Costa Rica Rainy Season: What It's Really Like, Month by Month

The short answer

For San José, the Central Valley and the Pacific coast, the rainy season runs from about May to November and the dry season from about December to April. Most green-season days are not washouts: mornings are often clear, and rain tends to come in the afternoon or evening. September and October are usually the wettest months, except on the Caribbean coast, which is often drier then.

Costa Rica weather by season

Weather varies by region and by year, so treat this as a general pattern rather than a forecast.

Why the rain differs by region

Costa Rica is small, but mountains split it into very different climates. The Pacific side and the Central Valley share the classic dry-season and green-season pattern. The Caribbean side gets rain spread through much of the year and often has its best weather in September and October, just when the Pacific is wettest. Elevation matters too: the higher you go, the cooler it gets, and cloud forests can be misty even in the dry season.

What the green season is like in the mountains near San José

At our house in Tarbaca, about 5,500 feet up, a typical green-season day starts bright and cool. Clouds build over the mountains around midday, and by mid-afternoon you can often watch rain showers move across the valley below before they reach the house. Evenings are cool enough for a fire. In our experience the rain rarely stops a trip; it just changes the rhythm of the day.

How to plan a trip in the rainy season

• Start early. Do volcanoes, hikes and drives in the morning. Poás and Irazú are clearest before clouds roll in.
• Leave buffer time on the road. Mountain roads are slower in heavy rain and landslides can close routes after big storms. Avoid long drives after dark.
• Pack for wet and cool. A light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and shoes with grip. See our Costa Rica packing list.
• Choose a comfortable base. A house with space, a kitchen and a fireplace makes rainy afternoons part of the vacation instead of a problem.
• Consider the Caribbean in September and October if beach time is the priority.

Pros and cons of visiting in the green season

Pros: lush scenery, full waterfalls and rivers, fewer crowds, and often lower prices on flights and lodging. Cons: afternoon storms, muddy trails, occasional road delays, and cloudier volcano views.

Frequently asked questions

When is the rainy season in Costa Rica?

In most of the country, including San José, the Central Valley and the Pacific coast, the rainy or "green" season runs from about May through November, and the dry season from about December through April. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern and is often drier in September and October.

Does it rain all day during the rainy season?

Usually not. In the Central Valley a typical green-season day starts sunny, clouds build around midday, and showers or thunderstorms arrive in the afternoon or evening. Plan outdoor activities for the morning.

What are the wettest months in Costa Rica?

September and October are generally the wettest months on the Pacific side and in the Central Valley. Many travelers notice a short, drier break around July, which Costa Ricans call the veranillo or "little summer".

Is the rainy season a good time to visit Costa Rica?

It can be. Landscapes are green, waterfalls are full, crowds are smaller and prices are often lower. Build flexibility into your plans, start days early, and expect some roads and trails to be muddy.

Where should I go in Costa Rica in September and October?

The Caribbean coast, such as Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, is often the driest region in those months. In the Central Valley, mornings are still usually good for volcano visits.