Is it crazy to go in August?
 

Although I am looking at another option, I found a tour at the beginning of August. I have never been and I dont really want to go alone. (My solo comfort is in Europe). My question is would this be a silly time to go. I thought with a tour, if it rains I will have company. Thanks for any suggestions or comments. (It is a Rhodes Schloar tour)

If early August is when you can go, then do it. :) You'll likely have some rain for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It's totally manageable. Everybody I know who's been on a Roads Scholar tour (I assume that's what you really mean) to Costa Rica has had a great time. Since their tours do not have you lazing on a beach, good weather 24/7 isn't crucial. All nature-themed activities will go on rain or shine.

Thanks for your response. Yes, that was exactly what I meant!

I remember when I was there in August it would rain every day at 3pm and last about an hour. Big downpour. But you just plan your day around it, that's all. If you know it's coming, it's manageable. I thought it was rather pleasant. I live now in Naples, Florida and it does the same thing here, rains for about an hour in the afternoon. Thomas Falater

I would go for it too; you'll probably get some rain, but rarely total washouts. The only thing we've ever had rained out is ziplining due to lightning; everything else has just gone on as planned.

Perhaps you could suggest some "rain gear" essentials.
So far I have a waterproof day pack, some kind of waterproof case for my phone, binoculars, mini umbrella, northface raincoat...what am I missing? Any suggestions would be most welcome.

We just wear those cheap foldup rain ponchos; sometimes a regular raincoat is too hot and stifling in the heat/humidity. We also wear quick dry waterproof type shoes like Keen's when it's wet because regular shoes sometimes won't dry out. We just wear running shoes when it's dry. We've tried umbrellas before, but they aren't all that practical when you're hiking; they get caught on things, and you can't look up to see wildlife.

If you can pack a spare pare of shoes, for wearing inside, or if your wlaking shoes give you blisters. I like the fake or real Skechers Go Walks made of a poly fabric.

@mlgb - thanks for your note. I think I am going to pack Keens (sandal-type), hiking shoes and a light sandal that I can wear at the museum or our for dinner.

kelsey22 in rainy season quite often the trails into the jungle are muddy as well as wet, just be sure that whatever you plan to hike in will keep the mud from getting into the shoe.

I wouldn't wear the Keens sandals to hike in, just to the beach, town or on a boardwalk type trail.

Ok that is helpful.

Hi kelsey22, the problem with an open shoe on a muddy trail is when the mud is deep enough to squish up and get under your foot into the footbed, it can make you slide around on the shoe. If the Keen sandals have enough strapping on them, it may hold your foot in place. But I think i would pack some kind of washable water shoe if you can find one for that kind of walking.

Good thought. I just bought a pair and they are quite comfortable. I have the heavier north face hiking shoe (waterproof) and I think I am set to go (and one pair for the evenings). When did shoes become so complicated?

I wear my Keen's to hike in the mud, and they work fine for me but everyone has their own preferences.

Sounds like you have enough of a selection to make do. The muddiest trails I was on were at Hacienda Baru, and it was right after a massive storm, so much mud! You may find the mud less of an issue and can wear your Keens with no problems..

Thanks - Next stop - socks :)

I have only been in July and it's been fine. The only downside was on the Carribean side , where apparently the rest of the year they have great snorkeling, in the rainy season the ocean was rough and muddy.

Can you tell us about your experience ?

flor, where do they have great snorkeling on the Caribbean side? I've never found good snorkeling in CR.