Costa Rica in July
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica in July. It is supposed to be the rainy season. How rainy it is? We are looking to spend time at the beach and relaxing. <BR> <BR>We are planning on staying at an all inclusive resort such as Caribbean Village Fiesta. Any comments about this facility or recommendations for another. <BR> <BR>Thanks, Betty

Betty, <BR>We spent two weeks in CR last July. A typical day was sunny mornings, clouds gathering in the early afternoon, rain starting around 4:30 and skies clearing in the evening. We had no rain in the mornings, a few days with no rain at all and 2 days where it started to rain in the late afternoon and rained all night. <BR>We spent a week at the beach and one week just traveling around the country. All in all it was the best family vacation we have taken and we travel alot. If you have any additional questions feel free to e-mail me.

Betty- <BR>Just got back from a week in CR. While I am no expert, I read quite a bit before going. The dry season ends in April/May depending on what part of the country you are in--Guanacaste, the NW part of the country dries out from about December until May. Other parts of the country tend to see the rains begin in late March and continue until December. While I can't give you specific info on July, I do know that the country gets between 90 and 120 inches of rain during the rainy season, so when it rains it must really come down. The roads, particularly off of the main highways (Pan American, CR 21, etc.) have potholes that are massive, even compared to US standards. <BR> <BR>Still it's a beautiful country with wonderful people. Have fun and don't let any rain spoil your experience!!

Amounts of rainfall vary a great deal depending what region of the country you're in. Guanacaste tends to be drier than regions on the Pacific coast farther south. Also be aware that parts of Costa Rica experience a "mini-dry season" right in the middle of the rainy season in parts of June-July, when rainfall lessens. There is a name for this but I forget what it's called. Bottom line: the weather will be unpredictable -- be prepared for anything -- but odds are you'll get in some good beachtime along with some showers.

Another one for Karen