While most people may see the rain as a reason not to travel, in Costa Rica, it’s the opposite. The rainy season is the green season – rainforests are in full bloom and waterfalls are flowing, making this a prime time for adventure!
The team at Costa Rica Waterfall Tours are passionate about sharing the beauty of our country any time of year. We specialize in thrilling Jaco waterfall and canyoning tours that are arguably best enjoyed after some showers.
If you’re wondering why you should travel in the Costa Rica rainy season, we’ve put this blog together to guide you through any questions you may have. Should you have more queries, feel free to get in touch with our team about our activities. We can’t wait to show you our home!
When is the Costa Rica Rainy Season?
Costa Rica’s rainy season occurs between May and November – more than half of the year! The shorter, dry season is between December and April and is the more popular time to visit. However, the rainy season has plenty of perks, signalling a time of natural abundance and fewer crowds.
Between May and June, the rains arrive but are not yet in full force. By July and August, there is a slight drop in rainfall that opens a window for outdoor activities. From September to October, Costa Rica experiences its highest amount of rainfall. By November, the rain trickles down and makes way for the dry season.
For more details on the seasons in Costa Rica, check out our blog on When is the Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica.
How Much Does It Rain in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica receives around 100 inches of rain each year and frequently ranks as one of the rainiest countries in the world. Yet this is precisely what makes this tropical region so lush! Half of Costa Rica is covered in rainforest, including the biologically rich Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the few cloud forests on Earth.
Between May and August, you can expect an average of between 8 and 11 inches of rainfall each month, while in October, you can expect up to 14 inches of rainfall.
Although there is higher rainfall, temperatures do not drop significantly, averaging between 79.7°F and 83.3°F during the season. This means outdoor experiences are still possible and enjoyable!
If you’re wondering What Do I Need to Pack for a Trip to Costa Rica, read our guide!
What are the Crowds like in the Rainy Season in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica experiences fewer crowds in the rainy season compared to the peak dry season. Many people are deterred by the wet weather, but this also leads to cheaper accommodation prices!
There is an uptick in tourists between July and August when schools go on summer vacation. While you can expect more people around, July also coincides with a slight drop in rainfall, known locally as veranillo, or “little summer”. This change in weather offers an optimal time to visit, as you’ll still experience fewer crowds than the peak season while benefiting from lower prices.
What To Do in the Costa Rica Rainy Season
Rainfall is certainly no reason to stay inside while in Costa Rica. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Costa Rica during the rainy season:
Go on a Costa Rican Waterfall Tour
There’s no better time for a waterfall tour than the rainy season! Costa Rica’s numerous waterfalls are flowing at their fullest, creating an incredible natural spectacle. The best way to experience these falls is on a tour. Our Explorer Tour from Jaco will take you to several waterfalls and natural pools, where you can bathe in the freshwater or jump in from heights of 20 feet!
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, you can also join our Canyoning Tour in Jaco, where you’ll go rappelling down the waterfalls for an experience unlike any other! Swim, cliff jump, and zip line your way through the rainforest for the ultimate day out in Costa Rica.
Watch the Turtle Hatching in Costa Rica
The rainy season in Costa Rica coincides with the turtle hatching season, also known as arribada, or “arrival”. Costa Rica is home to a number of sea turtle species, each of which nest and hatch at different times during the rainy season. Leatherback turtles start nesting in March and Green Sea turtles begin in July. Between late July and November, the turtles start hatching and making their way to the sea, an incredible natural phenomenon you won’t want to miss!
White Water Raft Down Costa Rica’s Rivers
When the rivers are flowing, you’re going to want to go paddling. And in Costa Rica, there are plenty of opportunities to go white water rafting. Just an hour outside of Jaco, you can go rafting near Manuel Antonio along the Chorro, Naranjo, or Savegre rivers. Choose between different classes of rapids to suit your abilities and confidence. For extra safety, go on a guided river rafting trip with local operators such as White Water Rafting Manuel Antonio.
Have a Massage in Jaco
If the weather really is too bad to go outside, why not indulge in some TLC? We offer massage services in Jaco that will help you unwind and relax, from deep tissue massages to aromatherapy massages. Our massage therapists can even meet you at your accommodation so you don’t have to go anywhere!
More Adventure Activities in Costa Rica
Come rain or shine, our team at Costa Rica Waterfall Tours is ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you join us in the rainy season for a waterfall tour or visit during the dry season for more Jaco Adventure Tours, we will show you Costa Rica like you’ve never seen it before! Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you find the perfect Costa Rican tour for you.
