trevorjoyce

We are thinking about visiting Costa Rica in July or Aug.; is it extremely rainy? Is it too wet to enjoy it? We are planning to spend 2 wks; have a 14 yr old son. Any suggestions of best spots? Thanks, Joyce

shillmac

Do NOT worry about the rain. You will find the little afternoon showers to be refreshing rather than a nuisance. Bear in mind that one of the best areas for this time of year is the province of Guanacaste (north Pacific beaches and surrounding area) because it tends to be the driest part of the country. You will experience less rain here. Your son would definitely enjoy a canopy tour (zip lines through the rainforest). Since you have 2 weeks, you might want to consider staying 3-5 days or so in the central valley (San Jose area), perhaps rafting the Rio Pacuare (the 2 day adventure). Also a couple of hours out of San Jose is Arenal Volcano with the beautiful and wonderful Tabacon Hot Springs. Whether you get to see the volcano or not, this is a great area to visit and definitely one of the most popular. The rest of the time I would divide up 2 ways (and I am thinking of what your son would definitely enjoy): 1. Try to get down to Manuel Antonio for 3-5 days--the park is beautiful and the wildlife viewing superb. MA is THE most popular national park in Costa Rica--beautiful beaches. This is the area called the Central Pacific.

And 2. I would also spend a little time further north in the Golfo de Papagayo area. This puts you close to some excellent tour opportunities.

By the way, both of these beach locations have zip lines (canopy tours), horseback riding, etc. etc. etc.

My suggestion:

3-5 days: Central Valley (rafting and/or trip to Arenal)

Remaining days: Manuel Antonio (central Pacific) and Golfo de Papagayo (northern Pacific)

YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT TIME!

kimschulze

We have been during both the rainy and the dry season. They are both spectacular! While the weather is PERFECT in the dry season, things are dry. It is actually like fall - leaves are dry and lots of trees are bare. The green season is just that...eye-popping green! Almost day glo! It does rain everyday, but not until afternoon, and maybe for 30 minutes or maybe an hour or so...it's hard to say, but we didn't mind it. (great for napping!) I think October/November are the really bad rain months. We were there last July and it wasn't too bad...the beauty makes up for the rain. You just have to get up and get going early in the day while the sun is shining.

costaricafinca

Dear travorjoyce,
I have to agree with shillmac and kimschulze - the green season is GREAT! I live in Costa Rica and I prefer the green season. Everything is just so much more beautiful, green and lush. In fact, July and August, are usually not so wet, so you shouldn't have too many problems. A good idea would be to avoid areas where the roads are not in very good condition, and also, always start your days early, because it usually rains for an hour in early afternoon, and this way you can get to do a lot and get back to your hotel before it even rains.
I also agree with shillmac that a combination of Central Valley, Arenal and Manuel Antonio is a winning combination.
Please feel free to write me directly for any more information or advice.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

bgabriel

Thanks for the great information. We are planning on visiting in the middle of June. How does that compare to July/August timeframe. More or less rain? Would the region you are staying in make a difference (i.e. North Pacific vs. Central Pacific)? Any information would be very much appreciated!!!

shillmac

I don't think it will make much difference. The rain picks up a bit in September and October, but June shouldn't be too different from July. It will probably be more beautiful in Guanacaste in July and August because they don't begin greening up until the May rains begin, and it takes a while for everything to burst out!

trevorjoyce

Thanks for all your help! This is a great sight, Joyce and Trevor