Costa Rica in August

Humpback whales off Uvita (Aug–Oct); rain most afternoons.

• Guanacaste and the north Pacific · Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresarainy

  The driest region: brown hills and hot days Dec–Apr; a short dry spell (veranillo) in July.

• Central and south Pacific · Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Osa, Corcovadorainy

  Very wet Sep–Oct; some Osa lodges close and Corcovado can shut in October (check).

• Central Valley and mountains · San José, Monteverde, Poás, Irazúrainy

  Spring-like 18–26 °C; Monteverde is cool, windy and misty — pack a fleece.

• Northern plains · La Fortuna, Arenalrainy

  Rain any month; Arenal's cone is often in cloud — mornings are clearest.

• Caribbean · Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguerofine

  Reverse pattern: September–October are the driest months; Nov–Jan the wettest.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Virgen de los Ángeles

  2 Aug

  Pilgrimage to Cartago; roads closed overnight.

• Mother's Day

  15 Aug

  Restaurants full.

Crowds · Costa Rica

Medium

Prices · Costa Rica

Medium

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →