Is August a good month to visit Costa Rica? Well, there are certainly drier ones. The weather in Costa Rica in July and August is unusual, as although it's technically the wet season, the rain usually disappears in July and comes back in August.
But this doesn't necessarily mean traveling to Costa Rica in August is bad. It's still warm, and the amount of rainfall varies drastically depending on where you are in the country. Plus, you get all the benefits of visiting outside of the peak season, like cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
As for the best place to stay in Costa Rica in August, the northern Pacific regions see the lightest rainfall, so you can still enjoy lots of sunny weather in Guanacaste. Costa Rica in August is a lot emptier because it's the low season, making it a great time to visit popular tourist destinations like this.
Caribbean coastal areas can be lovely during this month too, as the rain ensures the tropical vegetation will be especially lush and green. It's also the sea turtle nesting season, so booking a turtle-watching tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Costa Rica in August.
The mountains and the southern Pacific are incredibly rainy, however. But by picking your spot wisely and thinking carefully about what to pack for Costa Rica in August, you can still enjoy a great holiday or Costa Rica luxury tour package.
August weather in Costa Rica isn't the best. That's because in Costa Rica, August is essentially the middle of the rainy season, which runs from May to November. Expect to get a little wet, but don't think that you need to cancel your plans altogether. The rainy Costa Rica weather in August isn't going to stop you from enjoying a great holiday.
For one thing, it's still very warm. The average Costa Rica temperature in August can be anywhere from 27-32 Celsius in the daytime, with the highs exceeding even that. This is ideal weather for outdoor activities when it's not raining, and it means you'll dry off quickly when the rain stops, too.
Also, the amount of rain you'll get depends on where you stay. Rainfall can be heavy in some parts of the country, but equally, it can be light in others. In northern Pacific areas like Guanacaste Province and Ostional Wildlife Refuge, the weather in Costa Rica in August is generally sunny and dry in the mornings and through most of the day, with the rain often falling in the afternoons.
The August weather in Costa Rica is much the same on the Caribbean coastline, too. But mountainous regions like Monteverde Cloud Forest and southern Pacific areas like Corcovado National Park can be incredibly rainy. The weather in Costa Rica in August isn't always predictable, though. You could get lucky and enjoy clear skies and sunshine for two weeks.
See how the Costa Rica weather in August measures up against other months by trying our month-by-month comparison tool. You'll also learn where August stands in terms of costs, crowds and wildlife potential.
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While there are plenty of things to do in Costa Rica in August, there aren't too many events or festivals on account of the rain.
One of the few important dates is the national holiday celebrating the nation's patron saint, the Virgin of Los Angeles, also known as La Negrita - the Black Virgin. It's held on the 2nd August and is a solemn and religious day. However, the usual trappings of a Costa Rican fiesta often follow later on, especially in the former capital city of Cartago, where there is a large basilica dedicated to her.
At the end of the month, the town of San Ramon also hosts a popular festival with an ox-cart parade, music and dancing.
If you're trying to avoid the rainiest Costa Rica weather, August isn't the month to go visiting mountains and volcanoes. The best things to do in Costa Rica in August are based in the coastal areas.
The most popular place to visit in August is Tortuguero National Park, to the north of the Caribbean coastline. This beautiful area is a haven for turtles, and in August it's the height of the sea turtle nesting season. Join turtle nesting tours in the early hours of the morning and there's a good chance you'll see these majestic creatures burrowing their nests on the beach or making a mad dash for the ocean.
On the Pacific Coast, you can find the best weather in Guanacaste. Costa Rica in August is quite empty too, so you can get bargain deals on resorts and hotels in the province's most popular destinations, like Tamarindo and Papagayo. You might need to endure some rain in the afternoon, but expect sunny mornings and greener surroundings.
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You can still swim on trips to Costa Rica in August, as although it's the green season and there can be a lot of rain, the Costa Rica August temperature in the water is around 27 Celsius.
While it's warm enough to swim, the rain does make the sea a little more risky. Here are some simple ways to enjoy swimming safely.
For Costa Rica travel, August is a relatively inexpensive month. While smaller costs like meals and national park entry fees don't vary much throughout the year, you can often find good deals on some of the larger travel expenses.
Lower visitor numbers in August mean less demand for accommodation, and most hotels would rather cut rates than let rooms go empty. Discounts of up to 20% compared to peak-season prices are common. Some hotels also include extra perks with their rooms in August, or additional flexibility when it comes to checking in or out.
In August, Costa Rica flights are often cheaper due to lack of demand, and the same usually goes for transfers, shuttles and car rental rates, too. Prices for public transport, such as buses, are more stable throughout the year.
If you can brave the rainy Costa Rica weather, August has a lot of fun and excitement in store for visitors.
When it comes to interesting things to do in Costa Rica, August doesn't disappoint.
When it comes to visiting Costa Rica in August, weather is the only real downside. There's no escaping the fact that the weather in Costa Rica in late August is frequently rainy, but because it follows a predictable pattern of bright mornings and stormy afternoons, it's easy to plan around it.
When you're choosing what to pack for Costa Rica in August, be sure to include quick-drying clothes, a waterproof day bag, a raincoat and a light umbrella. With these, the green season weather will cause minimal disruption to your trip.
Costa Rica is often convenient to visit in August, because that's when people from many other countries have a summer break. But it's the rainy season in Central America, so is Costa Rica good to visit in August?
The answer to that is yes, if you can handle a bit of rain. There are several reasons why it's still a great month to travel to Costa Rica.
If you're planning things to do in Costa Rica, August is an excellent month to add whale watching to your list. It's the middle of the southern-hemisphere humpback migration window, which begins in July in Costa Rica and ends in September.
Many tours operate daily throughout August, and your likelihood of seeing whales is very strong, especially off the Pacific Coast. Visit Marino Ballena National Park and Drake Bay for the best chances.
