Discover Costa Rica in July and August

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.

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   Costa Rica Découverte
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       Martha Flower 
 148 days ago
 
 
  Our tour of Costa Rica from 19 to 31 March, organised by Sandrine and everyone at Costa Rica Decouverte, was truly unforgettable! We visited an exciting mix of destinations including San Jose, Monteverde, Arenal, Corcovado, and Tortuguero. From seamless transportation to breathtaking locations, fantastic tours and activities, comfortable accommodations, and delicious food—everything exceeded our expectations. Throughout our journey, we encountered friendly and helpful people who made our experience even more memorable. The places we stayed offered the chance to enjoy Costa Rica’s incredible nature right from the comfort of the verandas. Even the journeys between locations felt like grand adventures in themselves. Every day brought something new and exciting. I won’t share too many specifics, as some things are better left as surprises for others to discover on their own. Thank you again to Sandrine and everyone involved for making this such a wonderful experience for both myself and my partner. Barbara

Owner's reply
Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for your wonderful message 😊 We’re truly delighted to read that your journey through Costa Rica was such a memorable experience, and that each destination brought its share of discovery and emotion. Your words perfectly capture what we aim to create: a seamless adventure filled with beautiful moments, nature, and special encounters. A big thank you as well for your kind mention of Sandrine—we’ll be sure to pass it along! We love that you chose to keep a bit of mystery for future travelers… you’re absolutely right, some surprises are part of the magic ✨ It was a real pleasure to organize this trip for you and your partner. We hope to welcome you again one day for another Costa Rican adventure! Pura Vida 🌴☀️ The Costa Rica Découverte Team
  
 
      Bernardo Stramwasser 
 179 days ago
 
 
  We have had a wonderful stay in Costa Rica. Sandrine organized the trip to perfection in spite that we had decided this at the last moment. It was our first trip to Costa Rica and our main reason for visiting this beautiful country was to get away from the brutally long winter in Toronto, Canada. Sandrine introduced us to the different climates; Manuel Antonio with its mangroves, La Fontana de Arenal with its rainforest, Monteverde with its cloud forest and Carillo with its beach. We had private transportation between the different destinations which all ran like clockwork and all the hotels were exactly as we had requested; international, first class and family oriented. We highly recommend Cost Rica Découverte Travel Agency for its professionalism, punctuality and wonderful follow up throughout the trip.

Owner's reply
Thank you Bernardo for your lovely comment 🙏 It takes daily teamwork to listen to our customers before, during, and after their trip! And that's true that your trip was a good one. Pura Vida! 😎🇨🇷
  
 
      Tiffany Macquet 
 230 days ago
 
 
  +8
We had a great trip Costa Rica decouverte. Communication was excellent, great hotels and loved the balance with activities and relaxing times. We managed to see so much wildlife thanks for their knowledge. Highly recommend!

Owner's reply
Dear Tiffany, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great trip and that you enjoyed the balance between activities and relaxing moments, as well as the hotels and communication throughout your journey. We’re especially happy that our team’s knowledge helped you discover so much wildlife — that’s exactly what we love sharing about Costa Rica 🌿🐒 Thank you again for your trust and your recommendation. It was a real pleasure organizing your Costa Rica découverte!
  
 
      Mital Patel 
 238 days ago
 
 
  From the very first conversation, the experience with Costa Rica Découverte was exceptional — particularly as a family travelling with children. The booking process was incredibly easy and reassuring, with the team taking the time to understand our family’s needs, pace, and interests. The itinerary came together smoothly, with thoughtful suggestions that balanced adventure, nature, relaxation, and comfort in a way that worked perfectly for both adults and children. In the lead-up to travel, the communication was outstanding. Every question — no matter how small — was answered promptly and clearly, and we felt completely prepared before we even left home. Knowing that every detail had been considered made a huge difference when travelling as a family, especially over the busy festive period. Once in Costa Rica, everything ran seamlessly. Transfers were punctual and well organised, guides were fantastic with the children — patient, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable — and activities were perfectly suited to a family dynamic. We always knew exactly where to be and what to expect, which removed all the usual stresses that can come with family travel. What really stood out was how well looked after we felt at every stage — before travelling, during the trip, and right through to departure. The staff were consistently friendly, professional, and genuinely caring, giving us complete confidence that we were in safe hands at all times. It allowed us to fully relax and focus on making memories together as a family. This was one of the best family holidays we have ever taken. Effortlessly organised, brilliantly communicated, and thoughtfully tailored for family travel, it exceeded our expectations in every way. We would recommend Costa Rica Découverte without hesitation to any family looking for a truly special, stress-free Costa Rica experience — and we will absolutely be booking with them again

