What to Do in Costa Rica During Rainy Season

May 26, 2021

The 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.

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;

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!

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.