There are many reasons to travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season but here are my top 5...
1. You will avoid the crowds
From December to May, Costa Rica is busy.
People flock to the warmer weather in colder months and many people want to spend the holidays abroad. I can’t say I blame them but it’s hard to truly enjoy the paradise of Costa Rica when it feels like a tourist trap.
Avoid the crowds and come in the rainy season between June & November. It's cooler, there are less people, and you likely won't get fried after the first day on the beach.
Bonus Tip: October is by far the slowest month. This can be great if you are looking to disconnect but keep in mind some places may close for the entire month due to how slow it can be so be sure to check beforehand.
2. The weather is amazing
Before I moved to Costa Rica, I was nervous about visiting during the rainy season. Perhaps it was because I was living in a drought on the West Coast and felt intimidated by the “rainy season" and thought I couldn't handle it.
I was wrong. Dead wrong.
It turns out the rainy season is the best time to experience the weather in most of Costa Rica. The average temperature is lower, it is breezier, and the rain provides a reprieve from the otherwise thick humidity.
But here is the best part: you can hit the beach almost every single day because the sun is out for most of the morning and early afternoon. Rarely does it ever rain for the whole day.
Bonus Tip: No matter how sunny it looks outside, bring an umbrella. Trust me, on this one.
3. It is more affordable
It’s simple: because less people are visiting, prices are lower to attract more tourists.
Keep your eye out for surprising specials during the months of August, September, & October.
Whether you are looking for lower prices on food, reduced rates on tours, or great deals on lodging, you will find it during these glorious months.
Bonus Tip: If you are looking for an extended vacation, this is the time to do it. Chances are companies will be looking for any way to make up costs during the slow season and you can get some amazing deals on short-term living. Private villa on the beach anyone?
4. Stay anywhere you want
The entire country of Costa Rica is beautiful…partly due to the fact that it isn’t overdeveloped. But this also means there may only be a handful of places you want to stay in the city you are looking to visit.
Therefore, places can fill up fast. Really fast.
Unless you are looking to stay off the grid and create your own adventure, it may be difficult to get the spot you want in the city you are looking to visit during the busy season.
By visiting in the slower season, it's much easier to book the ideal spot.
Bonus Tip: Send private emails to places you'd like to stay asking for a "low season" rate. You may just be able to save even a little bit more.
5. Everything is greener
Look, if you come to Costa Rica any day of the year you are going to see more green than you can imagine. But if you are able to come during rainy season, it's as if your eyes are looking through an Instagram filter.
So why short yourself? If you're going to make the journey to Costa Rica, might as well see it at its best.
Bonus Tip: Explore beyond the cities and into the jungle to find the real magic of this country. There is so much to see in the most biodiverse place in the world.
If you have any questions or want to share your experience regarding traveling to Costa Rica in the rainy season, leave them in the comments below.
P.S. Under30Experiences has trips to Manuel Antonio where they visit the best beach in Costa Rica & visit one of the most biodiverse national parks on the planet.
