PIPERPAT

We're interested in taking our grandson on a trip to Costa Rica this summer, during their rainy season. Has anyone traveled during this time and what is it like? Pat

Jeff_Costa_Rica

No guarantees of anything, but in a "normal" year, the rainy season runs May-late Nov. First half of the rainy season means rain for an hour or two in the afternoon. You plan your day around it, but it's not a hardship, and many people vacation in Costa Rica during that time. By August, the rains can start to get more prolonged, so you have a better chance of less rain if you go in June or July.

The Caribbean is the wild card and doesn't follow those patterns. It receives more constant rain all year long. Also, the north (Arenal, for example) can always be more irregular in its weather patterns too.

Bottom line: Summer is a big time for travel to Costa Rica and whatever rain there is doesn't stop people from visiting.

PIPERPAT

Thanks for the information. Because my grandson is in school, summer is the only time he can go. I'm sure we'll love the trip. We just returned a few weeks ago from OAT's Real Affordable Costa Rica trip, and are hoping to take him on their National Parks trip.

shillmac

It's our favorite time. Love the brief showers in the p.m. and occasionally during the night. Mornings begin early (by 6:00) and they are the best time to get out and about. Truly, we've spent a LOT of time in CR in July and the rain has never once kept us from doing something we wanted. We've had to wait a few minutes once or twice, but generally it is a great time for travel in CR.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Shillmac has described it perfectly. I think the rainy season is the nicest time to travel in Costa Rica. The daily shower freshens the air and keeps things green. Quite honestly, March and April are my least favorite months in Central America. It's hot and dry and dusty, and by this stage of the dry season, I look forward to the May rains to clear the air out. I certainly understand why this time of year is so popular for vacation travel. After all, you don't want to flee the northern winter only to be rained on every day, but the rains you'll encounter this summer are, I think, pleasant and manageable.

surfexec

I completely agree with Shillmac & Jeff!
I just returned from CR and it is so dry & dusty right now! This March has been particularly hot and dry. Drought conditions for sure. Everybody in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa is having to order trucks of water. I much prefer the rainy season. Except Sept.and Oct. when it gets a bit too rainy. The rest of the rainy season (May-August and Nov.& December)is perfect!

shillmac

Hey surfexec, find your piece of property yet? Have the prices around Ste. Teresa gone back down yet?

Do tell! How did you trip go? Pits coming home, huh?