What to Do in Costa Rica During Rainy Season
November 28, 2024The rainy season in Costa Rica is a great time to visit. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the country's natural beauty shines through when it rains. You can spend your days hiking, surfing or exploring beach towns.
In this blog post, we will talk about what you should do during the rainy season in Costa Rica so that you don't miss out on anything!
When to visit Costa Rica during the rainy season?
The best time to visit Costa Rica during the rainy season is from May to June. The Rainy Season makes the beautiful rainforest ever more green and fills up waterfalls and rivers for those seeking wet adventures. Due to the low crowds, this is also the best time to visit our surf camp in Santa Teresa.
The second part of the season in Costa Rica, the “Green Season”, is from July to August. This is when the rainy season starts to wane for some time, and you'll be having so much fun that you will have a hard time going back home.
The third part is from September to November. This period corresponds with when rains start coming down harder until December, which marks the end of the rainy season in CR. The best places to go are Punta Arenas, Manuel Antonio, or Tamarindo in this timeframe.
What should you pack when visiting rainy Costa Rica?
Here are a few items you should always bring to Costa Rica:
A rain jacket or poncho, there is usually at least one day of the week when it rains all day, and you need to be prepared;
Shoes that can get wet - whether water shoes, sandals, or sneakers, waterproof footwear is essential for both rainy days and beach days;
An umbrella. Even if it doesn't rain on any given day in CR, there are sure to be plenty of drinks served with umbrellas on your visit so that this item won't go unused;
Flashlight/headlamp for when it gets dark earlier;
A sweater or fleece jacket - the climate is warm and humid year-round, but in the rainy season, there are typically mornings and evenings that can get a bit chilly, so you'll want to bring something warmer than just your raincoat/jacket.
RELATED: Guide to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
How is the rainy season in Costa Rica?
The rainy season lasts from May through mid-November in much of Costa Rica. However, some parts of Costa Rica won’t see its first rainfall till as late as the middle of August.
We might experience around 10 inches of rain per month, but the amount varies depending on where you are visiting. For example, Tamarindo will always be rainier than Monteverde because it is closer to sea level and experiences a humid climate year-round.
The rainy season means more rain and greener foliage and flowers, which makes for beautiful scenery when you're not trying to keep things dry.
You can expect waterfalls to be at their highest during this time of year too, which is a “Yeyy!” if you ask us. The downside is that it's harder to get around due to muddy roads – so get ready to get dirty.
What to do in Costa Rica during the rainy season?
Take a surfboard to the beach when it's grey and raining or a hike up to one of Costa Rica's highest peaks;
Watch the sunset from the top of a mountain;
Read in your hammock under a palm tree while it rains;
Spend time with friends and family over dinner or drinks at home;
Go for walks in nature to enjoy views that you don't usually see when it's sunny;
It is a popular whale-watching destination;
Take advantage of all the fresh fruit available, like papaya and pineapple;
Visit an art gallery or museum during the day when they are most open;
Explore the rainforest;
Go on a hike to one of Costa Rica's many waterfalls;
Rent a car and explore different regions in Costa Rica;
Visit San Jose, the country's capital city;
Spend time with friends at some of Costa Rica's best restaurants;
Take advantage of all the outdoor activities available during this season (surfing, kayaking, hiking, biking).
What are other activities to try in Costa Rica during the Green Season?
There are many places to visit when it rains in Costa Rica:
You can go on a rafting tour and get wet without realizing it;
Or you could visit the National Museum of Costa Rica, which is always open during rainy days;
If you want to stay dry, there's always the Butterfly Garden - but beware that they close at 4 pm;
For those who like museums, there's also the Rainforest Discovery Center with lots of interactive exhibits for kids and adults alike;
How does the rain affect what you do there?
According to many Costa Ricans, rain is a welcomed form of precipitation that makes the country more lush and green. However, it can be unpredictable as to when it will rain, and in certain areas, Costa Ricans may need umbrellas or ponchos for protection.
Rain showers are a typical pattern for Costa Rica. But heavy thunderstorms with high winds can occur, causing damage to plants and animals, so people should take precautions.
Some people think that rain brings bad luck. But it is also fun to go outside and listen to the sound of the rain and see how different flowers bloom.
Overall, the rain doesn't cause any difficulties for tourists in Costa Rica. The rain is a green season that brings new life to the country, and it isn't so bad when you are visiting.
Tips on traveling/experiencing during the rainy season
Bring not only light clothing;
Be aware that things will take longer as dirt roads may get washed away or blocked off by landslides;
Be careful if driving at night;
Wear closed-toe shoes - you don't want to ruin your vacation by getting blisters;
Keep your electronics dry with a waterproof bag or cover;
Be aware of slippery surfaces on the ground, especially if it's raining heavily;
If you're travelling during the rainy season, be sure to visit the beach for more surfing activities and fewer crowds!
RELATED: Top 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Surf Trip
Final words
The hardest part of travelling is finding the right destination, whether you travel alone or with friends.
Lapoint Surf Camp is a paradise for surfers, families, and friends looking to get away from it all. We are located in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica – an area that has been recognized as one of the best surfing destinations in the world by National Geographic. Surfing has become our passion, and we want you to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle with us!
If you're looking for a unique travel experience where you can relax, enjoy nature and be active at the same time - you will be more than welcome to join our family in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
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