Going to Costa Rica in July, August?

Below are some facts to consider when exploring Costa Rica in July and August.

If you read guidebooks and many websites about Costa Rica, you’ll find that the best time to travel to Costa Rica is from December to April!!!!

We, who live in Costa Rica, can assure you that the season from May to early September is an EXCELLENT time. Sure, you’ll have a few rainy evenings on the Pacific side, but overall, you’ll enjoy beautiful days and, above all, a greater number of animals that are more active. Temperatures don’t vary much. Only the amount of precipitation varies by region. The wettest during this period is the South Pacific around Bahia Drake and the Pacific coast in general. For reference, Bahia Drake receives between 100 and 250 millimeters of rain in July, compared to 450 in October. But, it is also the season of turtles, whales and many species are in the breeding season and therefore easily observable unlike the months of January, February and March when nature takes a break.

Overall, if you want to experience the country’s biodiversity in a pleasant climate and manageable temperatures, we recommend the spring and summer months in Europe to enjoy the best opportunities to discover the country’s natural riches.

Climate and Temperatures: Despite the rains, temperatures remain pleasant. Coastal regions can be warmer and more humid, while mountainous areas can be cooler. The average temperature ranges between 23°C and 30°C in coastal regions and between 10°C and 25°C in mountainous areas.

The morning is generally sunny, dry, and sunny. Around noon, the sky clouds over, and thunderstorms break out in the late afternoon. It’s recommended not to rely on any weather app. None are reliable, as Costa Rica has few weather stations. Here, to check the weather, you go outside and look up ?

Fewer tourists: This season is considered the low tourist season in Costa Rica due to the rainy season. But, little by little, this is proving to be much less true. Still, we’re far from the crowds of December, January, and February. This can make attractions less crowded and offer the opportunity to enjoy the sights in a more peaceful and relaxed manner. Furthermore, accommodations and some activities can be on average cheaper during this period.

Discover Costa Rica in July – August by region in detail

The Caribbean

This is undoubtedly the best season for this coast, where the seasons are reversed. October and November are the least rainy months on this side of the country. It is also the peak season for sea turtle nesting and hatching. From Tortuguero to Manzanillo, leatherback and green turtles come here to breed from May to October. Temperatures are practically the same all year round, between 25 and 28 degrees.

The Central Valley

The center of the country enjoys a period called the little summer in July and August – el veranillo – which allows for a decrease in rainfall and very beautiful clear spells during these two months. In San José, the mornings are sunny and the rains, if there are any, are in the late afternoon. Spring temperatures, between 24 and 28 degrees, are very pleasant. The ideal climate according to some sources ?

Arenal and Tenorio in July and August

Paradoxically, this is the wettest season in this part of the country. However, nothing is fixed and the volcano can be seen a little every day. The month of August is really pleasant with temperatures ranging from 23 to 28 degrees. The animals are very active and easy to observe.

Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula

This region in the northwest of Costa Rica enjoys the most favorable climate year-round. The summer months are somewhat rainy, although it remains intermittent in this region. Temperatures vary little, and you can reach 32 degrees during the day. Rain appears towards the end of the day.

Central Pacific

Rain, again, is more frequent towards the end of the day and thunderstorms are sometimes intense, which makes for cooler nights. But rest assured, the sun will be everywhere. Average temperatures are between 25 and 30 degrees. The sea is pleasant and ideal for swimming.

South Pacific, Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula

In this region of Costa Rica, the rains are intense but begin in the mid-afternoon. This is also the best time for whale and turtle watching. From Uvita to Golfo Dulce, this is the best time to observe the immense cetaceans. There isn’t a day near Uvita or Puerto Jimenez when they aren’t visible. Rain on the Osa Peninsula is part of the scenery. This region, along with Tortuguero, is one of the wettest in the country and therefore also the richest in terms of biodiversity. It’s important to note that Golfo Dulce receives less rain than Drake Bay on the other side of the Pacific coast.

Cordillera Central, Dota

Do you dream of seeing the sacred bird of the Mayans? Then you must come to San Gerardo during this season, because it is, along with May and June, the best time to observe the famous Quetzals. Temperatures are cooler than on the coast. At night, the temperature can drop to 5/10 degrees and during the day up to 25 degrees. Most hotels have auxiliary heating.

Seasonal activities

Sea Turtle Watching

This is the ideal time of year to observe turtle season on the beaches of the Caribbean coast. Species such as green, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness this natural spectacle.

It is during this period that the arribadas (or arribadas) begin near Ostional on the Pacific coast. An arribada is a mass nesting event for sea turtles. This rare phenomenon occurs every year in Costa Rica between June and November during the rainy season. The climate is undoubtedly favorable for them.

Whale watching

These two months coincide with the migration season for humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean. Each year, these majestic creatures travel thousands of kilometers from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the tropics to breed and give birth. Costa Rica is one of the prime locations for observing this natural spectacle. Several locations along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offer excellent whale-watching opportunities. Areas like the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay, Uvita, and the Golfo Dulce region are renowned for encounters with these giants of the sea.

Hiking and Guided Tours

Costa Rica’s biological reserves and national parks offer guided hikes and tours that allow visitors to discover the country’s diverse flora and fauna. Experienced guides will take you along scenic trails, revealing hidden waterfalls, rare bird species, and exotic plants. Wildlife is more active during this season, making it easier to observe. Nighttime temperatures are ideal for a night tour and discovering the incredible wildlife from this perspective.

It’s during these two months that night tours are at their most intense. The nighttime temperature is perfect, and if you avoid rainy evenings, your trip will take a beautiful turn.

Virgin Festival

The annual festival of the Virgin of Los Angeles (La Negrita) takes place on August 2 in Cartago, with religious processions, traditional dances, and colorful festivities that reflect the rich culture of Costa Rica. The Romeria attracts many pilgrims. Many set off on foot from San José the day before and walk to Cartago and its basilica. A Catholic experience to be had firsthand. If you are traveling to Costa Rica during this date, it would be a shame not to take advantage of this event.

Our tours in July and August in Costa Rica

To ensure your trip is optimal and you can enjoy your stays according to the climate, we’ve put together a selection of tours optimized for the season.
Here are the best tours we’ve put together for you to discover Costa Rica in July and August:

• A 12-day tour of Costa Rica to enjoy the beaches of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, passing by volcanoes: the Toucan Tour.
• A vacation in Costa Rica in July and August that will delight the whole family with the Family Tour.
• Enjoy nature in its full swing with an all-inclusive tour: the Quetzal Tour.

In conclusion, discovering Costa Rica in July-August is the assurance of discovering exuberant flora and fauna, a pleasant climate in many places and memories for all.

Please feel free to check out the reviews of our travelers who came during this period.