Tour Here
Visit Tortuguero National Park
If you plan to visit the Caribbean Coast, we definitely suggest going to Tortuguero and the protected beach areas of the Tortuguero National Park to see the sea turtles.
Green Sea Turtles flock here each night from August until mid to late September to nest. And let me tell you, this is one of the absolute coolest things you can experience in Costa Rica! These turtles weigh anywhere between 300 and 350 pounds and seeing them lay their eggs is so amazing.
Interested in planning a trip to Tortuguero? You can check availability and book an evening sea turtle tour here.
Activities to Do in the Rain
If it is raining all day while we are traveling in Costa Rica we tend to do a few different things.
- Stay at your hotel or villa and play games. We always bring a deck of cards.
- If you are in La Fortuna, head to the hot springs. I mean, you’re going to get wet in the water anyway. This is great as long as there is no lightning.
- If you are in San Jose, head to the museums, the mall, or the cinema. I know you didn’t really come all the way to Costa Rica to go to the mall and see a movie, but sometimes you’ve just got to stay entertained.
- Head to a restaurant where you can have a long leisurely meal and some drinks.
- If you are staying at a villa, sometimes we like to go to the grocery store and just cook elaborate meals.
- Read a book. I always bring my Kindle when traveling. Sometimes it’s nice to sit inside and read with the sound of the rain.
- Work on your photography skills. Thomas loves to bring the camera outside and try to capture some cool rainy pictures.
- Just deal with it and get out to do fun things anyway.
Check out our guide to Rainy Season Activities for more ideas.
Activities to Skip in September
There is nothing I think you need to completely avoid doing in September, but instead, there are a few activities you should be cautioned about.
- Waterfalls tend to be brown and very slippery in September. The pro is that they are very full of water (sometimes they dry up during the dry season), but I don’t think they look nice. Plus, be cautious when walking at the top of the falls since they can be so slippery.
- I would caution you about white water rafting during this time of year. Most companies are very reputable and will be cautious, but flash floods can occur when there is a heavy rain. I say this because there was an accident a few years ago in which some tourists died while white water rafting due to a flash flood.
Booking Transportation for September
If you plan to rent a car, we suggest renting at minimum an SUV. A 4×4 is helpful if you are visiting off-the-beaten-path areas or are staying at a hotel located on a hill or down a dirt road.
In September, the road conditions can be less than ideal in certain places.
Adobe Rent-a-Car
- 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
- Free second driver
- 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
- Excellent customer service
- New fleet of well-maintained vehicles
Additionally, you can:
- Book a shared shuttle around the country.
- Book a private shuttle to anywhere in the country.
- Opt to take taxis for short distances.
- Take a public bus between locations.
Booking Hotels for September
In September you will have mostly free reign of choosing hotels because this is not a popular time to visit. Plus, you can expect lower prices than during the rest of the year.
Just keep in mind that some hotels close down in September because there is just not enough demand. Hotel owners take this as a good time for them to take a vacation.
We suggest using Booking.com to find hotels for the best selection with great cancellation policies.
For vacation rentals we love VRBO.
Holiday & Festivals
September 15th is Costa Rica’s Independence Day and a national holiday. A lot of businesses are closed and children are off of school. In 2024, this is a Sunday, so it shouldn’t effect much.
This day commemorates the country’s independence from Spain.
Festivities typically begin on the evening of September 14th, known as the “Eve of Independence.” People gather in towns and cities across the country to participate in parades, concerts, and traditional dances.
The streets are adorned with patriotic decorations, and you can expect to see the Costa Rican flag proudly displayed everywhere. Schools and communities organize cultural events showcasing traditional music, costumes, and food.
I suggest asking at your hotel if there will be any festivities in the town you are staying in. I love to watch the parades on this day!
Travel Tips for Visiting in September
The Weather Forecast is Always Wrong
If you check the weather forecast in Costa Rica for September it will likely say non-stop rain and thunderstorms every day.
This is just not true.
I am convinced that the meteorologists just take a long vacation during rainy season and say that there will be rain all day every day.
Be Careful of Flash Floods
If you are in a river and see it turn brown suddenly, get out. This is a good sign that a flash flood is coming.
Unfortunately, it seems like very few years a tourist gets killed by a flash flood, so please use caution.
Rip Currents
When the weather changes quickly the water can become unpredictable. Be aware of rip currents and exercise caution in the water.
Other Times to Visit
If you are still unsure about visiting in September, check out our complete Costa Rica weather guide. This will give you all the details of what you can expect year-round in the country.
Conclusion: Costa Rica in September
In conclusion, if you are looking for the very best weather for your vacation to Costa Rica, you won’t find that in September. You will likely have to contend with daily rainstorms.
However, this time of year comes with several perks such as saving money and fewer tourists.
If you have any questions about visiting at this time of year, just leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
- Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
📞 What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
Want the whole crazy story?
Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
Want the whole crazy story?