Owner's reply
Dear Michelle and Mital, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful and detailed review. We are truly touched by your kind words and delighted to know that your family trip to Costa Rica was such a positive and memorable experience. It was a real pleasure for our team to design this journey for your family and to ensure that every detail — from planning to on-the-ground logistics — met your expectations. Knowing that you felt well supported, relaxed, and able to fully enjoy time together as a family is exactly what we strive for. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to our local partners and guides, who will be thrilled to hear how much they contributed to your experience, especially with your children. Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome your family back to Costa Rica in the future and to help create another unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Sandrine 🦥
  
 
      Brendan Scannell 
 392 days ago
 
 
  Absolutely incredible service our flights were delayed (we booked individually) they done everything to make every effort to rearrange hotels etc, even had a chauffer at the airport to bring us to our hotel, next day the car rental people were outside saving us having to collect the car, exactly what we needed after a long delayed flight. could not be happier with the service that was provided.

Owner's reply
Hi Brendan! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that, despite the flight delays, everything worked out smoothly for you. Our team is always happy to go the extra mile to ensure your trip starts stress-free and comfortably. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica for another unforgettable experience. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷😎
  
 
      Gregoire Sauter 
 557 days ago
 
 
  +3
My wife and I spent 3 weeks traveling across Costa Rica with my retired mother in February 2025. Maelle helped tailor this trip to our interests, particularly our desire to see as much of the country while keeping a reasonable rhythm, all interspersed with some relaxation and beach time. We started with Tortoguero (staying at the Mawamba Lodge, with boat excursions to see the wildlife, including waterfowl, sloths, and baby crocodiles), traveled west to Sarapiqui (the enchanting Selva Verde Lodge and a fascinating visit to Palmitour to see how hearts of palm are cultivated), then to Arenal (the simple but lovely Natural Green Lodge, and a fantastic guided tour of the Mistico suspension bridges), Tenorio (can’t say enough about the Celeste Mountain Lodge, though our excursion to the park was unfortunately rained out), and Monteverde (the cute Calathea Lodge, another great guided tour of Curi-Cancha), before going to Samara in Nicoya for a couple days on the beach (staying at Las Estrellas de Samara, which has an incredible view but definitely needs a 4x4 vehicle to reach it—and Maelle made sure we did). After that we headed south (stopping at beautiful Rancho Capulin B&B, after visiting the animal sanctuary Centro de Rescate Las Pumas—with its jaguars, monkeys, and myriad arts), making the obligatory stop at Manuel Antonio (a bit underwhelming after everything else we’d seen, but the Alma de Ojochal hotel was fantastic), before ending up in Drake (staying at the magnificent Natural Drake Bay) for some well-earned R&R and scuba diving. I cannot stress enough that the entire trip went as planned and without a hitch. The CRD crew was always available and immediately responsive whenever we had questions, and even made some last-minute adjustments for us along the way. Costa Rica is truly a wonderful country, and CRD made sure we saw it in the very best conditions. A heartfelt thanks to all. Pura vida!

Owner's reply
Hello Gregoire! Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. We are really happy to have been able to participate in the success of this trip! The whole team wishes you an excellent selection of photos, and maybe we'll see you next time :) Pura Vida!
  
 
      Alejandro Loyola 
 2936 days ago
 
 
  just visited Costa Rica and the experience was super intense, I loved the nature that is like being inside a green explosion of live, thanks to ROOTS TRAVEL for helping to make this visit a five star time
  
 
 
  
 
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