Costa Rica is an unimaginable place to go to, and never even the rain places a damper on that. Working from roughly Might to November, Costa Rica’s wet season has tons of issues to do for travellers, from admiring nesting turtles to mountain climbing by steamy rainforests, all with decrease costs and smaller crowds. With a number of epic actions like diving, wildlife watching, and chasing waterfalls, Costa Rica is nothing in need of superb — rain or shine.
When is wet season in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s wet season is usually from Might to November, however do not let slightly water falling from the sky put you off visiting this lovely nation. Also referred to as “inexperienced season,” this time of yr brings a good lusher, wilder really feel to Costa Rica’s already emerald panorama. Daytime temperatures do not fluctuate a lot throughout the yr, although wet season tends to be barely cooler and slightly extra humid.
Even throughout this wetter time of yr, it gained’t rain continuously. Some days might be completely dry, whereas others get early afternoon downpours that’ll have you ever operating for shelter, soaked to the bone and laughing in regards to the expertise later.
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What is the temperature like in Costa Rica?
Given its microclimates, the temperature in Costa Rica can fluctuate by area, by month, and even by day. The typical temperature in Costa Rica ranges from 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F), with the coast and inland lowlands being hotter than the mountains. The warmest a part of the nation is Tortuguero Nationwide Park, which is scorching and humid year-round because of its place on the Caribbean Sea. The good temperatures are within the mountains.
Why go to Costa Rica in wet season?
Some say that wet season is the greatest time to go to Costa Rica as a result of the nation sees fewer travellers, which means much less competitors for lodging and decrease costs for actions. The largest bucket listing actions like mountain climbing Arenal Volcano, exploring the cloud forests of Monteverde, and browsing the epic seashores might be much less busy, so wet season is the right time to go for those who’re seeking to see a extra relaxed facet of Costa Rica.
The climate additionally modifications from coast to coast. In the event you’re heading to the Caribbean facet to discover Tortuguero Nationwide Park or surf at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, September is definitely the sunniest month, and temperatures can attain the low to mid-30s°C. Though Might to November is technically the wet season, you’ll discover a few of Costa Rica’s greatest climate if the place to go.
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Issues to do throughout Costa Rica’s wet season
Search for wildlife
Costa Rican animals are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet, and for budding David Attenboroughs, there isn’t a higher time to go to Costa Rica than wet season. The Caribbean Coast sees the largest focus of arribadas (mass sea turtle nests) between September and November. If seeing turtles is in your must-do listing, that is the time to go. The wet months of August and September are additionally the most effective time to see humpback whales in Uvita or Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, once they journey north from Antarctica to breed and lift their younger within the heat waters alongside Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Spot wildlife for your self on: Costa Rica: Wildlife, Nationwide Parks & Hidden Gems of the Northwest
Be taught to scuba dive
Wet season is among the greatest instances to dive beneath the ocean. Whereas the skies could also be gray, the underwater world of Costa Rica is something however. The Gulf of Papagayo close to Tamarindo is a improbable place to see eagle rays, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks. In the event you’re seeking to get your coronary heart charge up, head to the Bat Islands, greatest identified for a dive website that is residence to a year-round inhabitants of bull sharks.
Go chasing waterfalls
In wet season, Costa Rica’s waterfalls are in full stream. The rivers are too, which means that whether or not you’re snapping images of waterfalls or barrelling down a river on a rafting journey, you may see among the greatest locations to go to in Costa Rica. Some waterfalls may be murkier than they’re in dry season, however the spectacular, crashing water is a good trade-off. Ensure that to go to La Fortuna waterfall, which drops 75m (246 ft) by lush rainforest, and Rio Celeste waterfall in Guanacaste Province.
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Head into the rainforest
At their most inexperienced and luscious in wet season, Costa Rica’s rainforests are a must-visit throughout this time of yr. The cloud forests of Monteverde are misty and humid, bringing an ethereal ambiance you gained’t discover within the dry season. Might and June particularly are nice instances to see a few of Costa Rica’s lovely birdlife on this space, together with migratory birds that head this fashion solely come Might. It may be slightly muddy, however Poza Los Coyotes, a sequence of swimming pools tucked away within the jungle, is much more magical. You possibly can’t go mistaken with a go to to Tortuguero, the place the beachside rainforests turn into lush and verdant.
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Packing listing for Costa Rica’s wet season
This isn’t an exhaustive packing listing for Costa Rica, however listed below are some issues it is best to carry for those who’re travelling throughout wet season.
Rain jacket — An outer layer that is waterproof and breathable however retains you cool within the humidity too
Fast-dry clothes — Shirts, pants, and shorts constructed from moisture-wicking materials
Lengthy-sleeve shirts and lengthy pants — To guard in opposition to bugs within the night
Footwear — Mountaineering boots for muddy rainforest hikes, plus water sneakers, flip flops, or sandals that you just don’t thoughts getting moist
Dry bag — A should for protecting electronics and valuables protected
Backpack or daypack — Waterproof or with a rain cowl
Insect repellent — With the rain comes mosquitoes, so carry repellent and use it constantly